A Light Against The Darkness

by nightbringer24

Remnants of a world called Cadia. A world called Remnant. Fate thrusts them together, and common cause finds them allied; the protection of humanity. But what awaits the forces of the Imperium of Man in this strange new world, cut off from humanity? What awaits Team RWBY and friends with these strange new visitors from the stars? But in the end, there is only war.

12. Chapter 10

Three days pass from the first meeting of Beacon Academy's headmaster with members of the Imperium of Man, four days since those first angry shots by the Cadians in the defence of Carterstown were fired, before air-traffic control over Vale notice three unidentified flying objects breaking into Valean airspace.

They are small, each one just slightly larger than Bullhead, but travelling at a speed faster than any known model of Bullhead. They have come down from the north of the kingdom, and based on quick calculations from the air-traffic operators on the ground, they've come straight from the area that the 'imperial spacemen' have come from.

"Un-unidentified aircraft," A perturbed ground controller, a middle-aged female member of the Valean Defence Militia, asks into her mic. "This is Vale Air Traffic Control. Please state your identification and your destination or… or you will be made to turn around. Repeat: identify yourselves and your destination or you will be forced to turn back. How copy? Over."

Static fills the control tower as she and the other nine-man strong team of controllers nervously wait for an answer, though each one does their job of coordinating the various cargo and passenger aircraft coming in and out of Vale.

Fast ships from the north, the place that the spacemen calling themselves the 'Cadians' have made their base in. A force that can wipe out Grimm effortlessly, is the word buzzing on social media. A force that can rival the firepower of even Atlas itself. So many rumours and claims that no-one knows what to believe. The media can only repeat the comments made by the council of Vale that 'diplomatic inroads are being made with the visitors', which do nothing to assuage the feelings of concern among the population who fear the idea of their being armed visitors to Remnant.

A voice answers the hail.

"Vale Air Traffic Control, this is the Aquila Lander Bravo-Echo-Seven-Zero-Niner, coming into Valean airspace with escort, two Valkyrie gunships. We are carrying Imperial dignitaries to Beacon Academy, to meet with chosen members of your council for diplomatic talks. We are expected. Over."

Warring emotions come to the ground controller, a middle-aged mother of two young boys. Relief in her heart that her home won't be invaded by visitors from space as many of her friends have claimed will happen, either as a joke or in seriousness. And a pit in her stomach as she finds that her world is much larger than she imagined, and it scares her. Because she does not know what will happen now.

"B-Bravo-Echo-Seven-Zero-Niner, u-understood. Vale Air Traffic Control will transmit new coordinates for you to follow to reach Beacon. Over and out."

Shutting off the mic, the woman slumps forward in her chair slightly, feeling the tensions wash off her even as new tension knots her stomach up tight. She needs to remember to book some vacation time after this. Maybe Mistral.

Reaching to her side, she picks up the special scroll on her workstation and quickly types the number code to contact her superior.

"Mister Argent, sir. I think that… that situation that Professor Ozpin contacted us about…? Yes, I just spoke with them. Yes, sir, they're on their way."

Yeah, maybe the south coast of Mistral would work.

---

The Aquila Lander banks to the east slightly, the twin Valkyries correcting their course as they follow behind. Armed with cockpit mounted multi-lasers and multiple pod mounted rockets, the pair of gunships are more than a match for anything that they might encounter over Vale. Though Imperial Navy aircraft are on standby as a quick-reaction force if they encounter anything they can't handle.

Slowly, the trio of aircraft descend through the sky over the city, lowering themselves to several thousand feet above the sea, avoiding heavier goods aircraft destined for Mantle and Atlas, or coming from the northernmost continent of Remnant, ferrying supplies of Dust and other heavy goods. As they fly through the air, their promethium fuelled engines burning hot, the Imperial aircraft pass over the Sapphire Bay, before flying over the Sapphire Cliffs and over the Forever Fall Forest. The noise of their engines, even at the thousands of metres above the ground, is so loud and stark compared to the engines of the hundreds of aircraft that take the same route, that it startles animals on the ground, sending birds into the air, and making the Grimm that prowl the forest raise their heads in confusion at the sound. Their snouts sniff the air, tasting the barest tinges of anger in the air, their gimlet eyes scanning the sky above them, before the source passes out of range and sight.

Then, the Imperial aircraft fly over Vale. The emerald city of Sanus, the capital of the ancient kingdom of the same name. Almost as old as all recorded history on Remnant, with only the city of Mistral being older, its size is testament to the drive of humanity to thrive and prosper. Split down the middle by the Great River, its headwaters coming from the mountains past Beacon Academy, Vale is a city well-defended. Though protected with a wall that stretches from the Bay of Patch to Mountain Glenn and around the border of the Forever Fall Forest, it is protected to the west by shallow waters too low for any large aquatic Grimm to traverse, the steep cliffs at the north, and sheltered by a great mountain range to the east.

Like all human endeavours, the new is built upon the old, the ancient giving way to the modern, and Vale is no exception. What had once been a town protected by wooden palisades had given way to a town protected by a stone wall, then to a city, then beyond. Even the fallout of the Brother Kings in the year 1360 B.V., a short war that saw the city that straddled the river nearly razed to the ground by man and Grimm, the calamity that had been the Great War, and all the various mishaps of human nature had seen the city grow back again and again and again, growing larger and wider as time passed. Stone and timber gave way to steel and cement, buildings were built wider and taller, roads grew straighter and longer, until Vale became a city where you could cross from the tip of the peninsula in the upper class district to the foot of the cliffs of Beacon on foot in a full twenty-four hour period, though everyone preferred to take either the monorail or highway (unless it was the Annual Vale Marathon). Hotels, hospitals, supermarkets, office buildings, clubs, pubs, post offices and everything else that humanity needs abounded in Vale, all powered by Dust, protected by Dust, Huntsmen and the militia of Vale, all ably supported by the Schnee Dust Company and Atlas. Bastions and towers in the walls mounted large calibre gun platforms and multiple missile platforms, along with specially produced Atlesian Spider droid, the AS-101(E) model, a machine perfectly suited for taking out the aerial species of Grimm that would threaten Vale.

Now those same guns track the three strange and aggressive looking aircraft that fly over their city, their muzzles silent but for an order to be given. A single word.

A word no-one wanted to give, without fair cause.

Standing on the windswept landing platform, the higher than normal winds doing nothing to buffet his upright posture, Professor Ozpin stands perfectly still as he listens to the man on the other end of the Scroll conversation give him an update.

"Yes, colonel. Yes, I understand your concern, sir." Ozpin says calmly. "Rest assured, I have the utmost confidence, and their solemn word, that our visitors will do nothing untoward during their visit to Vale and Beacon. Yes, colonel, you may stand the guns down. Goodbye."

Pressing the disconnect button, Ozpin lets out a small, almost inaudible sigh, a sound lost to the wind, before he pockets his Scroll. Truly, just because General Ironwood was the headmaster of Atlas Academy and the commander of the Atlesian armed forces, did not mean that Ozpin had to be seen to be the commander of the military forces in Vale.

Though, experience has taught him that even the best men will often look to others for just that little extra nudge in the right direction.

"Are they on their way?" The stentorian voice of Glynda Goodwitch comes from a few paces behind Ozpin, his deputy keeping a respectful distance from him.

"They'll be here in a few minutes." Ozpin answers, his voice and face betraying nothing as he turns to look at her.

The sound of a pair of hands clapping together loudly fills the air, before a tremulous voice speaks up. "G-good! That… that allows us to go over a few details."

Not saying a word, Ozpin turns around fully to face the speaker. Minister Blaine Gale, a member of the Council of Vale and the chosen representative for the council in the meeting with the Imperium of Man. A businessman by trade, shown by his tailor made grey two piece suit, he is portly, though not as much as Professor Port due to Minister Gale's taller height. His grey hair sits in a small but dignified coif while his dark skin, though showing the clear signs of aging for a man in his mid-fifties, shows that he looks after himself. His blue eyes shine bright with a joy that Ozpin finds… at odds with the situation.

"First off," Minister Gale says, quickly following a list that he has on his Scroll. "The food and drink. Now, we know that they are human, but are you certain that we have gone over all the possible requirements for food that we could think of? I mean, they are from outer space, so I don't imagine that their palettes are all that similar to ours. Secondly, are we certain that…"

"Minister Gale," Professor Goodwitch cuts in, stopping the man short. "Please. Remember to breathe. You would be of no help to us if you pass out from lack of air."

Ozpin can't help the small smile that comes to his face. Of all his allies, Glynda Goodwitch could always be counted on to help bring people back to task.

For his part, Minister Gale actually looks "I'm sorry, but… we're meeting other humans! From space!"

Again, Ozpin smiles at the child-like manner that the minister is talking about the situation, not interrupting the man as he continues.

"I mean, yes, I understand that the situation is delicate and could mean so much for our kingdom and the other kingdoms too, depending on how well this meeting goes. But people from space! I honestly thought that would just always be the realm of bad science-fiction films."

"And yet, here we are." Ozpin says simply, acknowledging the situation with a nod of his head.

Humans from space… it can't be real. Every time he hears that phrase, Professor Ozpin expects it to just be something from a film or television show that his students are watching. 'Humans from space'. It should just be a story.

But it's not… and it changes so much.

As Minister Gale and Professor Goodwitch rattle on about the details of the meeting again, going over all the things they have planned for the diplomats and their entourages, if they brought any, Ozpin just looks out over Vale. From Beacon Cliffs, he really can see the whole of the city, with Patch being a small speck of land in the distance. He can see the numerous and varied airships and aircraft that ply their way across the sky, he can see the many ships that make their way into the ports of Vale to offload their goods and passengers. He can't see all the traffic that make their commute along the many roads and streets in Vale, nor will he ever see all of the people who make Vale their home. But he knows they exist, even one so far above them in Beacon Academy where he cannot see or hear them. He's spent time with many of them, and it is his duty to protect them, from the Grimm, from Salem, from any threat that arises.

But can he protect humanity from itself, especially the humanity he has lived with all his life from the humanity that comes from the stars?

Looking out over the northern part of the city, Ozpin sees three small black dots, moving fast in a way not allowed for normal air traffic.

"Minister Gale, Professor Goodwitch." He calls out, not turning his head to look. "I believe that our guests have arrived."

---

The loud roaring of three twin engines fill the air of the landing pad as the three aircraft come in for landing. Despite their bulky and aggressive forms, their landings are textbook displays of touchdowns, as the two Valkyries fly to the sides of the landing pad, bouncing just slightly as the landing gears take the strain of their bulk. The Aquila Lander, coming in more gracefully as it lifted up its foldable wings to land between the two gunships.

Where the Valkyries were displays of military strength and skill, their sides painted in tiger stripe patterns of sky blue and white over off-grey, the two-headed eagle picked out in silver, the Aquila is more elegant. Though the main form was a flat, grey colour, the tips of the wings and the vertical stabilizer were picked out in a deep azure blue, again with smaller details picked out in silver, all of which catch the late morning sun in glittering displays.

The engines haven't finished winding down before the rear ramps of the gunships open and lower to the platform. The only sound being the noise of their boots hitting the metal, two squads of Kasrkin jog out, weapons held at high port across their chests as they move to form a wall around the landing pad and a corridor leading to the three Valean dignitaries. Coming to stand at their arranged positions, they form a defence of black plasteel and dark green carapace armour before the Aquila Lander lowers its own belly ramp to the ground.

The trio of Valeans watch with bated breath as the Imperial dignitaries come down the ramp. They are everything Ozpin has expected to meet from the Imperium of Man… and also not what he has expected to meet either.

Down the ramp, moving in a stately manner is a woman, tall and elegant, wearing a floor-brushing azure dress, with large puffy sleeves of the cream and blue, its cloth shining slightly with dark sequined patterns as the woman moves down the ramp. The woman's tawny skin is well looked after under a tall quiff of obsidian coloured hair, though the sheer black form of the two-headed eagle tattooed to her right cheek stands out. Her face is stern, but she smiles gently as she lifts a black gloved hand to her companion to take as he emerges from the shadow of the aircraft behind her.

Standing a full head above the woman and the Kasrkin around them, the man, with pale skin under a close-cut head of grey hair with a short-trimmed beard of the same colour, is dressed in much simpler attire. Wearing what can only be called a monk's habit of steely grey cloth, the man's form is powerful, that much be seen clearly by the Beacon professors, yet, as they watch him gently take the hand of the woman and walk beside her towards the waiting natives, they see him in full control of his strength and power. Leather combat boots, well-polished and cared for, march across the landing pad alongside the woman's high-heels, bringing them closer to the waiting diplomats.

When they're at a respectable distance, the pair stop, the giant releasing the woman's hand before the pair place their hands across their chests, once more pulling off the greeting of the Imperium of Man; thumbs linked together, and fingers held straight as they bow their heads.

"On behalf of the Imperium of Man," The woman begins, her voice lilting and oddly accented. "And with the grace of the God-Emperor of Mankind, I greet you."

The man's baritone voice rolls out steadily as he gives his own greeting. "On behalf of the Steel Drakes chapter of the Adeptus Astartes, the Emperor's Space Marines, and my honoured Chapter Master, Lord Remudes, I greet you."

With professional care and poise, Professor Ozpin bows his head, placing one hand over his heart. "Greetings to you both, on behalf of Beacon Academy, the council of the city and Kingdom of Vale, and all of the free peoples of Remnant. I am Professor Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon Academy, and this is my second, Professor Glynda Goodwitch," The woman bows her head respectfully. "And this is council minister, Minister Blaine Gale." The man bows his head as well, but his form bristles with bridled energy.

The pair of Imperials raise their heads to look at Ozpin directly. The woman speaks first again, eyes as deep blue as sapphires, looking at the man. "I am Sister Famulous Agaethe, of the Order Famulous of the Order of the Azure Blade of the Adepta Sororitas."

"I am the Herald Ordinary of the Steel Drakes chapter. You may call me Antorus." The man puts on a disarming smile as he speaks, which almost makes up for the man's strong physique and stature.

The slight shuffling of feet draws the attention of the Remnant delegates to try and look past the two Imperials, prompting Antorus to turn slightly. For the briefest of seconds, Professor Ozpin is certain that he sees a look of… disdain? Suspicion? It's a negative, dark look, that much he can tell, but it's quickly gone as the giant diplomat smiles genially again.

"Ah yes, forgive me." Antorus holds a hand up to address the people behind him. "Representing the interests of the Adeptus Mechanicus and selected to act as our esteemed honour guard, I present to you Sub-Dominias Vi and her skitarii brethren of the Forge World, Norstra."

Three figures stand behind the Sister Famulous and the Herald Ordinary. Dressed in black and red robes, identical in cut and measurement, their heads covered in deep hoods that hide their faces, these people are much more… ominous than the other two. At the introduction, the one standing at the front of the group reaches up and pulls down their hood, revealing at they are a woman.

In the right light, and comparing her to a photo from a few years ago, the sub-dominias reminds Ozpin heavily of Professor Goodwitch, if her hair was white as snow and cut in a perfect military crew cut. Looking closely, letting his eyes scan her, Ozpin sees traces of scars along her face, beneath her eyes, on her cheeks, chin and neck. If he had been looking casually, he would have assumed that they were battle scars, but Ozpin can see that they're surgical scars, too well defined and cut. Some of the skin bulges out slightly, especially near the eyes and neck, but not enough to be noticeable to anyone not paying close attention to her.

The woman nods her head in greeting as she raises her hands to her chest, interlinking her fingers and knuckles, right over left, like cogs, over the morbid pendant hanging over her chest; a skull split in two, one side bone, one side mechanical, set inside a cog wheel.

"In the name of Holy Mars, Forge World Prime, and of Forge World Nostra, I greet you. May the Motive Force guide you."

"May the Motive Force Guide us." The two hood figures on her flanks intone, their hands repeating the same gesture.

The only sound is the wind as the Remnites take in what they see before them. Seconds tick away as both sides stand their ground, silently weighing the other up, judging the other on who will speak first and what words.

A small throat clearing cough comes from Minister Gale before the dark-skinned man steps forward.

"Well, I'm not sure what sort of meetings you've had with the people outside of kingdom," Minister Gale says first, a friendly smile on his face, "And I imagine that you'll get a warmer greeting from us than from a pack of Grimm, so let me the first official representative of the government of the Kingdom of Vale to welcome you to our kingdom and our city. If you have any need, please, do not hesitate to ask and I will do my utmost to facilitate your needs."

The Herald Ordinary and Sister Famulous bow their heads in acknowledgement before the lilting voice of the woman speaks up again. "We thank you for the offer, Minister Gale, and if we have need of your services, we will call on you."

Antorus' bass voice speaks up next. "In the meantime, let us not waste our words and time on this windy platform. I see a fine schola, an academy of greatness before us, and I would be remise to miss a chance to learn of the heritage of the warriors of this kingdom. Especially after my own battle-brothers have managed to fight alongside a team from this fine establishment."

The giant's face is filled with genuine wonder and his voice is honest as he speaks praise for Beacon Academy and his students, and though he should be above such things, it still fills Ozpin with joy to hear someone giving praise to his students. Especially if the praise comes from a man from outer space.

Gripping his cane beneath the head and lifting it up to his chest, Ozpin turns to the side slightly at the same time as he sweeps his arm sideways to motion towards Beacon Academy, down the avenue leading towards the academy's courtyard, in a gesture like a butler showing a guest to his master's mansion.

"Then allow me to welcome you to Beacon Academy."

---

"Beacon Academy was constructed after the Great War between the four kingdoms of Remnant had ended, as one of the last commands of the King of Vale before he abdicated the throne and disappeared into the Wilds." The voice of Professor Goodwitch fills the air as she gives an abridged history of the academy to the Imperial delegation as they are led down the entrance avenue towards the building proper. "His final edict, and possibly his most lasting after the Vytal Accords, was that humanity, in all its shapes and forms, would be given protectors to defend against the evils of the world, against the Grimm and the bandit, the marauder and the craven."

"An honourable edict." Antorus says, a pleased timbre in his sonorous voice. "And one that my chapter can easily see a connection with."

"What edict does your 'chapter' follow, Mister Antorus?" Professor Ozpin asks, curiosity in his voice as he looks at the tall man. A few paces before him, Professor Goodwitch turns her head slightly, wanting to hear the answer.

"'We are the last wall that defends all'." Antorus answers, his voice filled with pride as he speaks. "Those words are our motto, our battle-cry, and our edict. As long as one Steel Drake still draws breath, he shall be a guard against the enemies of mankind. His body and armour will be a shield, and his bolter and blade will be given in the defence of humanity, innocent and guilty, pure and impure alike. This is our charge, given to us by our founder, Chapter Master Sebastan Drago at our founding, and it will be our charge until the end of days."

Professor Goodwitch can't help but smile slightly at the man's words. They were… theatrical, she had to admit, like something she's read in the trashier comics about Huntsmen that she's seen her students read. Almost like it. Antorus' words have the same quality to them, but they have something the comics don't: sincerity. He really does believe what he says.

"And these soldiers?" Minister Gale asks, gesturing to the soldiers marching in precise order around them, their faces covered by all-encompassing gasmasks and helmets. "Are these soldiers… Steel Drakes too?"

The question makes Antorus bark out loud with laughter, making some of the guards turn their heads to look at him. Glynda thinks that she feels a hint of annoyance radiating off of them.

"No offense to the Kasrkin of Cadia is intended." Antorus says, that same disarming smile on his face again. "They are the best of the best that the Imperium can offer, and the Kasrkin are worthy of all their accolades and honours. But no, they are not Astartes. I have been told, Minister Gale, that my battle-brothers leave quite the impression on those who meet them for the first time. So I think that you would know if you met them."

Minister Gale opens his mouth to speaks, but closes as he realises he has nothing else to say. So the group continues their walk towards Beacon proper. Past the well maintained lawns and pools, under the wrought iron lamps and poles hanging with the academy and Vale's banner. Under the large limestone colonnades and archways, all under the shadow of the Beacon Tower, the tower that gives the school its name, up to the outer amphitheatre of the school, and the statue that guarded the entrance.

Standing atop a stone of darkest granite, two figures stand triumphant on the stone; armoured and hooded, a man and a woman, the former with longsword raised high in defiance of the world, and the latter with double headed axe planted on the stone in victory. Both are grim in face, even under their weather beaten forms, and below them, a Beowulf cowers in fear. Not actual behaviour a Grimm would exhibit since any Grimm that was losing a fight would just turn and run, but Glynda Goodwitch has long since given up on pointing that out.

"And we have The Hunters." Glynda says, gesturing with a hand up to the statues as she turns to face the group, the Imperials who were actually part of the delegation paying close attention to her words. "Commissioned by the third headmaster of Beacon, Professor Archibald Donn, as commemoration of the actions of Team MDNT in defeating a Grimm pack that could have destroyed a large number of towns. Though the team lost their lives in keeping the horde from advancing as far as it could have, their efforts allowed more Huntsmen Teams and Valean militia forces to move in and wipe out the horde in totality."

"A worthy end, by all standards." Sister Agaethe comments, a smile on her own face. "Such courage in the face of adversity deserves to be treasured and remembered for all time."

A light chuckle comes from Professor Ozpin. "Although we do teach our students that last stands are truly lasting, and they should always endeavour to live another day."

"Understandable." Antorus says, a wan smile on his face. Though it falls as he begins to look around. "Though, if you do not find my suggestion offensive, I feel that it might be prudent to take this talk to another locale. We are drawing a crowd."

Looking around, Glynda sees that the giant diplomat is right; a crowd of students of all ages and in a mix of school and combat uniforms, and even a few groundskeepers with ever present wide-brimmed hats and shovels, have stopped to stare expectantly and unsurely at the group of visitors.

It is between lessons, so it is to be expected. Curiosity is one of humanity's better instincts, and as a teacher, Glynda is proud to see her students exercising that instinct.

Now is not the right time or place for it though.

"Isn't there work that everyone should be doing?" The stern voice of the matronly tutor rolls out across the arena, accompanied by the quick snap of her riding crop. A small burst of purple energy trails the echoing sound of the crack of leather, buffeting everyone slightly, prompting all students to quickly disperse and the groundskeepers to return to their tasks.

She turns back to face the group, and from the Imperials… hostile eyes stared out at her. Hostile and inquisitive.

"So… this is Aura that Brother-Sergeant Dassian's report mentioned." Antorus says, keeping his voice placid and restrained. "Am I correct?"

"Not quite, Mister Antorus." Ozpin says disarmingly. "The demonstration, unplanned I must add, Professor Goodwitch gave us was that of her Semblance, named simple Telekinesis. She is a very straight forward woman, as you can plainly see."

Taking a breath, Glynda straightens herself as she falls under scrutiny. The pair of Imperial ambassadors turn to talk to each other in a clipped language, the sounds of their very… archaic sounding speech, just about reaching her ears, though they both speak in different manners. The Sister Famulous' tone, while low, is short and clipped, sounding very angry though her face is a level mask, even if the words she speaks sound quite drawn out and slightly nasally. In contrast, the voice of the Herald Ordinary, the same baritone voice level and calm, even as he speaks in an unrushed and calm voice. His words are economic, staccato, each word ending and beginning clearly, even as he keeps his sentences short and clipped. Vey laconic.

And that Sub-Dominias woman just stares at her, silently. Studying her.

Yup. She's causing an Incident. Not an incident, like Miss Rose caused in Vale those weeks ago, but an Incident. One that could cause serious problems if not dealt with quickly.

Glynda clears her throat, stopping the conversation and drawing all eyes to her.

"A Huntsman's Semblance, their strength and power, is much a weapon in their arsenal as any weapon they themselves make and carry. It is what allows so few of us to stand against the hordes of Grimm that threaten our people." Her face is as stern as her voice as she speaks, her green eyes fixed on the group. "I know that you Imperials have your suspicious about our Aura and our Semblance. We know this because of the information given to us by Team CFVY, a team that fought alongside your Cadians and Steel Drakes, and were lauded for their actions. Allow me to say that it is because of their Auras and Semblances that allowed Team CFVY to fight as hard as they did. They have a tool, each of them, a weapon, that each of them has spent much of the lives refining and preparing for events, such as their fight at Carterstown alongside your soldiers. Do not be so quick to judge us on things you do not know."

Silence fills the world, the only sound the soft sweep of the wind across the tiles as Glynda's words are taken by the air.

A soft huff of a laugh comes from Antorus. "I feel that you should be introduced to my chapter's Chief Librarian. I think that you two would get along well."

Glynda raises an eyebrow. Her and a librarian? She's heard that joke far too many times. But she says nothing as Antorus turns to his fellows.

"I think that, while the tour of this academy would be most beneficial to us, I feel that to avoid any more incidents it might be more prudent to advance the talks we came here for."

"If you think it best." Professor Ozpin says, bowing his head in concession before he turns to continue. "The entrance to my office is right this way."

"A moment please, Professor Ozpin." The voice of Sub-Dominias Vi speaks up suddenly, making Antorus turn to look at her. "Herald Ordinary Antorus, as per the edicts of the Cult Mechanicus and the Omnissiah, I am afraid that I cannot allow this opportunity to gain knowledge, especially knowledge about a lost world of humanity, to be passed up. Allow me to continue the tour of the academy, as a representative of the Imperium of Man."

Professor Ozpin nods his head. "I consider that a fair compromise. Professor Goodwitch, would you be willing to entertain our guest in her quest for knowledge?"

Glynda replies with a simple nod before the headmaster turns to face the giant.

"Herald Antorus?" Ozpin asks as the giant closes his eyes for a moment, clearly thinking on what is best.

'There is something up here between the Mechanicus and the others,' Glynda thinks to herself, looking at the strange woman out of the corner of her eye. 'There isn't a true united front here.'

"You were sent here as a representative of the Adeptus Mechanicus, Sub-Dominias." Antorus says slowly and deliberately when he open his eyes again.

"Indeed, I was." The white-haired woman says, bowing her head slightly. "But not as an ambassador, as my lord high magos stated in the mission docket. I am simply an observer, nothing more."

Antorus says nothing, just as he slowly pushes himself to stand more upright.

"But, if this decision causes problems between us all," The Sub-Dominias says, bowing her head reproachfully. "I will submit to your decision, Herald Ordinary. The priesthood of Mars have always been in lockstep with the Imperium. I have no reason to assume that the Steel Drakes would break that step."

Glynda can't help but narrow her eyes slightly. That was far too easy for the woman to concede.

"No." Antorus says after a few seconds. "No, your high magos is correct. You are an observer, not an ambassador. Go. Continue on with the tour. You are here to observe, so observe. Observe the warriors of this world in their academy and find our kinship with them."

"Professor Goodwitch, is this all right with you?" Minister Gale asks, looking at the blonde woman thoughtfully.

Glynda doesn't respond immediately. She is watching Sub-Dominias Vi with the same sort of scrutiny that she gives to her problem students, a hawklike gaze that intends to catch every act of theirs as minutely as possible. She needs to keep an eye on this woman, her instincts scream at her.

"Not a problem at all, Minister Gale." Glynda says calmly, turning her head to look at the other man.

With that sorted, the rest of the delegation moving towards the Beacon Tower, half of the Kasrkin and one of the hooded Mechanicus members to remain behind as the Sub-Dominias' escort. And through it all, she stares at Glynda, crystal blue eyes staring intently at the professor in a staring match that feels more antagonistic that it would look to an outsider.

Soon the group is alone in the courtyard and Sub-Dominias Vi smiles. It's a sincere smile, pulled quickly, but it is as fake as anything that Glynda has seen, not least as her eyes remain dead and cold like camera lenses as she looks at the teacher.

"After you, Professor Goodwitch." The woman says, the smile never leaving her lips.

---

"This truly is a stunning vista."

Looking out from the wide windows of the top of the Beacon Tower, Antorus' bass deep praise fills the room as surely as the ticking of the mechanisms surrounding the space. Casting his eyes across the view of the city below him, the Herald Ordinary can only smile.

"Truly one of the most amicable I have seen in my years."

Turning around, Antorus finds himself looking down at the bemused expression of Minister Gale, a glass of red wine held offered in one hand.

"Amicable?" Minister Gales asks, sounding slightly offended. "I'm sorry, Herald Antorus, but it hurts to hear you refer to Vale, my own lovely city as just 'amicable'".

Taking the offered wine, carefully handling the glass, Antorus smiles apologetically. "No offense was intended, minister. In my time as Herald Ordinary to my chapter, I have visited many worlds and many cities and locales, that have ranged from hive spires that have pierced the storm clouds of a world constantly wracked by rain and lightning, to underground sprawls in caves powered by magma flows, to simple dusty shacks. But believe me, that when I say that this view is amicable", Antorus raises the hand holding the wine glass to the vista of Vale and its inlet. "It is the highest compliment I can give."

Bringing his hand back, Antorus sips at the wine. The implanting of the Oolitic Kidney would normally allow the mass consumption of alcohol with no ill effects, but the lessons imparted on Antorus have shown him that only in the rarest of occasions is the quaffing of large amounts of drink acceptable. So he sips at the wine.

A fine vintage, fruity and earthy, robust.

"Also, most of the times my chapter arrives at locales such as this to talk with leaders or dignitaries, we all too often find them to be attacked by whatever enemy they face. This is a pleasant change of pace."

Minister Gale's face skews into a look of uncertainty on what to say, so he settles with "… indeed" before turning to Sister Agaethe, offering her a glass of wine which she readily and courteously accepts.

The sound of chuckling to his side makes Antorus turn and look at the other occupant in the room, Professor Ozpin sitting in his large chair at his desk.

"It is true that the view from Beacon Cliffs are one of Vale's most treasured and memorable features." The headmaster turns his chair slightly to look out the window behind him, turning his head to look at the view to the ocean. "Although, it might intrigue you to know that this site was once the home of the kings of Vale after the unification of the kingdom many centuries ago. A castle and fortress in its own right."

Antorus makes an intrigued noise as he takes another sip. "Very intriguing, indeed, professor. Although I will admit that I did have my suspicions that this site was originally a fortress of some type. And I imagine the name 'Beacon' was not an accidental choice, given its location overlooking the natural harbour?"

Professor Ozpin nods his head once. "Exactly. It was only after the Great War and the abdication of the Last King of Vale that Beacon became the academy you stand in today. A fitting gesture, no?"

"That a bastion of the defence of the kingdom and of humanity has changed, but its purpose has not." Antorus answers the question, raising his wine glass in a salute. "A finer gesture I could not envision."

Professor Ozpin smiles as he stands up from his chair before walking around the desk. Still standing in his spot, Antorus cannot help but scrutinize the man as he walks to join the others.

For one in the position that he is, Antorus notes, Professor Ozpin is remarkably calm. His position as Herald Ordinary has meant that Antorus has had to meet many people in positions of authority in the Imperium; planetary leaders, country leaders, even simple clan elders. All of whom have attempted to mask their fear and awe at meeting an Astartes, however minor such as himself, either through a false sense of bravado, their faith or their loyalty. Always, they were men and women who felt fear at his presence, a notion that Antorus has been taught to see in simpler humans.

But with this headmaster… nothing. He senses no fear, no bravado, not even awe. To Antorus' mind, it is almost like this is just another meeting for the man to go through. Yes, there is a sense of intrigue in the man's eyes, a desire to learn, but fear… no.

His diplomatic mind assesses the man at the same time as his militant mind does.

An adult male in early middle age, though his level of grey hair seems premature in coverage. Small spectacles though he clearly does not suffer from problems with his vision for them to be a medical necessity. A cane is held in his right hand, the end tapping against the floor of the room, though he suffers from no limp or general defect of locomotion. Antorus' mind leads to one simple conclusion: hidden weapon in cane, carried under the guise of fashion sense or personal idiosyncrasy.

Antorus knows that he should make no assumptions on the man's level of combat skill without seeing it first hand, but, with the information gathered about Team CFVY's actions at Carterstown and the apparent reputation of the academy, then Antorus concludes that Professor Ozpin must be a skilled and proficient fighter in his own right.

"Well," Minister Gale says simply and quickly, clapping his hands together. "I feel it best if we get down to business, if that is all right with you two. Sister Agaethe? Herald Antorus?"

"I have no objections." Antorus replies, giving the minister a quick and analytical once over. As much a bureaucrat as any that exists in the universe, the man does stand out in Antorus' mind in that he seems… actually excited to be meeting with the Imperium. How quaint.

Sister Agaethe quickly swallows the small sip of wine before she replies. "I too have no objections to starting our talks." She sets down the wine glass on a low table near her as she sets her hands, one over the other, in front of her waist. "How shall we begin?"

Moving to stand in the middle of the room, Professor Ozpin places both his hands on the top of his cane as he looks at each of the Imperials in turn.

"Well," He begins. "I feel that two important questions must be asked: how did your Imperium arrive at Remnant, and what is it you intend to do here?"

Silently, Antorus turns to look at Agaethe, the pair quietly working out who should say what. While the mission brief had said that there would be no repercussions from the Chapter Master about admitting the truth of why had arrived at this planet, it was still a strange sensation to admit blatant truth, especially one that would make the Imperium seem weak, to these newcomers.

But, if it was the way forward.

Sister Agaethe took the lead as she spoke up. "While it might sound implausible to you, we truly did stumble upon your world by happenstance. The process of our travel through space is… capricious, at the best of times, and it is unfortunate that the Imperium is beset by great turmoil, making such travel difficult."

Holding her hands to her chest, the Sister Famulous folds her hands across her chest, forming the Aquila again as she mutters a quick prayer to the Emperor in High Gothic. Raising her head, Agaethe carries on speaking.

"It is for that reason that we have not been able to carry out proper diplomatic relations with you and your governments and it is also the reason why we cannot offer any gifts or tokens of friendship to you. The turmoil that has beset the Imperium has forced much of our armed forces into a combat footing, our fleet being one of many sent to follow the command of the Lord Commander of the Imperium, Lord Roboute Guilliman."

At the name, both Remnite representatives' brows furrow in confusion at the name, but neither says anything as Antorus steps in.

"We are fully aware that the situation we have described will make it appear that we have arrived with an ulterior motive, but you have our utmost assurances that we come in the name of peace and brotherhood for all mankind."

Even as he says those words, the Herald Ordinary sees a tinge of doubt spread across both the faces of Minister Gale and Professor Ozpin, something Antorus anticipated. And it's something Sister Agaethe steps in on too.

"We are under no delusion that simple words would not be enough to convince you of our sincerity in this matter," The Sister Famulous says swiftly, speaking plainly and carefully. "Nor would any document be of any aid to put any unease you feel towards us at rest."

"That… would be truthful." Minister Gale says thoughtfully, putting a hand against his chin. "Our history is unfortunately filled with people saying one thing in sworn oath and then breaking that oath."

In an instant, Antorus feels a fire build within him, though he quickly quashes it. Oath-breakers… ones the Steel Drakes, nay, all Astartes, despise the most. Though now is not the time for such thoughts. Diplomacy first, not war.

"If I might make a suggestion." Professor Ozpin speaks up, looking between all the people present.

"By all means, Professor Ozpin." Antorus says with a small nod of his head. "We are here to talk, after all, and to listen."

Ozpin nods his own head in acknowledgment. "Here on Remnant, we have an event known as the Vytal Festival. It is held every second year. To us, it is a festival of significance, not just because it celebrates the ending of our Great War nearly 80 years ago, but because it allows the four kingdoms to open their borders with the others. Dances, fairs, parades, are all held across the kingdom chosen to host the festival, for all people from all kingdoms, human and Faunus, Huntsmen and citizens alike, to attend in peace and joy."

At the suggestion, Antorus cannot help but find himself frowning slightly. Not at the idea itself, which he thinks must be well suited for Remnant, but for the Imperium itself…

"I feel that my Chapter Master might draw the line at holding dances with the general population," Antorus says truthfully, rubbing his chin with the knuckles of his right hand. "Though I feel the Cadians might be more open to such an idea."

A low chuckle fills the air, coming from Professor Ozpin.

"I was not suggesting that we follow through with all of those suggestions, my dear herald." The headmaster says with a small smile. "Though I am pleased to see that it might be taken into consideration. No, I was referring to the more overarching theme that our Vytal Festival entails; community, openness, brotherhood."

"A sharing of cultures." Agaethe chimes in, a genuine smile on her face, a smile which Antorus quickly finds spreading across his own face.

"Of course." Professor Ozpin responds. "Ignorance of another culture can lead to misunderstandings and those misunderstandings can lead to violence. I am sure that you and your leaders agree with me that that is the last thing we want between our peoples, yes?"

Both Agaethe and Antorus nod their heads in agreement. One thing that the pair had been told vehemently was that, under no circumstances, would the Imperium be responsible for starting a war on this world. Lord Remudes had stressed that the Imperium would not be the aggressor on Remnant.

"What did you have in mind, Professor Ozpin?" Sister Agaethe asks. "Though I must feel that having large numbers of people be ferried to and from orbit might become… a bit of a logistics issue, at the current time."

The voice of Minister Gale speaks up. "What about your fort, up in the north of Vale?"

Antorus nods his head as he mulls over the request. "That… that would be more doable."

A spark in his eyes, Minister Gale continues. "We would obviously keep it restricted at first, namely notable members of Valean council, as well as Huntsmen chosen by Professor Ozpin allowed to operate in the area and use the fort as a… as a… as a safe haven. Oh! What about that Team CFVY? They're practically celebrities because of their actions at Carterstown."

"It is true that Team CFVY has gained some measure of fame among the ranks of the Cadians barracked at Fort Tempest," Sister Agaethe says. "Their presence would be a boon to relations, and local morale too."

"Indeed!" Minister Gales says, clapping his hand excitedly once. "And, yes, of course, Vale will do all it can to aid the Cadians in their assistance of the outlying settlements in the wild. Food, medical aid, technology, even relocation if that becomes a necessity."

"And then there is the inverse too." Professor Ozpin chimes in. "The city, and the kingdom, of Vale is one open to all who wish to travel here. And as defenders of humanity, Beacon will work in concert with those who seek to aid humanity in the fight against the Grimm."

Antorus can't help but raise an eyebrow at the statement. "So… you choose to agree to joint operations with the forces of our fleet operating in Vale against the Grimm?"

Saying nothing, Professor Ozpin steps forward until he is a few paces in front of the Herald Ordinary. Even though he is a full head shorter than himself, Antorus feels a presence from Ozpin, something strong, powerful if just short of overwhelming. But most of all, there is a sincerity coming from the man, a genuine belief coming from the man that Antorus, Agaethe and the other Imperials can do something good, of worth, for this world.

It's new to the pseudo-Astartes. And it's unsettling.

"Herald Ordinary Antorus," Professor Ozpin says solemnly. "While you have not seen it first-hand, you know that this word is beset by horrible monsters, the creatures of Grimm. You know what a danger they represent to the isolated settlements in the kingdom, as do the men and women who survived Carterstown. You have the numbers and the military strength, but you do not have the local knowledge. The Huntsmen of this kingdom, of this academy, do. And such assets combined together."

Turning around, Professor Ozpin strides towards the large window of his office, stopping before the pane of glass. He does not turn to face anyone as he continues to speak, looking out over Vale.

"I have made it plain in the past that I… do not have a love for the military. They are a shield, as much as the Huntsmen of the academies, but the scale at which they operate… even if they fight on the defensive, an army is still a symbol of conflict, nothing can change that. But…" The foot of his cane taps against the floor three times. "I feel that this might be one time that I must swallow my pride and admit that… maybe it would be best if my Huntsmen worked alongside your Cadians."

Turning, a small and genuine smile plays across his lips.

"Besides, it has worked well already. The Cadians on this world made it plain that they would stand against the enemies of humanity, and I feel that your brethren in the Steel Drakes are no different, correct?"

In answer, with rote filled with pride, Antorus slams his fist against his chest, directly over his primary heart. "We are the Last Wall that defends all." Slowly, he lowers his fist. "And I can say this for the Cadians; they have stood as a bulwark against the enemies of the Imperium for nearly ten thousand years. Against the Grimm, they too will stand, alongside any Huntsman or soldier of Remnant who joins them."

Putting both his hands over his cane again, Professor Ozpin lets out a sigh, leaden and world weary. "… too many settlements go dark before Huntsmen or militia arrive on the scene. Other times, they arrive just at the time to either get as many people out as they can, or to hold the line to let the last few people escape. Yes, more settlements are raised or repopulated… but those deaths can be avoided, should be avoided. But our Huntsmen cannot be everywhere."

Antorus nods his head in agreement. "My brethren say the same of our lot in the Imperium. We have the power and the strength to defend many, but oftentimes, we arrive late. Or too late, only allowing us to exact a blood price from the enemy."

Beacon's headmaster smiles again, a sad smile, at the sentiment before Minister Gale speaks up.

"I… can't give a concrete answer on how the council will respond to this… but I'll give my backing to this endeavour." Minister Gale's voice drops its excited tone. "I've seen some of the results of Grimm attacks and…"

The man shudders, lowering his head at whatever memory comes to mind. In response, Sister Agaethe steps towards him, putting a hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"It seems that there is a blood price to be paid on this world after all." Antorus says, looking from the minister to Professor Ozpin. "Do I have your word that, if this course of action is sanctioned by your government, your Huntsmen will stand with the Cadians, and possibly my own battle-brothers?"

Ozpin says nothing in response for a few seconds, clearly scrutinizing himself for the answer.

"I only ask," Antorus continues. "Because this means that the nature of warfare as you know it on your world will change. Weapons will be unleashed that no Grimm can stand against, and you will also not just fight as one kingdom of four. If you accept this course of action, then know that the Imperium of Man and all its fire, all its fury and all its strength will be standing beside you."

Again, Ozpin says nothing as he looks at Antorus.

Seconds tick by, echoed by the sounds of the ticking gears in the room.

"The offer of the Imperium is greatly appreciated, and your fervour shows that you fully mean what you say," Professor Ozpin begins, leaning forward slightly as he rests his hands on the top of his cane. "But, Herald Ordinary Antorus, many people on this world have made similar claims before, and many have been found wanting. So I must show some scepticism here: what makes you so certain that the Imperium can succeed, even so small a portion as you claim to be, when so many others have failed?"

Antorus fixes the headmaster square in the eyes, stormy grey locking with sheer green.

"Because you have yet to witness the full power of the Imperium levied for war." A small smile tilts up the corner of the Herald Ordinary's mouth. "And you have yet to see the Astartes fight."

---

While the important delegations for the future of Remnant were taking place, the tour of Beacon Academy for Sub Domina Vi was taking place. It has been much to her expectations and also not.

Though a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus was expected to adhere to the belief that the human desires of the flesh were to be cast aside for the pure form of metal and logic, Sub Domina Vi finds herself longing for her post back on Forge World Norstra. There, there was logic and order. There, life was regimented and planned perfectly to such a degree that all knew their place. It was the perfection of the ancient and venerated clock-work mechanism writ-large on a planetary scale.

Here…

The sound of Professor Goodwitch's riding crop snaps for the fifth time in two hours as the secondary head of the academy chides yet another group of students for being tardy to lectures.

"That is the fifth group of students you have caught outside of lessons," The skitarii notes simply. "Totalling a number of eight students in total."

Straightening her jacket, Professor Goodwitch lets out a sigh. "Yes, I am aware. I swear that each year seems to get more and more lax."

"Maybe some form of punishment would be in order." Vi suggests as the group continue their stroll. "I believe there was a saying of 'spare the rod, spoil the child'. And you do possess a blunt instrument."

The wide eyed look that the blonde-haired professor directs at Vi along with the rigidly set jaw tells the skitarii that she has said something deemed offensive by the professor, though Vi is quick to try and remedy the situation.

"Many Imperial scholas use the beatings as a punishment for unruly students."

"In those 'scholas' maybe." Professor Goodwitch says testily in reply, "But not here in Vale and certainly not at Beacon while I am present!"

Vi says nothing as she processes the display before her. A visceral and antagonistic reaction against discipline was unexpected to hear. So she probes.

"But surely discipline must be maintained by whatever form to keep your Huntsmen in peak form, correct?"

Calming herself, Professor Goodwitch stares at Vi with a hard glare. "Discipline maintained by physical force or threats of physical force is counter-productive. Use it too often, or come down too hard on those who fail, and you can break any trust or loyalty that exists between students and professors, which can also lead to a breakdown of morale on teams. To create a situation where trust between student and professor exists in this academy is what we strive for at Beacon, to create a well-trained and highly motivated force of Huntsmen and Huntresses. We are not an army training camp."

Vi nods her head slightly at the logic. Her internal memory engrams of actions spent alongside the warriors of the Adeptus Astartes, and the soldiers of the Astra Militarum do support the professor's claims about trust being a deciding factor in a unit's morale. The Astartes, with their reliance on such archaic terms as 'battle-brother', show that such a high level of trust, when applied correctly, can be a deciding factor in a force's success in an engagement.

However…

"But it is true that discipline, even from a trusted leader such as a professor or even a battlefield leader, must be maintained to have a sufficient level of trust. As a sub domina ranked member of the skitarii, it often falls to me to enact disciplinary measures on those warriors under my command who have been deemed to have operated insufficiently during an operation. And yet my skitarii will still follow me and my orders without question."

A quizzical look forms on the professor's face. Saying nothing, she looks past the sub domina to the Kasrkin behind her. Vi can't help the way her own eyebrows furrow at the gesture.

"Trooper," The professor suddenly says, addressing one of the soldiers. "How long have you served?"

The chosen Kasrkin is a woman, who stands up straight to parade attention. "Ma'am. Close on twenty-two years standard, ma'am."

"And what would you say is the more important value for an officer: their discipline, or their trust?"

The Cadian is silent, her visor-covered face turning back and forth slightly as she hesitates.

"Well… the sub domina is correct that a trusted officer has to know how to discipline their unit to get a soldier's trust… but the cog-Adeptus Mechanicus are… very different to us soldiers."

Vi says nothing as she hears the stopped insult.

"Please continue." Professor Goodwitch says.

The Kasrkin takes a filtered breath before she continues speaking. "We expect discipline for our infractions. But we also expect that discipline to match our infractions. Too overzealous with the lash, or even too little, and you lose trust in the officer. A good officer knows when to hold the leash tight, or let it slack, if you pardon the expression." A wistful tone comes to the soldier's voice. "My pa used to train dogs for the canine corps."

"And how do your… Adeptus Mechanicus," Professor Goodwitch says the name stiltedly, the words unusual on her lips. "Differ to you and the rest?"

The Kasrkin's hands wring against her hellgun, the question clearly not something she wants to be asked. "I… it's not my place to say, ma'am. Although I will say that I've not really seen the skitarii carry out any field punishments for infractions, so I don't think I can say either way."

A sensation that could be called relief filters through Vi's mind at the statement. No undue assertions on the workings of the Adeptus Mechanicus, no rumours given… no knowledge about the workings of how the Mechanicus operated.

The comment doesn't sit with Professor Goodwitch however as Vi sees the woman's eyes narrow slightly.

"Shall we continue the tour, Professor Goodwitch?" Vi says quickly, knowing when to change the subject from her years spent working with her forge world's political cadre.

The suggestion draws a nod from the blonde professor, the woman turning around to walk steadily and with a self-sure dignity that Vi respects heavily. The Kasrkin tramp behind her in parade ground order, though the sub-domina can't help but linger.

Turning her head, she turns to look at a bush just off to her left. It's a medium sized bush, one of many… but she can't help but smile at the two figures hidden from the sight of the others. Hidden to them, but clearly visible to her enhanced eye-sight.

Vi copies an affectation she has seen many non-augmented women do; she winks at the hidden figures in the bush before she swiftly moves to catch up with her group.

---

The bush in the middle of the grounds of Beacon Academy stands stock still as the strange woman finally moves out of ear-shot and eye-sight of it before it suddenly vibrates. The vibrations turn into a shudder once, twice, three times before with a pair of loud exclamations of breath, two different heads pop up into view.

"She saw us!" Ruby gasps out in shock and amazement in equal measure before she turns to look at her companion. "Blake, you said we were perfectly hidden!"

"Well, obviously not hidden from that woman." Blake replies simple and earnestly, as she turns and looks at her teammate and team leader, shooting her a cool glance. Though it quickly falls as the dark-haired huntress moves to pull herself out of the bush as she mutters. "Though I'm pretty sure that I didn't say that we would be 'perfectly hidden'… Ruby! Where are you going?"

Her comment is direct at the young girl chosen to be her team leader who has just bounced, like a Jack-in-the-box, directly out of the bush, her red cape flowing behind her uniform as she rushes forward.

"Come on!" Ruby hisses at Blake, her face lit up with excitement. "Hurry! We can't lose them!"

Extracting herself from the bush with no real difficulty, and giving her uniform a quick pat down for leaves, Blake Belladonna, hidden Faunus and ex-White Fang member lets out a weary sigh.

"How did I get roped into this?" She asks herself as she moves forward at a quick jog. Though she knows exactly why.

It had been fifteen minutes ago, after the team had left Professor Port's lecture hall…

---

"That. Took. TOO LONG!" Yang growls out, the blonde bruiser, holding her hands against her head as she and her team walks out of the door of Professor Port's lecture hall. "By the Brother's, he just… he talks too much."

Beside her, Ruby chimes in. "He does! I mean… we all did the exam, and finished it before the time, so you'd think he'd let us go. But no!" The exclamation is accompanied by Ruby throwing her hands above her head. "He has to tell that story about him smelling like cabbages!"

Blake isn't really listening, the girl having her head down and reading her book again. It's not Ninjas Of Love, since that one she keeps in her special hiding place, though she has to admit that it's one that is equally as dubious for someone to catch her reading in public.

Human Life Beyond The Moon.

It's a science-fiction story, a genre that Blake will freely admit that she has no real liking for. But after what she's seen on Chirper, she finds herself taking an interest in the idea. Though she has to admit that she will return the book. It's… the plot is good, if a bit barebones, and there having to be a female cat Faunus dressed in a metal bikini on the cover is just weird. Very weird.

Especially when it looks like a Faunus version of Yang.

"Are you still reading that book?" Weiss' voice cuts through Blake's mind, making her raise her head to look at the heiress of the Schnee Dust Company, the girl looking at her in confusion. "I wasn't aware that you liked that sort of stuff. I thought you preferred the more historical novels."

"It seemed appropriate given what's going on." Blake responds, closing the book softly. "But it is quite bad. I think I'll return it. It's… not good reference material."

"Reference?" Yang asks, putting her arms behind her head as she walks with her team. "You mean about the spacemen, the spacemen that we have videos of? Why do you reference material for that?"

"No, no, she has a point." Weiss says, putting a finger against her chin in thought, still keeping step easily with the group as they walk down one of the corridors of Beacon Academy. "I mean, a lot of scientists thought that the more exotic Grimm that we know of from fairy tales were just fairy tales, or the stories of outback dwellers. That is until they saw them themselves."

Blake can't help but not in agreement with Weiss. Reality is often stranger than fiction.

Beside her, Ruby has saddled up and been staring intently at the book cover. "I don't think we'll run into any spacemen that have two heads and one eye on each head."

The comment makes Blake do a double-take as she looks at the cover of the book again, not noticing the amused snigger coming from Yang.

A quick whisper from ahead of them makes the group stop.

"Hey, quit pushing!" The quiet but distinctive voice of Cardin Winchester makes all of Team RWBY raise their head and look ahead of them.

Sure enough, Blake and the others see Team CRDL, the four-boy team stacked nearly on top of each other as they peer around the edge of the door leading to the courtyard. Each one bristles with nervous and excited energy. Which for the four is never a good sign.

"Oh no." Weiss drawls out, an unimpressed look on her face. "They're still at this?"

"I thought Jaune had sorted those guys out?" Ruby says angrily as her face turns into a scowl, before it quickly shifts into an evil looking grin. "Let's rush 'em."

Blake rolls her eyes… but it does sound like a good idea to inflict some harm and humiliation on the bullies. She owes them something for what they did to Velvet at least.

Though any such thought left her mind as she hears Russel Thrush speak up. "Gods-damn, but these guys are ugly. What do you think, Jaune?"

"Why are you asking me?" The voice of the leader of Team JNPR speaks up, his voice kept to a whisper too. "I don't know anything about these guys."

"Jaune?" Yang asks, moving forward in confusion.

In response, the blond boy's head pops up into view from behind the press of Team CRDL. "Oh. Hi, guys."

"What is going on?" Weiss asks incredulously, shock on her face as the rest of Team JNPR pop their heads out to see Team RWBY approaching.

"Spacemen!" Nora says excitedly, though her voice is still a whisper.

Instantly, RWBY moves to join the crowd, Yang and Weiss falling in behind CRDL while Blake and Ruby move behind JNPR.

"By the Brothers…" Weiss gasps out in shock at what she and the others finally see; Professor Goodwitch leading a group of the more heavily armed spacemen, ten in total, all angular forms in their armour, and a woman, with snow white hair exactly the same colour as Weiss' and a face like Professor Goodwitch's, dressed in black and red robes, another hooded person in the same coloured robes bringing up the rear. From the view, everyone could see that the two women were in conversation about something.

It's…

"Weird…" Nora drawls out from her place above Jaune's head.

"If you didn't see the photos, you'd think that Atlas got an upgrade." Cardin notes clinically, and Blake can't help but nod her head. The soldiers, dressed in dark green armour and clothing, look almost exactly like the sort of soldiers that would be used by Atlas, or at least armour used by the guards of the SDC.

But even then, any familiarity in them is shunted aside by the known alienness of them.

"Anyone hear what they're saying?" Pyrrha asks, her voice low and tinged with excitement mixed with anxiety. Spying on a professor and people from outer space is probably not the best idea.

Now, Blake Belladonna would admit that she could be able to hear what the group is talking about, especially her secondary pair of ears hidden by the bow on the top of her head. But that would reveal to everyone that she is a Faunus, a secret she holds close to her chest. So she keeps quiet and she lies.

Another lie on top of others.

"I can't hear a word they're saying." Blake says, tilting her head slightly to see the group past Dove Bronzewing's shoulder. "Though… I think it might just be about the school. Goodwitch is pointing at the buildings a lot. And towards us!"

"Hide!" Jaune immediately commands, prompting everyone to duck their heads back behind the walls.

All teenagers wait behind the walls with bated breathes, either hugging the wall close or, in Blake and Ruby's case, sat curled up behind the walls. All of them wait silently.

No yells to come out of hiding, no orders or threats of punishment, no gunshots are directed at them, so, cautiously, all the Huntsmen cadets pop their heads back around the edge of the doorway to see that Professor Goodwitch and the group has moved on.

"So…" Cardin drawls out again, leaning an arm against the door frame as he turns to look at the other blond boy present. "What do you think, Jaune?"

Jaune turns to him in shock. "Why are you asking me? I don't know how to deal… how to deal with spacemen. I have trouble getting my Scroll to let me into my room, for Brothers sake."

The currently-reformed bully turns to look at the leader of Team RWBY. "How about you, Ruby? Thoughts?"

Turning her head, Blake looks down at her team-leader, and nearly jumps back as she sees the young girl bristle with bridled energy.

"We need to follow them!" Ruby says loudly, a hand pointing towards the sky in a gesture of action.

Nora, Yang, Russel Thrush and Sky Lark give their agreement in the form of a loud cry of "Yeah!", their fists raised into the air, making Blake roll her eyes.

"I think we need to calm down a bit," The placid voice of Lie Ren cuts in, making all turn to look at him. "We can't all follow them around. There's too many of us."

"Yeah, and you guys aren't really the stealthiest people I know." Cardin says, a smirk on his face as he looks at his teammate, though it quickly falls as Russel retorts.

"You're one to talk."

Before an argument can erupt (though part of Blake wishes it would so she could see the four bullies fight each other), Weiss chimes in again. "Well, we definitely can't all follow them. We'd be like a big brass band! Also, and I think that I can say this with some degree of some certainty, that if we follow them, we will get in trouble! Big trouble!"

The conversation stops dead as all look at the white-haired Atlesian and they process what she's said.

"That group did look important." Pyrrha says. "You don't need that many guards with guns if you're not important."

"So we just don't get caught. Simple." Yang responds flippantly and smarmily, a cocky grin on her face before she pats her sister on the back. "Looks like it's a solo mission for you, Ruby."

Weiss is again incredulous. "What? You can't send her after them! She's only a kid!"

"No, Yang is right." Ruby says, one-hundred serious and modest. "I need to do this by myself. Besides… Yang's not all that sneaky."

While Yang begins to argue with her sister about something involving a squeaky toy left under a window, Blake can't help but let her eyes follow the direction that the group must have taken. Her instincts tell her that following that group would be the biggest mistake that she could make (bar one) in her lifetime, but seeing these humans from space… she wants to know more.

"Blake's pretty stealthy!"

The comment from Yang makes Blake turn and look at the speaker. And she instantly pales as she sees all eyes focus on her.

"I mean, she was sneaking around the Emerald Forest during initiation like nobody's business." Yang continued, a broad and sincere smile on her face. "Team her up with Ruby, and you've got a perfect spy team."

Blake is stunned into silence. They decided on this already?

"At least we'll have someone responsible going on this 'mission'." Weiss says flatly, clearly resigned to the idea that this is going ahead.

'But…' A small voice in Blake's head chimes up, her inner voice talking to her. 'You want to know about them too. You know about Atlas, Mistral, Vacuo and Vale. You know how they treat the Faunus, you've seen it yourself. But these people from space… what could they do for the Faunus? What could they do against the White Fang?'

Her yellow eyes flit back and forth between each person, all of them looking at her expectantly. Ruby's silver eyes are the worst. Those giant… puppy dog eyes… staring at her so expectantly… staring into her soul.

---

"I can be better than that." Blake says to herself in the present quietly as she stands clear of the bush, moving to join Ruby hiding behind a column and watching the group walk away.

"So… what now, partner?" Ruby asks. Even though she is the team leader, the young girl quickly took to taking directions from Blake. And it makes sense. While Blake has to admit that Ruby is good at quickly shifting from one place to another without being seen, actually sneaking is not one of her better skills.

The 'quiet tiptoes' thing really only does work in cartoons.

Watching the group, Blake quickly falls into the old knowledge she knows from the White Fang.

"Stick to the shadows, keep low. Stay behind cover when you can, but move quickly and quietly." Blake says, her yellow eyes not straying from the direction the spacemen went down. "Let's not cause an 'incident', as Weiss said."

"Got it." Ruby responds with a nod of her head before the pair move off as one.

---

Ruby and Blake spend the next fifteen minutes tailing Professor Goodwitch and the group of spacemen on what really is an exhaustive and comprehensive tour of Beacon Academy. The main courtyard, the food hall, the training rooms, the locker rooms, the gym, the swimming pool, more training rooms for the older years, the combat arenas, the library. Not an inch is spared as the blonde teacher explains so much about the building and its history.

Blake has to admit, it is exhausting too. It's been a long time since she's had to do anything like this, even when she was working for the White Fang. That was more Ilia's area of expertise, the girl being able to blend in much easier with the environment. But Blake is no slouch in stealth either. And it turns out that neither is Ruby.

"Me and Yang liked to sneak out of the house sometimes. And Dad's not really a heavy sleeper." Was the answer. Blake doesn't know the full particulars of Ruby and Yang's homelife, so she doesn't pry. All she knows is that the young girl can do stealth well.

So the pair tail the group, using all the tricks of the trade. They flit from cover to cover, sticking to the shadows and concealment as they move at a steady but quick pace. Keeping their bodies low and out of sight but not enough to hinder their own movements, they stick to soft patches of earth and stone to stop their footsteps from sounding too loud.

And it works.

At one of the outdoor arenas, where Professor Goodwitch is showing the group where the third years carry out their more advanced battle training, Blake and Ruby halt behind a hedge. Both are tired, sweaty, and more than a little thirsty, but they do their best to keep their discomfort at bay by focusing on the 'mission'.

"Should have brought… a bottle of water…" Ruby pants out as she lies on her back in the shade of the bush, while beside her, lying on her front, Blake slowly leopard crawls forward, keeping her movements slow and steady.

"We can call this training if it goes wrong." The hidden cat Faunus says softly, a small but sincere smile on her face, though she doesn't turn to look at Ruby as Blake is now fully underneath the hedge and looking at the group.

In seconds, Ruby's head pops underneath the hedge as well, her silver eyes looking intently at the group. The girl is breathing softly but heavily, though to Blake's enhanced hearing, it's incredibly loud.

But not loud enough to obscure the conversation that Professor Goodwitch has with the woman, a woman that the stealthy pair now know as Sub-Domina Vi.

Goodwitch's voice rolls easily through the air as she speaks. "Solo operations are as much the remit of any Huntsman or Huntress after they graduate from any of the academies, but we do stress that teamwork is more successful than solo work in their careers."

"Interesting." Vi responds noncommittally. "Though, I am curious; do your Kingdoms not have mandates in place that ensure that the Huntsmen who operate within their borders give their designations and actions as teams, and not individuals?"

"We do, in part." The professor replies with a nod of her head. "In Beacon, work by teams is more valued by the civic leaders and also by the communities that live in the wilderness. But, that is not to say that individual huntsmen do not have their worth. Qrow Branwen, a… unique Huntsman of some renown has done his part to keep safe many communities in the wilds. Then there was also Ross Orchid, who kept the town of Clarkesville safe from an approaching Nevermore swarm for six hours, letting the townspeople call in for Valean militia support.

But it is a fact that teams of Huntsmen can get better results out of their missions, and also continue to survive longer in the wilds against the Grimm than solo Huntsmen. It is all down to the individual choices."

Blake can't help but nod her head. Going solo or staying together is one of the big questions that all Huntsmen cadets ask themselves after their time at the academies. Some places lend themselves more to one answer or the other: Atlas, with all its rigidity and hierarchy, much prefers the coordination of the teams. Mistral, with its diverse and wide-ranging cultures and lifestyles, both criminal and non-criminal alike, allow a sole Huntsman to find as much work as a team would. Vacuo, a harsh land where the weak perished as easily as those who thought themselves to be strong, single Huntsmen and Huntresses lived easier lives in the communities they built around them or with the work they found in Shade. Menagerie… Menagerie just did what it always did.

Though any idea is quickly shunted aside as Blake hears Ruby stifling a giggle with her hands.

"What's so funny?" Blake asks in a whisper of confusion, earning a shake of the head from the other girl.

"Nothing. Just that… no, never mind. I'll tell you later."

The question put to rest, Blake turns her attention back to the group. Thankfully, no-one has heard a thing from the girls under the hedge, as Vi continues to talk.

"I feel that I would be… remiss, not to ask this question, though I feel it would be something pertinent to ask if there is to be a continued Imperial presence on this planet. May I?"

Blake shares the same look of confusion on Goodwitch's face, she knows that, but the professor nods her head either way. "You may."

"What about the more… criminal elements of Remnant society? Would they give us any problems that you or I feel should be reported to my superiors?"

Goodwitch's face is blank for a few seconds before a small but disarming smile appears on her face. "Sub-Domina, it is a fact of humanity that as long as there are laws, there will be people who will break them, either for profit or because of a simple disregard for their fellow man. I imagine that even in your own Imperium, you have your fair share of malcontents and lawbreakers to deal with."

She can't help herself, but Blake feels that Goodwitch is being snarky with the strange white-haired woman, but if the Sub-Domina notices it or cares, she doesn't show it as she responds.

"I am more than aware that for every culture and settlement that exists and has their laws, there are those who break them. But I also know that, even in those groups that are created and operate to protect said cultures and settlements, there are those who… as you say, possess a simple disregard for their fellow man.

"Addendum to my previous question; are there groups of Huntsmen who operate outside of and in violation of your local laws and ordinances that we should worry about?"

The smile quicky falls from Goodwitch's face at the question, a stern look on her face. "Any man or woman who reneges on their oaths as a Huntsman and willingly breaks the laws of the Kingdoms for their own personal gain is no Huntsman or Huntress. Not to say that we haven't had any huntsmen defect before, such as those who joined the Fang."

Blake cringes at the answer, and she knows Ruby is too. That was a power play question if there ever was one, and by how Glynda's eyes slightly widen she didn't mean to say that last part.

"The Fang? Is that some sort of seditionist group?" She asks but Blake can't shrug off the feeling that this has been what Vi has been looking for.

"The White Fang is a... Terrorist Organization. It had nobler aims, once." Glynda sighs, "Some Huntsmen have decided to take up arms with them, seeing their cause as just. And when they do so, they lose that title of huntsmen."

The woman from space just smiles slightly, a confused look on her face. "I fail to see the distinction, Professor. Even if a Huntsman operates outside the law and goes against their oaths, are they still not a Huntsman? If a member of the Mechanicus breaks with any of our tenets, they are still classed as a member of our order."

"The ma'am has a point though." One of the soldiers speaks up, their voice filtered through their gasmask. "If any Guardsman breaks their oath of allegiance to the Emperor, they are no longer a member of the Imperial Guard. They're renegade, plain and simple. A traitor."

For some reason, the way the soldier says those words sends a cold shiver down Blake's spine. There is a vehemence and venom in their voice that shakes Blake right to her core. They sound… almost like his words…

Professor Goodwitch speaks again. "While I would… not fully agree with the troopers words, the general tone is correct. Any Huntsman or Huntress who willingly flouts the laws and their oaths are men and women who have reneged on their oaths and, as such, are no longer seen as Huntsmen from those they once called fellows. They become outcasts from society, joining with bandits if they're lucky… or perishing at the hands of the Grimm or other Huntsmen in the wilds if they're unlucky."

Another soldier scoffs loudly. "Good riddance…"

Blake can't help but cringe at the comment, and as she turns her head to look at Ruby, she sees the same look repeated on her face. These people take a very hard-line view on lawbreakers.

The Sub-Domina nods her head at the comments. "So… while fighters classified as 'Huntsmen' do not take part in criminal activities, it is true that criminals with Huntsmen-levels of skills and training are a source of crime on Remnant. Am I correct in that statement, professor?"

"… yes you are, Sub-Domina." Glynda says simply, not taking her eyes off the woman in front of her. "And there are also many people in the criminal world of Remnant who we know for a fact have those sorts of skills and use them freely in… various illicit activities."

From her position, Blake can see the hard set line of Professor Goodwitch's mouth as she gives away this information, the cadet knowing that the woman is not giving this of her own will as she is backed into a corner. Though the line quickly turns into a smile as Professor Goodwitch speaks up again.

"Although, I imagine that your own Imperium is not without its share of miscreants. I mean, you did just say that your own order, your 'Mechanicus' has those who break with its tenets. And the comments from your guards show that all is not well in your Imperium."

A smile, cold but clear, spreads as the professor's face before it falls to a blank and serious expression.

"If this is a game of one upmanship that we're engaging in, then I suggest that we stop it. We do neither of us a favour by engaging in such discussion."

Unknowingly, Blake is holding her breath, not just from hiding, but from wanting to see the response from the sub-domina, with Ruby beside her feeling the same. In the end, the woman from space smiles as she lowers her head, nodding it gently.

"You are correct, Professor Goodwitch. This sort of… behaviour serves no good purpose for either of us. Antagonism does not become the two of us."

Professor Goodwitch nods her head, and Blake lets out the breath she was holding as Vi speaks up again.

"Although, I must admit that I think our audience had been enjoying the display."

'Oh no…' Blake says inside her head, as Professor Goodwitch asks what the Sub-Domina is referring to, prompting the white haired woman to raise a finger and point it… directly at the bush that Blake and Ruby are hiding underneath.

"They've been following us for a good thirty-one point six minutes now." Vi says as the soldiers around them fan forward in a protective screen, though it quickly becomes useless as Professor Goodwitch stomps forward, her riding crop held ready and her face angry.

"Whoever's in there, come out now!" The professor barks, her features making both girls blanche, even as they stay close to the ground under the hedge.

"Blake...?" Ruby whines softly, looking at her teammate in fright.

"Just… go back the way we came… carefully, and slowly." Blake says, beginning to leopard crawl backwards, moving carefully, even as Professor Goodwitch begins to count down from five.

"Got it." Ruby says softly, her nerves holding steady as she moves backwards, keeping her eyes on the group… "Where's the other one?"

Blake's yellow eyes look at the group as she quickly counts each member, even as she still moves backward. Professor Goodwitch, the Sub-Domina, the ten soldiers…

"Oh, cra-AAAAH!"

Blake's curse is quickly cut short as she and Ruby feel themselves yanked upwards into the air and over the hedge, being bodily lifted by two hands that feel as cold and strong as metal, their view of the world changing quickly from what they saw under the hedge until, with a landing that takes the breath out of them and makes their aura flair up on their torsos, they find themselves at the feet of Professor Goodwitch and Sub-Domina Vi.

An already intimidating sight.

If the cacophony of armoured footsteps rushing towards them, along with the distinctive click of weapon safeties being switched off as Ruby and Blake find themselves looking at a wall of armour and gun barrels pointed at them.

"… Blake?" Ruby asks in a timid voice, completely in line with the events around them. "Is… this an incident?"

Blake can't say anything in response, her eyes wide open at the sight of ten guns pointed at her and her team-mates head.

How had she not noticed the other person had been missing from their group the whole time she was watching them? When had they slipped away?

Above them, the strange character speaks out. Their voice is mechanical, heavily so, though clearly male. It's electric, even. It sets the hair on the back of Blake's neck on edge and makes her cringe physically at hearing it so close to her head.

"Targets apprehended, Sub-Domina."

"Stand down, stand down!" Professor Goodwitch orders quickly, a tinge of fear in her voice that Blake didn't expect to hear.

"They've been spying on us!" One of the soldiers says, not taking their eyes or gun off the two students.

"Who are they, professor?" The sub-domina asks, curiosity in her voice.

"Commencing extradition protocol on unknown subjects." The person above Blake and Ruby quips flatly. Blake has no time to even think of what they're talking about before she feels a set of digits, thin but still metal, suddenly clamp down onto the back of her neck, keeping her head pinned as she groans out in pain… and then they begin to squeeze, tight like a vice but slow. Her aura flares up in response, but she can still feel the pain. At her side, she can hear Ruby give a muffle cry in pain, her own face driven down against the floor.

"They're students!" Goodwitch calls out loudly, her riding crop held tight in her hand, unsure of what to do. "First year students! Now let them go!"

Blake can't see the reaction but she hears it, a strange… chirping sound, from the woman to the person holding her and Ruby. Again, it sounds to Blake like it's two machines talking to each other… but that can't be right. But whatever the sub-domina says, it gets the person behind Ruby and Blake to let go of them, both sets of hands releasing them. Still lying on the ground, Blake takes in some gasps of air before she slowly picks herself up.

"That… could have been gentler…" Is all she can bring herself to say as she brings a hand to rub at the back of her neck.

Before she can say anything else, Blake finds hands being put on her again. This time, they're human and they belong to Professor Goodwitch, the woman looking at the teen with fear and worry in her green eyes behind those glasses of hers.

"Are you okay, Miss Belladonna?" The woman asks in genuine concern. "Do you need to see a doctor?"

Gingerly, Blake rubs at the back of her neck. Whatever damage is there, she can feel her Aura mending it already, prompting her to shake her head. Relieved, the professor turns to look at Ruby, the younger teen giving the same answer.

"Apologies." The person behind them speaks again. "Your identities and connection to this institute were unknown to this one. Protection protocols were in use."

Slowly, Blake turns her head to look at the being behind them. They're in their robes again, those voluminous, ominous, all covering red and black robes, their head covered by a deep hood. All she can see is a small green sphere of an eye, gimlet and piercing.

The shudder that runs down her spine is instinctual, and she makes no attempt to fight it.

"Apologies are in order, Professor Goodwitch." The sub-domina says, drawing all eyes on her. Her face is unreadable of emotion again, and that is somehow more insulting than anything. "The adepts of my forge world take espionage and subterfuge truly seriously, and thus we have protocols in place for such things. That display was… aggressive, but I'm sure you understand the need for security in such endeavours."

'I wouldn't have guessed.' Blake thinks to herself as she stands back up, helping Ruby to her feet while they watch Glynda walk towards a foot in front of the other woman.

"I understand the need for security and protection. As an educator, I value both for my students. But if you ever try and harm one of my students again?"

A gust of wind directly from the woman's hand holding her riding crop staggers the soldiers along with Blake and Ruby as a loud CRUNCH sound fills the air, making loose clothing billow. Directly by one of the professor's feet is a hole, perfectly formed, about six inches in diameter and six inches deep.

"I will make sure that you come to harm."

Neither Vi nor Glynda show any discomfort at what just happened, though Blake feels a dangerous aura coming off the blonde professor.

It's a slow second that feels like an eternity before the sub-domina nods her head in agreement. "Understandable. They are your students at this academy, you are the law. I will say no more on that matter."

Glynda relaxes, letting Blake and Ruby relax.

"However," The woman says quickly, turning her head to her cold blue eyes scrutinise the pair. "Since they are here… I wonder if you would permit me to ask your students some questions?"

'Oh, that can't be good.' Blake thinks to herself as she feels the colour drain again. Silently, she looks at Goodwitch, the professor saying nothing as she mulls over the request before turning to look at the sub-domina.

"One question." Professor Goodwitch states, holding up one finger to illustrate her point. "These two must be returned to their team and their class as soon as possible. So one question, if you please."

Blake sees a look of annoyance pass over Sub-Domina Vi's face, but it lasts less than a second before the strange woman lets a mask of curious neutrality fall over her face.

"Professor Goodwitch states that the… 'White Fang' once had 'noble aims', though I fail to see how a known terrorist group can be said to have noble aims. Would either of you care to enlighten us to that meaning?"

Ruby is silent next to Blake because she doesn't know what to say. Blake is silent because she knows what to say, but she can't say it. Not here, and not to these Imperials.

The White Fang… would she ever get out from under their shadow? Would she ever get out from under his shadow? That legacy of blood and pain, the lies and wilful deceit, the blind eye to what path she had taken…

"The White Fang…" Blake finds herself saying hesitantly, thankful that the woman in front of her might believe that it's just jitters from her. "They started as something to help the Faunus, those who wanted or needed their help. And for a time… they were honest. Noble, even. And at some point… they lost their way."

Silence fills the void after Blake finishes speaking, the Faunus girl in hiding lowering her eyes to the floor.

"'The heretic can be forgiven, and in death they may find redemption. But the Traitor, however, cannot be.'"

The woman's words make Blake cringe again, angrily this time. Such a black and white view on everything, even on something they don't know about! Raising her head, Blake has a retort ready on her tongue… but a sharp glare from Professor Goodwitch stops her short. She's already in enough trouble as she it is, and saying anything else would definitely expose her.

So she plays a different card.

"Why do you want to know about the White Fang, or anyone who we might consider 'criminals'?" Blake asks simply, looking the sub-domina in the eyes, yellow on blue. "Are they a threat to you?"

That earns an actual response from the woman as an amused scowl crosses her face. "The Imperium of Man, and the Adeptus Mechanicus, fear no-one and are threatened by none. By the grace of the Omnissiah and the Motive Force, we overcome all.

"As to why I asked about the White Fang and other criminal elements?" The woman shrugs her shoulders, an oddly stiff gesture, too robotic to be something she does often. "Knowledge is power."

There are a lot of comments that can be made about 'Faunus instincts', Blake knows that. She's heard some of the comments herself, not a lot of them nice. Sienna though told hr that 'instinct' was just another name for 'gut feeling', something humanity liked to use to try and make themselves sound more civilized than they actually were.

So Blake listens to her gut, and it tells her that this woman is not to be trusted. Though to what end…

"Miss Belladonna, Miss Rose." Professor Goodwitch's voice draws all attention on her, and Blake winces at the stern look being directed at her and Ruby. "You two will follow me. Now."

After directing an apology at the group and asking them to stay where they are, Professor Goodwitch takes the two teenagers to a slightly more secluded area of the arena, hopefully out of earshot as the blonde professor looks at the two girls in quiet fury.

"That." The professor begins. "Was incredibly stupid, and incredibly dangerous."

It's all that needs to be said to make Blake and Ruby hang their heads in shame.

"We're sorry, Professor Goodwitch." Ruby says, her voice small and low in the space.

The professor continues. "Did either of you think of what could happen if you get caught? Did you even think that you wouldn't get caught?"

The pair say nothing, because there is nothing they can say.

Professor Goodwitch lets out a sigh, filling the air around them with its sound.

"I should have expected this, so I won't really blame you."

That makes Blake and Ruby raise their heads in confusion, looking at the woman as she continues to speak.

"The situation we're in, it basically guarantees the curious and the foolish to stick their noses into places they shouldn't be. And…" Again, the professor lets out a weary sigh. "I should have seen it coming. I really should have."

Giving each other a sideways glance, Blake and Ruby begin to get hopeful. And, as expected, Professor Goodwitch squashes it.

"When this is over, I will be reporting this to Professor Ozpin, and I just pray to the Brothers that the Imperials find no serious offence over this. Ozpin and I will decide your punishment. Until then… return to your team and your classes."

That stuns the pair as they look at each other in confusion. There is no way it's that easy! Though, before they can look a gift horse in the mouth and question it, Glynda raises The Disciplinarian. It's only the minutest movement, but it's enough.

With bursts of speed, and rose petals, Blake and Ruby quickly speed away from their professor, deciding that anywhere is better than being there.

---

The walk down the corridor is quiet, just the sound of two pairs of feet walking in the unthinking tandem that people can fall into when walking. Ruby is three paces behind Blake, and she doesn't like that. It's been five minutes since they left Professor Goodwitch and the spacemen and the older girl has said nothing to Ruby.

"I… I'm-" Ruby begins, her voice small before Blake cuts her off.

"Don't, Ruby. Just don't." Blake snaps, not turning her head to look at the other girl. As she speaks, her shoulders hunch up and her head bows slightly. "That was a stupid thing to do, and we both know it."

Ruby doesn't say anything against it, so she just lets her eyes drop to the floor. That was scary, she couldn't deny that. Fighting Grimm and armed robbers, that was nothing to sweat about. Ruby knew that her Semblance, her Aura and Crescent Rose could get her out of each fight one way or another.

But that?

Unthinkingly, Ruby's hand reaches back to rub at the back of her neck. She can still feel that lingering touch from that other spaceman. That cold, electrified touch…

Her hand drops as she stops and says the words that need to be said. "I'm sorry, Blake."

Ruby lifts her head up as she sees Blake stop and turn to look at her. The cold look in Blake's eyes hurt to see, but Ruby carries on.

"I… I'm the team leader. I… I shouldn't have done that. I put us in danger and… I'm sorry."

Ruby lets out a sigh as she lets her head hang down again. From Blake, she hears nothing. No words, no sound of movement. Nothing. Then…

"It's all right, Ruby. I guess I'm at fault too."

Quickly, Ruby raises her head and looks at the older teen in confusion. "Eh?"

In return, Blake shrugs her shoulders. "I get that you're my team-leader, but I am older than you. I should have known better and said that it was a stupid idea. And it was a stupid idea."

The pointed look directed at her makes Ruby flush slightly with shame, even as she chuckles lightly, again rubbing the back of her head. "Yeah. It was bad. Like something from a bad manga."

The comment makes Blake chuckle in return. "Or a badly written piece of fanfic."

That ends up breaking the dam as both girls begin to laugh loudly at the comments, their voices rolling through the corridor. As she laughs, Blake walks forwards towards Ruby, stopping within a foot of her, a small smile on her face.

"Ruby," She says simply, making the other girl stop laughing. "You're a good fighter, and you are smart, when you want to be. You just… impulsiveness can only get you so far before it becomes recklessness and that can be dangerous."

"My uncle always said that taking risks in a fight can be a good thing." Ruby responds, remembering a few lessons from her favourite scythe-wielding uncle (though, she does only have the one so there's no real contest there."

Blake nods her head in understanding. "Yes, that is true, but there's a reason why they're called 'risks'. They can be dangerous too. And that… that was very dangerous."

Ruby can't bring herself to question that line of logic. Those guns… the hands… If Professor Goodwitch hadn't been there.

"What I'm trying to say, Ruby," Blake continues, holding her hands up slightly. "Is that you need to think before you do things. Don't just follow every whim you have, all right? It doesn't always lead to somewhere good."

At the comment, Ruby can't help but smile slightly. "Sounds like you're speaking from experience, Blake."

The small smile on Blake's face drops, replaced by something melancholy. "… yeah. Just a bit."

Instantly, Ruby opens her mouth to say something, but she closes it as she remembers what Blake had said. She's been in enough trouble for today as it is.

Speaking of trouble…

"Blake? Can we not tell Yang about this?"

The other girl arches an eyebrow at the request.

"If Yang hears about this, I… I think that she'll get mad and do something… something that makes what we did look like a good thing. If you get what I mean."

Ruby looks at Blake in silence for a few seconds, gauging the older girl's reaction. Blake's face quickly shifts from one of confusion, to understanding, to guilty humour.

"Yeah… Let's not tell her. That would not help things at all." Blake replies with a nod and a guilty smile.

"And Weiss!" Ruby quickly adds, though she feels bad about admitting it. "I… I don't think that she still fully trusts me as team-leader."

The teen can imagine the shouting and the yelling that could come from that all to easily; Weiss chewing her out for being irresponsible as a leader, telling her she was still a kid. Yang loosing it over someone threatening to harm her younger sister, her eyes turning red as her hair became wild, ranting and raving as she talked about what she'd do to them.

"Yeah, I can imagine that." Blake responds, nodding her head again. "Best thing we can do: let Professor Goodwitch and Professor Ozpin sort out any potential fallout from this, and that we just take our punishments as quickly and easily as possible. The less attention, the better. Right?"

"Right." Ruby says, nodding her head once before she smiles guiltily. "That last bit should have been the plan from the start, really."

"Gee, you think." Blake says flatly in turn, her face an impassive mask. Before Ruby can say anything else, a small, cat-like smile appears on Blake's face as she begins to chuckle, which soon becomes a proper laugh, the sound filling the hallway, Ruby joining in with her own laugh.

"I thought I heard some familiar voices."

The voice draws Ruby and Blake's attention, making the former look past the latter who has to turn to look behind her at the voices behind them. Familiar voices to the pair.

"Hey, Team CFVY!" Ruby cries out in joy at seeing the second-year team appearing in the hallway. They aren't dressed in their uniforms for class, nor their combat gear, each one wearing something comfortable for them, and in Coco's case, still the height of fashion. Though it's offset by Velvet wearing an Achieve Men hoodie.

"What a surprise to see you two out of class." Coco quips, pulling her sunglasses down her nose slightly to look at the pair slyly. "Playing hooky already?"

Both teens smile and chuckle nervously, Ruby reaching up to rub at the back of her head shyly. "No. It's… it's a long story. Hey, Velvet! Are you doing-oh?"

As Ruby spoke, Velvet has moved closer towards the pair before interrupting them by putting both her arms around them and pulling them into a hug. Again, Ruby chuckles slightly at the gesture, but soon the hug goes on longer than a friendly hug should, and a familiar feeling begins to creep through Ruby's body. A sensation she'd not felt since…

Oh.

Wordlessly, Ruby brings up her free arm to pat against Velvet's shoulder, Blake frozen at her side, doing nothing to break the hug.

"Come on, Bun." Coco says softly, pulling Velvet back slightly to break the hug. Now free, Ruby can see the Faunus student's face, and it makes her heart hurt. Her brown eyes, so wide and expressive, are downcast and sad, tears watering at the bottom. Her large ears are drooping down over her head, and it hurts Ruby to see her like this.

"I'm sorry, Coco." Velvet says softly, the rest of her team coming up behind her to comfort her.

"Is… is this about that mission you guys went on?" Blake asks, unsure of what she can say. "W-when you met the spacemen?"

As soon as the words leave her mouth, all of Team CFVY seem to freeze up.

"Was… was it bad?" Ruby asks, unused to seeing the team acting in such a way.

Stepping forward, Coco moves next to the young Huntress before silently putting her hand onto the teen's shoulder.

"Ruby," Coco begins as she removes her sunglasses from her face, looking at the teen flatly. "What we saw that night… I don't think words could give justice to what we saw."

"What do you mean, Coco?" Blake asks, moving to stand next to her team leader. Intrigue and concern are both in her voice.

Taking a step forward, putting her sunglasses back to their original position on her face, Coco turns on the spot as she puts a hand onto both of the other girls' shoulders. "I guess we should explain what happened."

"We should walk and talk." Fox chimes in from in front of Coco. "Sounds like there's something going on outside."

So, the group sets off. Where to, they don't know for certain, just that walking through the familiar halls of Beacon Academy give them a sense of grounding as Team CFVY begins their tale of their part of the defence of the, before now, insignificant little town in the Valean wilds known as Carterstown. And as they talk, both Blake and Ruby fall speechless as they listen to the first-hand accounts of that maelstrom night.

Team CFVY talk about how they had ended up getting cut off at the relay station, the four of them holding off what they thought was a massive horde of Grimm before an even bigger swarm of beasts just by-passed them, heading to the town. About how above them and behind them, they could hear the sounds of aircraft, fast, angry and loud, unloading all kinds of punishment onto the Grimm. Explosions of all sorts of magnitudes filled the air, even as transport craft banged back and forth through the night. In the end, and with no small hint of modesty, Coco tells the pair of how the group decided that they might as well throw in their lot with the newcomers and take out some Grimm.

Then Yatsuhashi tells how he, quite stupidly, jumped out of one of the aircraft called a Valkyrie (Ruby notes not to tell Nora about that fact. Gods only know how the girl would react to that titbit) to engage an Alpha Death Stalker that had breached the gates of the town, earning some muttered praise from Ruby ("… so cool."), though both Blake and Ruby share a similar reaction when he tells them of how the soldiers, the 'Cadians' as they called themselves, counter-charged the attacking Grimm.

Blake cuts in, disbelieving at what she's hearing. "Wait, these soldiers… They counter-charged against Grimm? No back up, no heavy weapons. Just… themselves."

"Just a vehicle with a heavy gun on it, and the specialists called the Kasrkin. All the heavy weapons were on the wall." Coco explains, taking over the story naturally. "And the thing that makes it more insane… not one of them has an Aura."

In the midst of the second year team, Ruby and Blake stop in shock as they process what they've been told. No.. No aura?

"That's… that's…" Ruby finds herself stammering out, her mind refusing to link up what she's been told with reality.

"Impossible?" Fox finishes her thoughts for her, a small, sardonic smile on his face. "Yeah, that's what we thought too. Until we saw them in action. And trust me. It gets stranger."

Blake and Ruby listen even more intently as Team CFVY continue their story, about how Yatsuhashi and Fox assisted in taking out a very large and dangerous Alpha Beowolf with the help of some scouts from a group of Imperials calling themselves the 'Steel Drakes' and, according to the giant of the team, one lone Cadian with a rifle. As they repeat the tale, Ruby can't help but find herself mystified by what she hears. It puts nearly every story she's been told by Uncle Qrow and the comics she's read to shame. Though from the look on Velvet's face, the Faunus girl being totally silent during the telling, that feeling is not shared.

It doesn't take long for the story to change tone. After the successful defence, the defenders still had to get the people and themselves out, forcing all of them to go outside of the town walls to wait for pickup from the 'Imperial Navy', about how they had all formed a wall around the civilians to keep the attacking Grimm back… about the line had been broken by a charge of Boarbatusks and forced them back into a smaller and smaller line, ready to be set upon by a legion of Alpha Grimm.

Ruby feels a pit form in her stomach at the descriptions of what she's hearing. She knows that the group is heavily censoring things, she's used to that. But now, she's quite glad that she isn't being told everything. Especially when she sees Velvet physically cringe at the moment of the Boarbatusks breaking the line.

Then, the tale shifts, becoming even more impossible. About how, when all hope seemed lost, four ships came from the sky and blasted the Grimm to smithereens with rockets and cannon fire. And then, Team CFVY tells them.

"I'm going to be honest with you guys," Coco says, turning her head to look at Ruby and Blake as the group stop near the entrance to the main courtyard. "What we're going to say… really won't do these guys justice. It really won't. You'll have to see them yourselves to believe us… and, to be honest, I hope you don't have to see them."

Intrigued and confused, Blake and Ruby listen in silence as they listen to how, from over ten metres in the air, twenty warriors in massive armour and with massive guns dropped from the sky to form a wall around the original defenders of Carterstown. They listen to the descriptions of the warriors, who are a mix of 'Atlesian mechs on steroids and Valean knights from a comic book', how they cover their steel armour in gold, silver and jewels as much as cloaks and bands of reptilian leather and skulls and teeth. About how their guns had blasted away the Alpha Grimm like it was… almost nothing, until a King Taijitu had entered the fray, nearly breaking the line for a second and potentially final time.

"Of course," Yatsuhashi says warmly. "If it wasn't for Velvet here, we wouldn't be here to tell you guys about this."

The giant teen puts a comforting hand on his Faunus team-mates shoulder, and although the contact and praise makes her smile, Velvet still shrinks in on herself. It makes Ruby frown to see Velvet act like that.

"So… then what happened?" Ruby asks, hoping to change the topic to something nicer.

Coco responds easily, a shrug of her shoulders. "Oh, just a… a cross-cultural exchange. A very cross-cultural exchange. Then they gave us a lift back here."

The older teen's words make Blake and Ruby look at each other in confusion, but they decide not to press the issue, especially as the older team turns back towards their original path.

A question appears in Ruby's mind. "What are they?"

"Who?" Fox asks.

"The big guy you mentioned. The guys with the steel armour, and the skulls and teeth and the… really big guns." Ruby can't help the small tremor of excitement that comes to her voice at the last part.

Yatsuhashi opens his mouth to speak, but a small voice cuts him off.

"They were Space Marines. Adeptus Astartes, of the Steel Drakes." Velvet's voice is low and quiet as she speaks, almost like simply mentioning them will make them appear.

Again, Blake and Ruby fall into silence, looking at the Faunus in surprise.

"They left quite an impression, let's just say that." Coco says amicably, a small smile on her face. "They were friendly enough, I will say. But…"

"It's all right, Coco." Ruby cuts in, a smile on her face too. "We… I think we know enough."

Team CFVY stops and looks at the young girl, their faces stoic at her words.

"No… no, you don't, Ruby." Coco says simply. "Even we don't know enough."

There's a chilling effect to those words, and neither Ruby or Blake can hide the small looks of worry that come to their faces.

Again, it's Velvet who speaks. "We're sorry, you two. I… we've seen the Imperials as a fighting force, and that's a time where everyone is different. But we've seen them after the fight too and… the Cadians are people, just like us."

Her words earn nods from her other teammates before Fox chimes in. "Well, a bit weird, but, hey? Space. What do you expect?"

The flat delivery of Fox's comment is enough to get his teammates chuckling and soon Ruby and Blake join in. The happy sounds fills the hallway around them, wrapping them in a warmth and joy that pushed away the worry and fear that had crept upon Ruby and Blake.

Like many things in life however, the moment is rudely interrupted by a mass of noise from outside. A multitude of voices, connected together by surprise, all sounding off with different words and phrases.

"What is going on outside?" Blake asks out-loud, turning her head to look at one of the windows that lined the wall of the hallway. Through them, she and the others can just see the heads of a large number of students moving in one direction, towards the courtyard outside of Beacon tower.

"Sounds like quite a party." Coco says with a grin on her face. Quickly, her hands snap out, taking a hold of Velvet's arm along with Blake's. "Let's go see what all the fuss is about! Forwards, my friends!"

Ruby can't help the loud laugh she lets out as she sees Blake get pulled along by Coco down the hall towards the exit, Fox and Yatsuhashi moving quickly to follow in her wake before Ruby dashes forward with her Semblance to catch up.

---

"This is a lot of people." Ruby says in amazement. "I honestly didn't think that there were this many people at Beacon!"

"Well, you don't really see everyone at one time, do you?" Velvet responds simply. "We don't have assemblies as often as our old schools did."

The logic is there, along with the facts. In front of Ruby, Blake and Team CFVY, the entire student body of Beacon Academy, all four years-worth of students, were gathered in the courtyard, straining for a view of the entrance of Beacon tower.

Not for the first time in her life, Ruby mutters curses (curses to her at least) at her height as she strains on her toes to try and see over the other students. "I can't see anything! What's going on?"

"It looks like there's… there's Cadians outside the tower!" Yatsuhashi quickly says out loud. The statement makes a few nearby students turn their heads and look at the giant teen, but instead of wonder, they just look at him in confusion.

"Where have you guys been?" One of them, a fourth-year girl with bright blue, asks in confusion. "This news spread faster than that Rose girl killing that giant Nevermore."

The older girl doesn't seem to notice Ruby standing beside the team, but she doesn't say anything as Yatsuhashi shrugs his shoulders.

"We were studying in our rooms all day."

That's enough for the students around them to turn their attention back to Beacon Tower and the soldiers around them. And it allows for the group to talk to each other again.

"How many of them are there?" Ruby asks, still straining to see over the heads of the others.

Blake answers. "I see… twenty of them. Looks like they've formed a wall around the entrance to the tower. I can see the teachers though. They're keeping everyone back."

"They're definitely Kasrkin." Yatsuhashi says, keeping his voice low this time, forcing him to bend over slightly. "Wonder what that's about."

Fox quickly gives Coco a quick backhanded pat on the arm. "Told you those were Valkyries I could hear. You don't forget that sound."

Coco nods her head as she concedes to her partner's words before she turns to look at Ruby. "Do you see your team anywhere, Ruby?"

Wordlessly, Ruby turns her head side to side, trying to see either Yang or Weiss in the crowd of students, or even Team JNPR. But there's too many people, and she's too short! So she shakes her head. "No, I can't see anyone. There's too many people."

"Figured as much." Coco says in exasperation before she quickly clicks her fingers. "Yatsu, if you please."

The giant nods his head at the command before he quickly walks up to behind the smaller first-year. Ruby turns her head to follow the path of the giant teen, looking at him in confusion.

"What's going on?" She asks in confusion before Yatsuhashi leans down and puts his hands beneath her armpits before-

"WAH!"

Yatsuhashi quickly throws Ruby into the air, roughly ten extra feet higher than Yatsuhashi himself.

"See them?" Coco calls out when Ruby comes back down, Yatsuhashi easily catching her.

"N-no!" Ruby answers, her face red and aglow with a smile. That was fun. "I wasn't prepared for that. Do it again!"

Coco and Fox can't help but laugh at the request as Yatsuhashi throws Ruby into the air again. Even though it is fun, Ruby does make sure to scan the crowd to try and find anyone she knows. It proves easier this time as she quickly spies a large head of curly blonde hair and noticeable cowlick on top. They're quite near the front of the crowd, though a good hundred yards away from the entrance to the tower, kept at bay by the teachers and the soldiers.

"I spy Yang!" Ruby calls out, pointing a finger in her half-sister's direction. "Thataway!"

Back down easily on the ground, more thanks to Ruby's own training at Signal this time than Yatsuhashi, the group sets out through the crowd, using the giant teen as an icebreaker. As they move closer through the crowd, Ruby can't help but look at the 'Kasrkin' as Yatsuhashi called them. They were exactly like the ones that had their guns on her and Blake before, and it's not hard for Ruby to imagine others turning their guns on anyone else at a moment's notice.

"Ruby!"

Her voice being called out is all that happens before Ruby finds herself wrapped up in her sister's arms again.

"You were gone for ages! What happened?"

"We found them wandering the halls of the main building." Coco answers for Ruby. "Figured these two were playing hooky."

A loud scoff comes from Weiss. "Ruby is a lot of things, but someone who plays hooky isn't one of them."

"But what happened?" Yang asks pointedly, looking directly at Ruby, who quickly shakes her head.

"We'll tell you later, Yang." Blake answers for the younger girl. "But what happened? Why is everyone here?"

"It's pretty hard to keep news like having visitors from space visiting your school under wraps." Ren answers, Team JNPR appearing beside the reunited Team RWBY. "Once classes for everyone were over, everyone came here."

"I'm amazed people are willing to miss spaghetti and meatballs for this." Nora says in amazement as she turns to look at the tower, and the people gathered around it. "Though this is much cooler."

Someone quickly calls out. "They're coming out!"

At once, everyone's attention turns to the base of Beacon Tower. Raised just slightly higher than ground level by the steps leading up to the building, it's not hard for Ruby and the others to see the door open. Leading the way, the unmistakable form of Professor Ozpin walks out, accompanied by someone that has to work for Vale city council, someone important by what he wears.

"Wow…" Weiss breathes out in awe at the figures that follow them, and it's not hard for Ruby to see why.

The first is a woman, dressed in an elegant but archaic looking blue dress, her steps making the clothing shimmer as the sequins catch the light, and her arms, contained in cream and blue puffy sleeves, held carefully in front of her. Her skin is tanned with a well-styled quiff of black hair. Ruby can't see any other details about the woman, but her focus is easily taken away by the presence of the giant moving to stand beside the woman.

"No way…" Coco breathes out beside her, surprise filling her voice as she whispers. "What's a Space Marine doing here?"

"He's not wearing his armour." Velvet responds in confusion. "He looks… like a monk."

Ruby sees the monk comparison easily in the man's single piece of clothing. Steely grey, it's simple and very bland, but it does nothing to hide the giant's form, or the strength he has in his limbs. Ruby can easily imagine him wearing a suit of armour like how CFVY described the others wearing.

"Who are they?" Pyrrha asks in interest, though no one can answer. They just continue to watch. Watch as the group move to stand together outside of the door to Beacon Tower, all of them conversing together in inaudible words, though from body language, it looks to Ruby like the councillor is trying to apologise about something before the woman and the giant wave down his words, smiles on their faces. They watch as Professor Goodwitch and the woman from before from seemingly nowhere to the sides, the pair quickly striding over. Again, the group falls into a silent pantomime of gestures, this time with Goodwitch and Sub-Domina Vi being the centre of attention. This time, the pauses are longer and Ruby can't help but turn to look at Blake in slight trepidation, a look shared on the older teen's face. Though as she turns back, Ruby sees that the moment has passed, the Sub-Domina standing to the side quietly, her hood pulled up over her head as she stands with two other figures dressed the same, while Professor Goodwitch moves away from the group and towards the crowd.

"Oh no…" Ruby hears Blak mutter out silently while the cape-wearing Huntress swallows slightly.

'Well, this is it.' Ruby thinks to herself as she watches the professor stop. 'Bye-bye, Beacon. Nice knowing you.'

Professor Goodwitch opens her mouth as she calls out, her voice easily travelling over the crowd. "Will Team CFVY please come forward."

All eyes turn to look at the team in question, who have all frozen in place. Silence fills the world around them before, tentatively, they move forward, Coco leading the way as usual. The crowd parts before them, the team walking out steadily, though Yatsuhashi acts as a shield to the back of Velvet. Everyone waited with bated breath as the team walked towards the wall of Kasrkin, who silently and simply moved out of the way to let them pass before they climbed the steps to stand outside of the Beacon Tower. At an inaudible word from Professor Ozpin, the group moved into a line and turned to face the assembled crowd.

Everyone waited and watched as the giant man walked forward towards the team before moving past to stand in front of them.

Then he spoke.

"Harken to me, all of you gathered here now!"

Ruby almost feels herself rock backwards at the volume of the man's voice. It's like a cannon!

"I am the Herald Ordinary Antorus, of the Steel Drakes chapter of the Adeptus Astartes! Four days past, Team CFVY aided my brethren neophytes from the Tenth Company, along with the Alpha and Bravo Companies of the First Battalion of the Cadian 598th Infantry Regiment and the Kasrkin 57th Assault Battalion, in their defence of the settlement called Carterstown. They did this without prompting, unasked for and without promise of reward. They acted with courage, valour and honour in their actions.

"So today, in front of all the witnesses gathered here today, they shall be awarded the medal of the Eagle Ordinary, for acts of courage and valour in the face of the enemy."

An awed whisper passes through the crowd, mutters and gasps of amazement sounding out as a soldier steps forward, bearing a small rectangular box, opening it for the giant man to begin removing medals from the box before turning to each member of the team in turn. The view of each member of Team CFVY is obstructed by the herald's giant form, but as he moves away from each member of the team, everyone can clearly see a ribbon of blue cloth with a yellow stripe down the middle and squat, golden triangle at the bottom. Even from Ruby's distance, she can see the small looks of pride on Team CFVY's collective faces, even if Velvet keeps her head low.

An applause begins to build, but is quickly silenced as the herald raises a hand for silence.

"It is also my duty to report, that for their actions in assisting not only the neophytes of the Tenth, but also in giving assistance to the veteran warriors of Sternguard Squads Gaiun and Dassian of the vaunted First Company, my chapter master and lord, Lord Remudes, has decreed that Team CFVY be named as honoured among the Steel Drakes chapter."

The herald's hand drops down to his habit before he begins to pull out a necklace… no, a medallion, made of silver and steel on a steel chain, which he holds above his head again.

"This medallion, shall say to all that these Huntsmen are honoured among our chapter and are seen as friends and allies to me and my brethren."

Turning back to the team, the herald places the first around Coco's neck before moving to the others in turn, pulling out more medallions to give to them. At Velvet, having to lower his body down because of her height, he lingers slightly after placing the medallion around her neck. It's a short moment, but as he moves away, Ruby can see a small blush on the teenage Faunus' cheeks and a surprised smile.

Soon, all the team have been given their medallions and the herald stands to the side.

"These four stand before you as heroes!"

That's all he says and that's all it takes for the crowd to loudly applaud and cheer for the team. Quickly, Ruby and Blake are swept up in the noise, Ruby putting her fingers to her lips as she lets out a few whistles, while Blake just claps her hands.

In the joy of the medal giving, it's easy for the teen to miss the look of concern on her headmaster's face.

---

The walk to the landing pad is slower than before, with the group having to work through a throng of students just kept at bay by the stern presence of the Kasrkin guarding them, but Herald Ordinary Antorus can't help but smile warmly at the students around them.

"They are young and full of questions," He says to Professors Goodwitch and Ozpin as they sternly send some students back on their way. "At least let them be entertained to some degree."

Though it seems that some minds have been more entertained than others…

The knowledge that two of the students at this academy took it upon themselves to follow the section of the Mechanicus made for… interesting ideas, and conversation.

Once at the landing pad, the Kasrkin moving to enter their Valkyries, Professor Ozpin bows his head towards the Imperial delegation.

"I cannot express how deeply sorry I am that our talks were jeopardized by the actions of our students." The man says, honestly and earnestly. "I had expected more from my students."

The laugh that comes from Antorus' mouth is loud and joyful. "They are children, Professor Ozpin. By the Throne, I remember the trouble that I was involved in when I was a neophyte. And if you wish for more stories, I should introduce you to Brother-Sergeant Thaddeus, or the captain of the Tenth Company. They've had more than enough experience with troublesome children. And I trust to your judgement on punishing the students in question."

A sceptical look is still on Ozpin's face before he nods. Moving upright, he puts both of his hands onto his cane again. "Am I correct in assuming that you shall contact us with regards to any more developments?"

Antorus nods his head. "We shall. We have established remote lines of communication now, so it shall be easier to contact you via our hologram emitter than having to relay back and forth, though obviously, if any documents are necessary, then we shall facilitate transport."

Antorus still isn't too sure how he feels about letting the Mechanicus peons being allowed to set up that emitter in the headmaster's office, but it was a necessary thing to happen if they wanted to allow clear and easier lines of communication. It had worked too, allowing them to contact General Creed at Fort Tempest, allowing the Cadian officer to give his own thanks and comments on Team CFVY's exploits, which did much to please Professor Ozpin and Minister Gale.

It also allowed them all to sort out any issues revolving around the Cadians operating in the northern-most part of Vale. Mainly, that the Cadians were free to respond to any distress signals they encountered. Any Huntsmen operating in the area would be free to do their assigned patrols and operations, and they also would not fall under the command of the Cadian officers operating in the area, operating in a freelance role.

It allowed the Cadians to scratch their militant itch that this world seems perfectly capable of giving them, and it would not harm the political stability of the Valean council, while allowing the Huntsmen to operate as usual.

Antorus understood the logic behind it. It was essentially the same way that the Imperium would operate on worlds with minor problems they needed aid with handling. It allowed the Imperium to assert its control without jeopardizing the power structure of the world itself.

Pragmatism.

But… that was on worlds of the Imperium. And Remnant was not an Imperial world. So the balance of power was much more tenuous here.

War had to be avoided at all costs.

Allow both sides to play out their roles as needs must. Unify as and when needs must. Only attack in response to an attack, do not be the aggressor.

As the delegation finished up the minor details for the meeting and bid each other farewell and good health, a part of Antorus' mind notes that this must be how the original Legions must have felt during the Great Crusade.

Sitting back in the seats of the Aquila (since his gene-enhanced bulk, still short of being a full-fledged Astartes like his brethren, was much larger than the seats of the lander were used to), Antorus can't help the smile that comes to his face.

"That was a close call, herald." Sister Agaethe says sharply, her eyes fixed on the Steel Drake. "If it had occurred another way…"

"I will not have my chapter, our armies, drawn into a war over children being children." Antorus replies, his grey eyes narrowing in response. "It was idiocy, yes, but it will be punished as the Remnites see fit."

Turning his head, Antorus looks at Sub-Domina Vi flatly. "You could have avoided this as much as the children could."

Seated on an opposite seat, three seats down from him and accompanied by her cohorts, the skitarii says nothing as she looks at the Astartes herald. Her hood is down again, and her gaze is flat and steady before she nods. "You are correct. I miscalculated. I've never had to enter a situation where children were involved. The unknown factor was not included in my calculations, I will admit it."

Antorus can't help but narrow his eyes at the comment. To hear a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the only segment of the Imperium to hold the claim to being closest to 'perfection', admitting that they had made a mistake…

"This world is full of unknown factors that we of Forge World Nostra have not encountered before," Sub-Domina Vi continues to explain. "The essence of the motive force, one of the very fundamental understandings of the Mechanicus, is trial and error. We made an error, and we shall learn from it in the future."

His eyes are still narrowed, but Antorus' arms rise to his chest as he crosses them. "A very astute observation, Sud-Domina."

The skitarii shrugs her shoulders, the non-committal movement so alien on their frame. "This world is new and unexplored to use. The likelihood of us committing errors of any sort will only lessen the more we explore and learn. Knowledge is power."

Antorus can't fault the logic behind the Sub-Domina's words. Th uniqueness of this world is a great mystery to the Imperial fleet, and there is as much the possibility of mistakes being made as there are successes.

Such a thin line to tread.

The journey back to Fort Tempest is quick, with no aerial Grimm sighted around to cause problems. Once the transports land, the three members of the delegation retire to their own quarters to prepare their reports for their superiors.

Antorus' quarters are, like his own on the Ferro Cordis, Spartan and simple. A single cot-frame bed (which can commendably hold his weight), a desk suitable for his needs with parchment and quills ready for use, and a long-range, secure-line vox-caster with a link up the strike cruiser, the Dracon's Fang, before being relayed to the chapter's battle barge.

He activates the vox-caster now, easily tuning the machine to the right frequency.

"Herald Ordinary, seeking Captain of the Watch."

He speaks in the battle-cant of the Steel Drakes, a blending on languages from their main recruiting worlds. An extra level of security to his words.

There is a delay before the voice of Captain Jonah responds.

"Captain of the Watch receives. What news?"

"The diplomatic mission was success. My full report shall be sent to the chapter master within the hour. But… there was a breach of security."

Another delay.

"Casualties?"

"None, on either side. One skitarii guard, attached to Sub-Domina Vi of Forge World Nostra, apprehended two students from Beacon Academy that had been… following them for just under an hour. According to the local in charge of leading the group around, the skitarii would nearly have killed them if she hadn't intervened."

Antorus pauses, expecting a reply. Even with the delay, there was no answer.

"I felt it prudent that we not take umbrage with this breach of security since your position here is tenuous and Lord Remudes stressed that we not be responsible for any conflict."

There is another pause before Captain Jonah responds.

"I agree with your decision, Herald Ordinary. You made the right choice given the situation. You said that the group had been followed by two 'students', correct? Two children?"

Antorus nods his head, the gesture a reflex lost on when communication is only through audio. "Yes, Captain Jonah. Two teenagers. I do not feel that their decision was forced on them by any outside group, if that is what you wish to know."

There is silence again, the Primaris captain obviously mulling over the information given to them.

"Herald Ordinary." Captain Jonah begins. "Out of all of us, you will be the most in contact with Beacon Academy. Keep your mind to the task at hand, but also keep a mind out on these two students."

"For potential security breaches?"

"Yes. But also if they come into contact again with the members of the Mechanicus. They could prove useful."

---

It is the early morning of the sixth day after initial Imperial-Remnant contact, three days after the Imperial delegation was received in Beacon Academy in Vale. It is a quarter past four local Valean time, and the sun is just beginning to rise over the mountains and the walls of Fort Tempest.

It is not a quiet morning.

To many observers, an Imperial fortress is visually akin to a hive or a city. With the tall bastion towers, redoubts within and buildings, and the various movements of the soldiers and the activities they carry out within, it could be forgiven to view a fort as a place to live.

But a fort is not a city. It is a living organism, half-awake but ready to rouse at a moment's notice. At all times, only a portion of the fort would be asleep or in down-time. The rest, the vast majority of Cadians in Fort Tempest, would be on an alert status. Even during their physical training drills, combat and weapon drills, the sons and daughters of Cadia are always ready for a fight.

Even during their prayers. Morning, noon and evening, the soldiers of Cadia pray to the God-Emperor of Man, the Primarchs, and the Saints, to protect their souls, to strengthen their arms and spirits in battle, and to fortify their minds.

It's a constant and comforting part of Imperial life to those who experience such a life. The sight of worshippers leaving their place of worship, in this case a small chapel given for the off-duty 598th regiment, the regiment taking its place among those chosen to be off-duty, is a common sight among the fort.

"I miss Father Constantine's sermons." Trooper Reinhardt mutters out as he walks with the rest of his squad, past the doors of the chapel, earning a nod from his fellows.

The gripes about the sermons are also a constant.

"Well, what do you expect, big guy?" Sophia asks, turning her head to look at him. "The old man took such a beating against that alpha Grimm, it's near enough a miracle that he's even breathing. Throne bless the medicae and the Sister Hospitallers."

That comment earns a mutter of approval and respect from the other soldiers.

"Any idea when he'll be getting out?" Another trooper asks, a dark green beret worn over a lean face.

It's Tychos who responds. "It'll be a while yet. He needs to wait for the skin around the sockets to heal before they can give him his new augmetic limbs."

The comment earns a scoff from Sophia, the woman turning on the spot and continuing to walk backwards. "Look who's a medical expert all of a sudden. Dead eye shot, pipes like a choir boy. And he talked with a Space Marine!"

Tychos says nothing, just rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Too early for this…"

"You're a good singer…" The sleepy and small sounding voice comes from just above Reinhardt's head, making everyone look up to look at the small Faunus sitting on the top of the heavy gunner's shoulders. Perched on top of the giant of a man, little Carmen rests her head wearily against Reinhardt's field cap, the headgear being a poor substitute for a pillow.

"He is good." Reinhardt says in reply, a broad smile on his face.

"Hey, I'm good too!" Sophia calls out defensively, still walking backwards with a hurt look on her face. "Listen!"

The sound that comes from the flamer-specialists mouth is an atonal, off-key cry that makes all the soldiers of her squad stop short and cringe in discomfort, while Carmen clamps her hands over both her rabbit ears and her normal ears.

Looking at his friend as she stands there grinning happily, Tychos can only shake his head. "It is far too early for this, Sophia. And you cannot sing worth a damn."

"Don't care." The flamer specialist says simply and flatly as she looks at her friend with a cheeky grin. "Come on though. Give us a tune, Tychos."

At once, the other soldiers speak up loudly and earnestly, wanting Tychos to give them an early morning song before they head to whatever the higher ups have planned for them today. Probably more weapon drills against the Grimm. More combat operations against the Grimm were being carried out, and the new training courses began to reflect that. The focus on aimed shots at moving targets was becoming more and more routine as Beowolves and Ursa were encountered in large numbers. Nevermores were still countered with stubbers and Hydras. Can't beat the classics.

But before then… What else is there to do? And Carmen is looking at him so expectantly, her sleepy gold eyes making his resolve weak…

So, he opens his mouth and readies himself to sing… before he spots a familiar black clad figure approaching them.

"Commissar!" Tychos calls out, moving to stand to attention, forcing Sophia to spin around quickly and Reinhardt to reach up and begin to remove Carmen from his shoulders.

"Stand easy, you lot. Stand easy." Commissar Anton says as he approaches the group, waving a hand at them to stand down from attempting to be at parade. "Good thing I ran into you all. I've got new orders for you all."

The comment instantly sets Tychos on edge. Though Anton was not a commissar prone to the more hysterics famous for his rank and title, an order from a commissar was never a good thing to get.

The small smile on Anton's face says that he knows what the others are thinking. "This is from the top, not me. Though it is a bit… last minute, I will admit…"

Mutters of confusion come from the others before the commissar rallies himself quickly.

"Bravo Company of the 1st of the 598th is to return to barracks, assemble their gear and change into their dress uniforms before making their way to the main landing area for embarkation."

There's a lot of words to process in that order, but one phrase stands out above all, and it makes all the Cadian start in shock.

"Dress uniforms?!"

"Do we still have those?"

"I think mine's in my locker. Oh Throne, did I leave it in space?"

"I don't even know if mine will fit me anymore!"

The soldiers quickly descends into panicked talking among themselves, not noticing the smile that was on the commissar's face. Though the smile fell quickly as he turned his violet gaze onto the smallest, youngest and… strangest of the group.

"And… I also need to speak to Carmen. One on one."

At the mention of the Faunus child, the conversation stops and all eyes turn to look at the commissar. As for Carmen herself, the girl makes it upon herself to shrink down behind Reinhardt's head, trying to get out of Commissar Anton's sight.

"Is Carmen in trouble, commissar?" Sophia asks, concern in her voice, and Tychos instantly knows why. She's an abhuman, and he's a member of the Commissariat. The equation is simple.

Unexpectedly, Anton shakes his head. "No, no. Carmen's not in trouble. We just need to have a little talk, one to one. And I'll also make sure that she gets some breakfast while you all get your stuff together."

Anton steps forward, moving closer to Reinhardt, making the small girl shrink herself smaller in fear. Tychos isn't surprised: a commissar is an object of fear and dread among the ranks of the Imperial Guard, and he has no doubt that effect is double-fold for civilians.

Anton smiles gently at Carmen. "It's okay, little one. It'll just be a talk."

Carmen turns her gaze towards Tychos, a questioning look in her eyes. Tychos gives her a small smile in return. "It'll be alright, Carmen. Trust me."

The sentence is short, but it's enough for Carmen to pull herself upwards slightly before the gunner carrying her on his shoulders turns himself slightly towards the commissar. Reaching his hands up, Anton carefully takes the girl off Reinhardt's shoulders before setting her on the ground. Tychos knows Anton well enough, so he knows the commissar isn't going to carry Carmen around like Reinhardt and the others have done. His rank doesn't allow it. But he shows no hesitation in taking the girl's hand in one of his own as she stands next to him.

It's a very mismatched pair: the abhuman child with the large rabbit ears, dressed in a dark blue dress, standing next to the political officer all in red and black.

It makes Tychos smile, mainly at the humour of it all.

"Well?" Anton says, turning his gaze on the collection in front of him. "Gear together, dress uniforms on, main landing area of embarkation in twenty minutes. Move it!"

That snaps everyone into action as they quickly dash away, just barely managing to avoid running into each other as they move into action. Not one person looked back, because if they did, they'd have seen a smile on the commissar's face before he turned away, Carmen in tow.

---

Remnant is an entirely new world to the soldiers of the Imperium, and that fast is no more prevalent than when interacting with its people, Commissar Anton muses as he sits at his desk in the officio commissariat. By all Imperial standards, it is an imposing building; an edifice of Imperial might and majesty, dark steel and golden aquilas staring down from its six corners. Part office, part brig, all of it a military redoubt.

And that does not bother the people of Remnant one single bit, Anton muses as he eats away at the food that was his breakfast.

After the initial action at Carterstown, the Cadians have rescued two more towns from the claws of the Grimm. Each action is a learning experience. The first rescue, a fair sized town called Steelmoor, had allowed the Cadians to field Leman Russ' in the field offensively for the first time, two troops of regular and Exterminator patterns, six tanks in total, along with Kasrkin and Hellhound support, and air support. Three Russ' were lost, but the townspeople were rescued in whole and transported to Fort Tempest. The second, at a place called Riverbury, had been a more straight up infantry fight, though a Huntsman team had been able to support them, a Team CYNE. Again, the people had been evacuated without loss to their number.

The Cadian losses had been negligible.

And the people had again been remorseful about those losses, even Team CYNE. They'd held a vigil for the fallen Cadians in their own way, offering words and tokens for the lost. It was touching.

The inclusion of the two extra towns, now bringing the number of civilians up to over nine-hundred people, a number that didn't so much stretch resources for a fort that was capable of fielding a whole combined army, but it made things… interesting, for sure. The civilians had their own area, which was close to becoming a moderate sized shanty town as the ever present human need for space reared its head. Outbuildings, sheds for education and meetings were being set up by the townspeople, none of them giving a care that they were in a serious military installation. Not that some of the Cadians minded either as they ended up helping them erect some of the buildings too. There were even reports of non-sanctioned alcohol being distributed among the townspeople and the soldiers on the base, which meant that the commissariat now had a presence, small but noticeable, among the people.

Which brings Anton to his current situation, as he sits at his desk, eating his breakfast, alongside Carmen Gael-Hart, the two sharing a small cup of locally brewed tea given to the commissars by one of the Steelmoor refugees, a man of more advanced age but with a spry smile on his dark bearded face.

"This is the tea me pa always liked to drink," The man had set as he limped his way into the officio like he was strolling into the home of a friend, a cane held in one hand to help him walk and a large teapot held in another. No-one in the room had made a move to stop the man as he put the teapot on one of the desks as he continued to address the room. "Kept 'im warm and strong when 'e was on patrol at night in the town. Thought you boys and girls could use it too. As thanks."

That had only been the beginning of it, really. More people came up to them with various gifts; drinks, food, treats, even flowers. And none of the commissars were able to find it in themselves to refuse them.

It was truly odd and strange. The commissars were figures of fear on any Imperial world. Their black uniforms were a vision of the God-Emperor's military law and order made manifest. They were the iron will and the sharp lash of the Astra Militarum, with the power and edict to execute anyone from the lowest private to the highest general.

And the people of Remnant just… did not care.

Anton wasn't sure what noise he made as he bit into the fork of actual fried eggs (that was another gift from Riverbury, with a farmer managing to get a good-sized coop onto the Tetrarch Lander), but he ended up drawing the attention of the young Faunus child next to him.

"What's wrong?" The girl asks simply.

That's another example of the new oddities on Remnant. Carmen is the youngest person in the officio building by a good league, with only the cadet commissars being older than her. She is so small that, sitting on the chair given to the girl so she can sit next to Anton so they can have their breakfast, her legs dangle and kick the air idly over the side as she eats her own food. An abhuman Faunus child in a building given over fully to the commissariat.

And no-one bats an eyelid at it.

Strange times.

Anton shakes his head. "No, nothing. Just… taking it all in. Reminds me of something a teacher once told me about."

"About what?" Carmen asks, genuinely interested as she puts her knife and fork, still clutched in her hands, down.

"About a bird from ancient Terra. A bird that had, despite all of humanity's travels around the world, had never been encountered before. It showed no fear or hesitation around humans."

Carmen's face takes on a confused look as she looks at the commissar. "What happened to the bird?"

Anton tries to rack his brain on the answer, and he honestly could not remember. Honestly, why was ancient ornithology taught at the Schola Progenium anyway? He pushes the thought from his mind as he puts his cutlery down and moves the plate aside slightly, fixing the abhuman child with a simple stare. "It's not important. Carmen, I need you to answer me honestly here: has anyone in the regiment been mistreating you?"

Another confused look comes to Carmen's face as she tilts her head quizzically to the side. "Like… hurt me?"

Anton nods. "Hurt you. Been mean to you. Make you do stuff you don't want to do. Anything like that. And remember, you have to answer me honestly."

The quizzical look remains on Carmen's face as she looks down at her plate, clearly in thought before she raises it to look at Anton. "Nope."

"No-one has hurt you?"

Carmen shakes her head again. "No. Everyone has been super nice to me. They like to sit with me, talk to me about things. I even get piggy back rides a lot when they do their runs. That's fun."

Anton can't help the chuckle that comes to his throat. He remembers seeing the battalion doing their PT run and seeing Carmen bouncing along on Sophia's back, the specialist clearly using the child as a substitute for her own flamer tanks.

"I know, I've seen it. But…" Anton's smile falls quickly. "What about other people? Not Cadians, but other people in the fort. Do they give you a hard time at all?"

The quizzical look comes back, though this time, it's tinged with something sad. "Well…"

Anton doesn't say anything to rush the girl, staying silent while he leans forward, pressing his hands together. Best to let Carmen speak in her own time.

"There was one time two days ago, when I was walking with big brother, we went past the… the… the place with all the tanks?"

"The tank depot. Go on." Anton answers the question, quietly guessing what he's about to hear.

"Yeah! That's the place. So, we were walking by there and… I heard one of the workers, the men in red one-pieces, said… he called me…" The look on the young girl's face deepens in confusion as she repeats the words she heard. "A 'mutant freak'."

Anton just nods his head at the words he's been told. They weren't all that surprising to hear, it was just a matter of time to hear them.

"What… What's a mutant?" Carmen asks, taking Anton by surprise. That is an unexpected turn.

"A mutant is… Oh, how to explain this?" The commissar asks himself as he leans back in his chair slightly, raising a hand to scratch at his nose. "To us Imperials… the human form is sacred. It is a reflection of the glory of the God-Emperor and humanity's divinity in the universe that…"

Turning his head, Anton stops his talk as he sees the confused look on Carmen's face, the girl's brow furrowing heavily at his words. It honestly makes him chuckle as he moves to sit back properly on his chair.

"Basically, a mutant is a being who has… very majors to their body, through biological reasons or through… other factors of their birth." Anton softly bites his cheek as he works his way around the fact of Chaos, quickly reciting a protective benediction under his breath before he continues. "They are often… not accepted on many Imperial worlds. A lot of times, they do the nasty, dirty jobs no-one wants to. Other times… It's worse."

Looking at Carmen's reaction, Anton instantly sees it's the wrong thing to say as the girl's face pales, her eyes widen and begin to tear up slightly.

"But that's not going to happen to you!" Anton quickly and loudly assures the girl, really feeling out of place. Knowing that his outburst has drawn some eyes onto him, the commissar quickly opens up a drawer in his desk and pulls out a book. It's a small book, but thick, made from parchment and beginning to yellow slightly. But it's useful. "Because, according to the Godolkin Index, you are a two-pointer, so you're safe."

The look of worry disappears from Carmen's face and is replaced with the same confused look from before, which is still a better look for the girl. "What?"

"Basically, this guide tells us how much of a deviation a mutant has from a normal human body before they can be considered dangerous. And you are very low on that index, so you're safe."

That is a lie, Anton knows it. No two Imperial worlds are the same, and their tolerance of mutations was as different as each world. And abhumans… that was a whole different barrel of Jokaero to deal with. It didn't help that, so far, Carmen has been the only Faunus that the Cadians have rescued so far, outside of Team CFVY's Velvet and Team CYNE's Char, a Faunus of the dog variety judging by her big tail.

Even on Cadia, Anton doubts that someone like Carmen would exist at all, either as a Faunus or a human…

But this isn't Cadia. This is Carmen's home planet.

Which brings its own source of problems.

"So, apart from that man," Anton says, quickly putting down the small book and picking up a pencil as he writes a quick note on a blank sheet of paper. "Everyone in the regiment has been kind to you."

Carmen nods her head, smiling slightly and sweetly at the commissar. "Everyone has been nice."

The commissar nods his head, a smile on his face as well. Though it falls as he speaks again.

"Right. Carmen… the reason I asked you that question is because, today, there are people who are very likely going to ask you the same sort of questions I just asked."

A surprised look comes to Carmen's face.

"We're going somewhere?" She asks, earning a nod from the commissar.

"We are. Those of us who fought at Carterstown have been invited to Vale."

Carmen's face lights up in joy. "I've never been to Vale! My momma promised she'd take me…"

Instantly, the girl's voice stops as her face falls again, though this time, Anton can easily hear the sound of quiet sniffles coming from the girl. Instinctively, Anton reaches a hand out and puts it onto her head in a comforting gesture. At the touch, the girl tilts her head up slightly, looking up at the commissar's face as Anton smiles.

"I know it hurts. But you'll be with us Cadians the whole time. We all know loss, just like yours. You're not alone with us."

It's not a lot, but the words are heartfelt, just as heartfelt as any extolling cries that Anton has called out during his years of service, and it's enough to make Carmen smile, though her eyes are still wet with tears.

"Come on," Anton says, taking his hand off her head and picking up his cutlery again. "Let's finish up our breakfast and then we'll get you ready for today."

Nodding her head quickly, bringing a hand up to wipe at her eyes, Carmen quickly began to tuck into her food again, Anton swiftly joining her.

It was such a weird thing to do, but it felt… normal.

Strange times.

---

Fifteen minutes later, the assembled soldiers of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion of the 598th Cadian regiment are standing at the main landing pad, standing at parade rest on the ground underneath the large platforms. Each one is wearing their parade dress, a dark khaki, double-breasted jacket with thick red piping at the cuff and neck. It honestly is not much different to their regular combat uniform, Captain Fidor Thade knows, but that's how Cadians work: utilitarian and functional in a combat zone. The epitome of military fashion and form, further enhanced by the lasrifles held at their sides by their barrels, buttstocks against the ground.

Though, as he walks along the assembled front of his company, giving a quick inspection, Fidor thinks with a smile that more than one soldier has had to switch their uniform with another person that would fit. It has been a good long while since they've had a proper parade at least. Trooper Reinhardt looks worried that his uniform will burst at the seams if he moves.

"How long until our guests arrive, my lord?" Fidor asks the towering diplomat beside him, lifting his head to look at the Steel Drakes Herald Ordinary.

"In roughly five minutes, Captain Thade." Herald Antorus says, his deep voice rolling easily. "Their transports are slower than ours, but they stressed that it will be a comfortable ride."

Fidor nods his head in understanding, though it still sits uneasy with him. Cadians don't do comfort. The most comfortable they might be able to get is using an actual bedroll as a pillow instead of a sandbag or a helmet. Even on Cadia, comfort was… it wasn't even a secondary concern, or tertiary. Form and function was all that important when designing the buildings of the kasrs on Cadia.

So to be given something of comfort as a reward? No, that was strange.

But, it was the general's orders and you can't go against a general.

So, here the Cadians wait, standing at perfect parade ground order, assembled by squads, platoons and company. The gaps have been refilled with soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, allowing the company to stand at full strength again, along with Alpha Company and the Kasrkin who fought alongside them. Though why they weren't being told to muster for this whole thing, Fidor doesn't know.

Fidor senses politics at work, and he is no fan of politics, especially where his soldiers are concerned.

But, there is nothing else the man can do except wait for the transport to arrive. Which gives time for Antorus to talk to him.

"I must ask, captain, since I was not present for the meeting, but… why has the young child not been given to her own people to look after her?"

Of course, the discussion about Carmen would come up. And it's not surprising since she is currently standing with the platoon command of First Platoon, currently being kept busy by Lieutenant Deckard and her staff. It's not hard to do, since it's basically the girl being shown how to stand at the various parade positions, so it keeps her busy and active. Though it is strange to see an abhuman child with large rabbit ears in a blue dress moving between parade attention and parade rest. Even the black-clad form of Commissar Anton next to her does nothing to detract from the sight.

"The situation is… complicated, my lord." Fidor replies simply as he comes to stop next to his own command squad. "Out of all the civilians we have rescued, none have been Faunus, such as what young Carmen is. And, well… she's grown on us, my lord. I mean, look at her."

Fidor turns his head, the Herald Ordinary following his sight, just in time to see Carmen stamp her feet together in parade attention, her hands flat down at her sides and her head held high. It's a strange sight to see, but Fidor can't help but smile slightly at it, neither can the soldiers around her. None of the smiles are ones of derision or humour.

"She fits in quite well." Fidor says simply. "But… if we're going to the capital of this region, I will see to it if we can find some relatives of hers, if there are any."

Antorus nods his head in understanding. "Very apt decision, Captain Thade. Now… I think our transport is here."

The herald turns his head away from the direction of the Cadians, and Fidor turns his to follow. Instinctively, the man's mouth drops open slightly at what he sees approaching from the south over the fort's walls and bastion towers.

It is the biggest ornithopter that Fidor Thade has ever seen. It easily rivals a Tetrarch Lander for sheer size, though the shape is much more pleasing on the eye. It actually looks more like a sea-going vessel than an aircraft, with a wide and rounded prow and its grey and white colour scheme. The large fins at the sides definitely lend it an aquatic air to it. At a quick glance, Fidor quickly sees that it's not a combat craft, definitely a passenger carrier, though it wouldn't take much work to change it into an aerial gunship.

As the craft coasts over the wall, Fidor watches it glide almost in a stately fashion, and he notes that there is no overbearing noise that would normally be heard from such a craft of its size.

'Throne, better keep the cogboys away from this.' Fidor thinks to himself as the craft makes it away across the space of the fort towards the designated landing zone, a raised platform large enough to fit two Baneblades stands ready above the ground, with naval crews indicating the approach with light batons towards the pad. The craft is one of the largest Remnite vehicles that the Imperials have seen so far, and Fidor knows that the techpriests would be clamouring to get a look inside this thing.

The aircraft begins to descend to the pad, a graceful and controlled descent, the pilots doing an expert job of controlling the giant machine. The wings at the sides begin to fold inwards against the hull of the aircraft, prow fins first followed by those at the stern, as the ship moves down to beside the platform. Fidor can't see any landing struts or gear being deployed, meaning this was going to be a quick pick up and go.

Antorus speaks up. "Let us head up, captain. I don't think we need the colours for this."

Fidor nods his head before he and the herald move towards the landing pad. The access ramp is a simple and gentle slope, one the Cadian officer and the Astartes herald climb easily, letting them see the flank of the airship, if Fidor has to give it a name, easily and the Cadian is surprised to see a large access ramp in the side down flush with the landing platform. The profile also allows Fidor to see some of the engines used to keep the machine in flight.

"Professor Goodwitch! Good morning to you." Antorus suddenly calls out warmly, as he continues to walk across the landing pad towards the aircraft, drawing Fidor's eyes back to the open access ramp. There, he sees a woman, with short blonde hair and a very professional outfit, standing next to a man with a wild shock of green hair and a dishevelled outfit, neither of them he knows. But he smiles warmly as he sees the four figures standing next to the adults, especially at the medals and the medallions they all wear proudly.

"Good morning, Captain Thade!" Huntress Coco Adel calls out warmly and happily, a toothy smile on her face, a look almost fully shared by her team as they stand next to each other. "And Herald… Antorus, right? Sorry, but you Imperials have a lot of strange names."

Fidor can't help but chuckle at the comment. "I could say the same about you Remnites, Miss Coco."

Again, Coco flashes a toothy smile at the Cadian before the pair step forward and grasp hands again.

"It's good to see you again, captain." The giant teen, Yatsuhashi speaks up, smiling softly.

Fidor opens his mouth to return the comment before he is suddenly confronted with a pair of bottle-lens glasses underneath a shock of green hair, and a mouth running faster than a heavy stubber on full auto.

"This a remarkable exchange of camaraderie to exist with our two cultures! Such a display of amity and friendship from two fire-forged friends is wonderful to witness!"

Fidor can only blink in confusion and surprise at the man now standing in front of him. The man has literally just appeared in front of the captain's face, faster than he could process, and from Fidor's peripheral view, he knows that Antorus was taken aback too.

"I… I'm sorry, sir, but I did not catch any of…"

"You are clearly on friendly terms with Team CFVY," The glasses wearing man says quickly, just a fraction slower than his first outburst. "A second-year team that you fought alongside. I may not have known the particulars of the action, but I can see from how militaristic your people are that you truly value strength of arms as a sign of respect."

Now that is something that Fidor catches and he smiles disarmingly at the man. "They performed exceptionally well, and without responding to a call for aid or reward. We Cadians respect that, sir…?"

The blonde woman steps forward, a look of annoyance on her face. "My apologies for the lack of introductions, captain. I am Professor Glynda Goodwitch, assistant headmaster of Beacon Academy. This is Doctor Bartholemew Oobleck, professor of history at Beacon. Obviously, you know Team CFVY."

As Professor Goodwitch speaks, Fidor casts his eyes over the woman, taking stock of her. Though her outfit nearly matches some of the pinups he's seen in his time of supposed female members of the commissariat, the woman composes herself with an air of respect and elegance of a professional lady, while all that covers an undertone of well controlled strength. So the captain gives her a respectful nod.

The man on the other hand… is a mess. The doctor is dishevelled, with a crooked and loose tie, his shirt open at the neck and one portion tucked out of his trousers. Fidor's nose picks up the smell of high strength recaff emanating from the man almost like he swam in it, which more than explains the man's quick speech pattern along with his speed. If it was anyone else, Fidor would easily dismiss the man as a fool high on stimms, but if he comes from Beacon Academy?

The captain nods his head respectfully. "A pleasure to meet you, Professor Oobleck."

"Doctor!" The man calls out brusquely. "I didn't do all that work on my PhD for nothing! … But you are from a different society than us, so the mistake is an acceptable one. Apologies if my outburst offended you."

Fidor blinks slightly at the man before, with a bemused smile, he shrugs his shoulders. "Not in the slightest, sir."

'Yeah, let's keep this one away from the recaff.' The captain thinks to himself before he turns to look at Professor Goodwitch. "Ma'am, would you be open to making a quick inspection of the company before we head out?"

The woman is silent for a few seconds before she nods her head once. "I would be open to that. I do also think that allowing them to see Team CFVY again would be a good sign."

"Is Carmen still around?" Velvet asks hopefully, though from the tone of her voice, she is still not fully awake, and it makes Fidor chuckle.

"She's still here. She's not left us since we got back. Come on, this way."

The group moves away from the docked airship and down the ramp, letting them see the assembled company come to stand at attention, the sound of over a hundred feet stamp together in unison at the shouted command from First Lieutenant Deckard.

"Hmm…" Prof-Doctor Oobleck notes as he adjusts his glasses slightly. "If I was unaware, I would say that these soldiers were from Atlas, though the manufacturing and quality of their uniforms is of a substantially different design and make. But the similarities are there."

"I would have to see these Atlas soldiers to say whether I agree with you or not, Doctor." Fidor says simply, his interest piqued by the mention of another professional army on this world. "But assure you; Cadians are regarded as second to none, save for the vaunted Astartes."

Beside, Fidor hears a small chuckle from the Steel Drakes herald, but no-one says anything as he leads the group towards the assembled company. As they walk, Fidor gives a short explanation of how each Cadian infantry regiment is assembled, their structure of units and officers, how each company can be differentiated by their colours or emblems present on uniforms. The 598th is as bog standard an infantry regiment as they come on Cadia, though the split between the first and second battalion allows them to not worry too much about filling empty slots on the roster after casualties and losses from combat. He introduces the group to the junior officers of the company, naming them and citing some of the notable deeds that earned them the medals that they wore hanging from their armour, while also giving a quick explanation for the presence of a commissar in the company and his role. He also has them note the various specializations of the troops under his command, the flamer specialists with their small icon of flame on their armour or the marksmen with their bottle green lanyard attached to their right shoulder pad.

It makes for an interesting few minutes for Fidor to explain the workings of a Cadian regiment to people who are clearly interested in it.

Though some of the guests are more interested in the more unusual element of the regiment, as Fidor sees Coco carrying Carmen in one of her arms easily as they walk along the line.

"It is gratifying to see that you are willing to aid those in need." Doctor Oobleck says happily, a smile on his face. "Especially for a Faunus child."

Fidor doesn't really know the full extent of how this world treats abhumans, but the doctor's words give him an inkling. So he just smiles and nods. "It was the right thing to do."

"Captain Thade." Commissar Anton says, cutting into the discussion as he holds a time-piece in his hand. "I'm afraid that we should be off by now."

"Yes, the commissar is right, captain." Antorus says quickly, turning to the Beacon group. "If you would all accompany me to the landing pad, we shall let the company prepare to embark, and you might be able to witness some of the Cadian pageantry, even on a small scale."

Fidor nods his head at the idea before he looks at Team CFVY. "Miss Coco, please keep Carmen with you until we are all onboard. It just makes things easier."

The Huntress nods head as she and the others move up the ramp to the landing pad proper. It's a good thing it's so early in the morning since Carmen doesn't protest too much.

But, that's secondary now as old habits fall into place. Easily and quickly, Captain Fidor Thade spins on the spot to face the soldiers under his command. They are all standing straighter now.

"Company! Shoulder… arms!"

The sound of over a hundred men and women picking their rifles up, taking them in hand and then putting them against their left shoulder fills their air in a synchronized cacophony of hands slapping metal.

"Company! Right face!"

As one, the soldiers spin to the right, with 1st Platoon starting at the right end of a column. Without a word, Fidor's command squad has moved to stand at the front of the line, Captain Fidor moving to join them. The company colours, set fast on a new metal pole, fly in the early morning sun clearly and proudly.

"Forward!... March!"

There are no drums, no instruments. No band to mark them off by time, but that doesn't matter to the Cadians of Bravo Company, 1st of the 598th. Their skill and professionalism is all they need to keep their march orderly, even as they execute a tight turn to spin the column around and up the ramp to the landing pad proper. Their feet stamp out a steady tattoo across the ground, the sound changing in timbre as it moves from the earth to the metal of the ramp and the company climbs onto the landing platform towards the waiting airship.

Quickly, Fidor sees Herald Antorus standing with Team CFVY and the two Beacon professors to the side, on the right of the marching column.

An idea forms into the captain's mind and he makes a quick decision.

"Company!" He calls out, still leading the march. "Eyes… right!"

The soldiers in the parade snap their heads to the right, Fidor doing the same even as he raises his hand to his head in a salute as the company passes the Beacon delegation. As they do, Fidor sees a look of amused bewilderment come to the group's faces, especially Herald Antorus. And why wouldn't they? To give such a command, a compliment of the march, to a group not made of Imperial dignitaries and officials, was highly unusual. But for the group that saved their skin from a horrible death, and fought beside them right up almost to a horrible end?

It is the least Team CFVY deserves.

After the order is given to face front again, the Cadians easily move into the boarding ramp of the airship. Inside, they find themselves being directed by men and women dressed in clean white and grey uniforms, all of them looking quite bewildered and confused by the turn, though they are professional as they have the Cadians enter various seating areas for them to prepare for the journey. There's just enough space for them all to sit in something very comfortable and light filled.

Soon, the Cadians are joined by the Beacon delegation and Herald Antorus, the access ramp closing behind them before Professor Goodwitch speaks into her personal scroll. Steadily, and near silently, the airship begins to lift, just as a voice fills the air from speakers.

"This is the captain speaking. As members of the Valean commercial air travel service, we welcome up aboard this Humpback flight to Beacon Academy. Flight time will be roughly seven hours, so please sit back and enjoy the flight."

Out of the windows, the Cadians can see the large expanse of Fort Tempest shift and turn as the airship moves to a new heading, in the direction it came from, from Vale, as it climbs higher into the sky above the ground.

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AN: I thought I could get this done earlier, but I guess not. This ended up running away from me, at 51 pages long. Hoo-boy. This was long.

Honestly, I am on the fence on the quality of this chapter. Some parts I could have done better I feel. One part I DEFINITELY could have done better, since it did cause some contention on Space Battles, and rightly so. If you know which part I'm talking about, be aware that if you have any criticism for it, I share it too. I could have done better, but I didn't know how to do better, that's the problem. So I'll just work to do better next time.

As usual, leave a review if you liked it. If you really liked it, please support me on at Ciaran's Curios.