Author's Note: Apparently the PM system wasn't working last week. But I still received many PMs with suggestions. Once again, I'll be doing a comedy.
At the VPD precinct, Sergeant Qrow was arguing with a trio of officers
"I don't like it anymore than you do, Branwen, but listen-"
"You listen, you asshole!" Qrow interrupted grabbing Kaplan by the collar. "You're talking about shutting down a major metropolitan police force!"
Glynda Goodwitch stepped in as Qrow continued chewing out Kaplan.
"Without cops, this city would tear itself apart!" Qrow emphasized his point by shoving Kaplan back.
"He's right. If the cops go on strike, Vale would become an even bigger shithole," Qrow agreed with his counterpart.
But Kaplan wasn't finished. "The union thinks you should know there was a strike vote last night."
"We lost five guys last week!" officer Manson added.
"We're getting creamed out there, Branwen!" officer Starkweather said.
Glynda observed the argument, unsure whether or not to weigh in.
"The officers also have valid reasons. With such high fatality rates, they have every right to protest," Glynda said on her counterparts behalf.
"It's all thanks to OCP's incompetence and privatization of the police force," Ironwood added, knowing that allowing corporate management of law enforcement was a recipe for disaster.
Just then, Robocop stepped into the precinct with a handcuffed Roman in tow. Everyone watched dumbstruck as Robocop approached the front desk and shoved Roman towards it.
"That'll definitely boost police morale," Yang remarked with a smile.
"He still has to take down Watts," Weiss reminded, sipping a glass of iced tea.
"That should be easier than taking down Roman," Ren said expectantly.
"Book him," Robocop instructed Qrow as he turned to leave.
"What's the charge," Qrow asked.
Robocop paused and turned around. "He's a cop killer."
"Among many other offenses," Penny said, remembering Romans rap sheet from the VPD database.
"He's got a laundry list of crimes a mile long. And now he's going to pay for them," Coco said, glad Roman was finally in custody.
Robocop departed from the precinct while Roman contemptuously spat blood on some papers on Qrow's desk
"Just give me my fucking phone call," Roman sneered.
Glynda watched Robocop leave with a look of concern.
It was early evening as Robocop sped towards downtown Vale in his cruiser. OCP headquarters loomed in the distance.
"Now it's time for him to confront Watts," Neptune said with anticipation.
On the top floor of OCP HQ, Watts was speaking on the phone while seated at his desk.
"I understand," Watts said. "Look, a lawyer will have you out in 24 hours."
"Wait what?!" Ruby gasped. "After all that work Robocop did?"
"He better not be talking to Roman," Yang snarled.
"Don't worry, girls," Qrow assured his nieces. "Once Watts' crimes are brought to light, he'll be unable to cover Roman's ass anymore."
"Just don't say anything else," Watts continued, then paused. "Monty, you really screwed up."
Watts hung up and picked up a GPS device showing Robocops current location. It was right outside OCP headquarters.
"Wait, why does he have that GPS?" Oobleck questioned with an arched brow.
"Something's fishy here. And I'm not referring to Ms. Belladonnas sandwich," Ozpin said, stroking his chin in suspicion.
Blake just shrugged as she enjoyed her tuna sandwich.
Robocop arrived at OCP headquarters and quickly drove down into the parking garage. His car screeched to a stop, narrowly missing a trio of suits, then he got out.
Robocop marched straight into the building. He passed a group of startled suits who made way for him as he stepped into the elevator, which ascended slowly towards the top floor.
Watts calmly sat back in his office with the GPS still in hand. A slight smirk was on his face.
"He's awfully smug for someone facing serious criminal charges," Winter noted apprehensively.
"It's likely he knows something we don't," Ironwood agreed with Winter.
Cut to a Robovision POV as the cyborg stepped off the elevator and strolled towards Watt's office. The following command appeared: Playback: Roman Torchwick. The earlier recording of a bloodied Roman at the drug factory appeared. "I work for Arthur Watts! Arthur Watts!"
Watts drummed his fingers on his desk as he waited for Robocop.
Robocop turned one last corner as his recording of Roman resumed.
"He's the number two guy at OCP! OCP runs the cops!"
Watts pressed a button on his desk, opening a double set of doors for Robocop to enter. The cyborg strolled right inside.
"Come in, officer," Watts said hospitably. "I don't usually see anyone without an appointment. But in your case, I'll make an exception."
"He's just letting him walk straight in," Nora pointed out.
"This feels like a trap to me," Ren said cautiously.
"You are under arrest," Robocop declared flatly as the doors closed behind him.
Watts calmly clasped his hands over his desk. "Oh? On what charge?"
"Aiding and abetting a known felon."
Via Robovision, 'Penal code violation c.6 sec 148' appeared.
"Sounds like I'm in a lot of trouble," Watts said in feigned surrender as he extended his wrists so Robocop could handcuff him.
"He definitely knows something," Pyrrha pointed out.
"Yeah, but what is it?" Jaune wondered aloud.
Penny's eyes widened in realization as she remembered Robocops 'Directive 4' being classified.
"You better take me in," Watts said with a smirk.
"I will," Robocop replied as he approached the smiling executive.
An alarm sounded as 'Product violation' blinked on Robocops' POV. There was a flash of static.
Robocop stopped in his tracks, twitching. It was as if he'd lost control of his body.
"Huh? What's happening?" Ruby questioned anxiously.
"What did Watts do to him?" Yang said angrily.
"What does that mean 'product violation'?" Blake asked, knowing the answer couldn't be good.
Watts' smirk broadened as more static appeared on Robocop's POV, as did 'Directive 4'.
Watts lowered his hands and chuckled as Robocop continued to shake uncontrollably.
"What's the matter, officer?" Watts asked mockingly as he circled around his desk.
Robocop groaned as he fell to his knees. Watts sat on the corner of his desk just out of Robocop's reach.
"I'll tell you what's the matter. It's a little insurance policy called 'Directive 4," Watts answered.
"What?! He knows about Robocops directives?" Qrow barked.
"So Watts secretly played a part in the Robocop program after all," Glynda said.
"I knew it had something to do with that," Penny said, occasionally hating it when she was correct.
"My little contribution to your psychological profile. Any attempt to arrest a senior officer of OCP results in shutdown," Watts continued as Robocop tilted to the side, nearly falling over.
"As much as it pains me to admit, that's a cunning failsafe," Ironwood conceded.
"It would ensure Robocop could never be turned against Watts or anyone else in the OCP," Winter added.
"No wonder it was classified," Velvet said.
Penny fidgeted nervously, wondering if Atlas had given her any similar programming.
Robocop struggled to grab Watts as he got up and circled around the cyborg.
"What did you think? That you were an ordinary police officer?" Watts scoffed. "You're our product. And we can't very well have our products turning against us, can we?"
Robocop strained to draw his Auto-9 from his holster.
"Come on, dad! Fight it!" Ruby urged.
"You gotta take him down!" Yang added.
"Ah, still a little fight left in you," Watts complimented as he pulled a remote control out of his pocket.
Robocop's Auto-9 slipped out of his grasp. The shutdown protocol was too strong.
"Maybe you'd like to meet a friend of mine," Watts said as he pressed a button on the remote.
A large, darkened doorway opened behind Watts. Out of it stepped ED-209, illuminated by an overhead set of lights.
"Uh-oh," Sun mumbled.
"You were right, Ren. It was a trap," Pyrrha said.
"Time for a robot fight," Nora said, both excited and concerned for Robocop.
"I killed Albert Merlot because he made a mistake," Watts stated. "And now it's time to erase that mistake."
ED-209 lumbered towards Robocop as the latter managed to crawl back to his feet.
ED-209 growled as it released a burst of autocannon fire, hitting Robocop in the chest. The cyborg was sent flying back and crashing through the double doors he'd entered through. Watts watched eagerly as ED-209 followed Robocop.
Many audience members winced as the previously indestructible Robocop was easily sent sailing by ED-209.
"This isn't looking good," Neptune said dreadfully.
"I hate to say it, but without a weapon, I don't think he can take ED-209," Ren said.
Robocop, now smoldering with visible damage on his chestplate, got back up. The advancing ED-209 drew back one of it's bulky arms and swung, hitting Robocop in the face. Robocop was sent sailing through the air again and crashed through a nearby window.
Everyone looked worried for Robocop, especially Yang and Ruby.
"Do you think Robocop can win?" Velvet asked fretfully.
"Well, on one hand, Robocop is smarter, faster, and more versatile. On the other, ED-209 is stronger and more heavily armed," Penny observed, knowing Robocop was outmatched in this scenario.
From the shattered doorway, Watts confidently watched the battle unfold.
Robocop sat up, his visor damaged and exposing one of his human eyes underneath. He gazed up as ED-209 loomed over him, it's right autocannon aimed only inches from his face to finish the job.
Regaining his strength, Robocop quickly grabbed the left autocannon and twisted with all his might as it fired. He forced it's aim at ED-209's own left arm, blowing it off.
Watts quickly returned to his desk.
Yang and Ruby cheered at their fathers second wind, as did other audience members.
"Yeah, dad! Way to disarm that hunk of junk!" Yang joked.
Some audience members groaned at Yang's pun while others continued cheering for Robocop.
ED-209 shuddered from the damage it just received as Robocop took the opportunity to retreat down the hallway.
With it's remaining arm, ED-209 launched a missile that narrowly missed Robocop. It struck a nearby wall, the ensuing explosion sent Robocop flying off his feet.
Robocop quickly got back to his feet as ED-209 launched several more missiles that barely missed the fleeing cyborg and blew debris all over the hallway.
"Put Lieutenant Ironwood on the line. There's trouble in the tower!" Watts shouted urgently.
Winter groaned. "Oh, great. He's calling for backup."
"No surprise. OCP owns the cops after all," Port said in exasperation.
ED-209 fired it's autocannon as it pursued Robocop down the hallway. The cyborg barreled through a set of double doors to the buildings stairwell and descended quickly.
ED-209 followed Robocop, barely fitting through the door. Then it hesitated to follow at the top of the stairs.
Coco laughed and pointed at the screen. "It's too big to climb stairs."
"That monstrosity is even more faulty than the Atlesian Paladin prototypes," Ironwood scoffed.
Robocop risked a glance back as ED-209 struggled to take its first step on the comparatively tiny steps, growling in frustration. It placed it's foot down, then slipped and tumbled down the stairs with a crash.
Robocop took the chance to escape as ED-209 squealed like a pig as it flailed about helplessly on it's back, unable to get up.
Many audience members laughed at the stumped ED-209.
"Is it making pig sounds?" Nora said in between laughs.
"Why would they program it to emit those noises?" Oobleck chuckled.
"That's just pitiful," Weiss said with a grin.
"And hilarious," Yang said after catching her breath from laughing.
Robocop staggered down the stairwell until he finally reached the ground floor. He stepped back out into the parking garage.
Suddenly, a row of searchlights switched on and fixed on Robocop. The cyborg stumbled ahead, looking around in confusion.
"Oh no," Velvet said.
"The cops sure got there fast," Sun said, surprised.
"Well, Robocop did just walk down a lot of stairs back to the ground floor," Neptune said, remembering how tall OCP tower was.
A barricade of VPD police cruisers had been set up in the garage and encircled Robocop.
"Prepare to fire," Lieutenant Ironwood's voice blared over a bullhorn.
"What the hell, Jimmy?!" Qrow yelled at Ironwood.
"That isn't me, you drunk," Ironwood replied defensively.
A chorus of gun cocks echoed on Ironwoods order as around twenty SWAT officers took aim at Robocop.
"Hey, wait a second!" Kaplan shouted.
"He's a cop, for Oum's sakes!" Manson argued.
"Ironwood! You can't do that!" Glynda protested.
"We have orders to destroy it!" Ironwood retorted.
"No, you can't!" Ruby cried out in shock.
Yang and Qrow glared at Ironwood.
"Unfortunately, OCP owns the cops. Disobeying them would at least get me fired," Ironwood reasoned, not liking his counterparts decision.
"Or possibly have Roman's gang unleashed on him," Winter added in defense of her commander.
"Oh, shit!" Kaplan hissed as he walked off.
"You're maniacs!" Manson shouted, joining Kaplan.
"Fire at will!" Ironwood ordered on the bullhorn.
The SWAT officers opened up with pistol, shotgun, and SMG fire. Robocop staggered from the sheer volume of gunfire, trying to shield his face with his hands.
Ruby and Yang gasped in terror, reminded of Taiyang being killed earlier by Roman's gang.
"The poor guy can't catch a break," Neptune said.
"No, no. Not again," Glynda whispered.
"Would you do the same, general?" Penny asked warily.
Ironwood paused before sighing with contrite. "I'd hate to, after Robocops outstanding service to Vale. But sadly, orders are orders."
"Mindless tool," Qrow muttered under his breath, gripping his flask.
"Move in!" Ironwood commanded.
The SWAT officers advanced towards Robocop. The disoriented cyborg tried to flee as he was peppered with bullets.
The SWAT team chased Robocop through the garage and kept firing until he finally collapsed to his knees. He crawled away as he was mercilessly sprayed with gunfire.
Ruby began to tear up again at the scene. Yang tenderly put her hand over her sisters and cast a hidden glare towards Ironwood.
The rest of the audience gazed pitiably as the helpless Robocop was hammered with gunfire.
Qrow burned holes into Ironwood as the general lowered his gaze in shame for his counterparts actions.
Finally, Robocop reached a cable barrier on the edge of the garage and threw himself over it. He fell to the next level of the garage while the SWAT team continued shooting at him.
Robocop desperately rolled under another cable fence and landed on the next level down. A police cruiser pulled up in front of him. Out of the car stepped Glynda.
"All right!" Nora cheered with a raised fist.
"Ms. Goodwitch to the rescue!" Ruby hollered.
"I knew she'd come through for him," Ozpin said, proud of Glynda.
Glynda herself breathed out with a smile, relieved she was able to save Taiyang this time.
Glynda approached the badly damaged Robocop. "Xiao Long! Xiao Long, it's me. Goodwitch!"
Robocop gaped at Glynda as he reached up to her. She took his hand and slung his arm over her shoulder as she helped him into the police cruiser.
Just then, the SWAT team arrived on the floor Glynda and Robocop were on.
One of them spotted the pair. "Lieutenant! Level 3, level 3! He's on level 3!"
"Open fire!" Ironwood ordered.
Ironwood gaped at his counterpart ordering his men to fire upon Glynda.
"It's all right, James. It's not the real you," Glynda assured.
Ironwood gave Glynda a grateful nod.
Glynda quickly hopped behind the wheel and floored the police car out of the garage as the SWAT team fired at her.
Cut to a huge stop-motion dinosaur running amuck in Vale. People screamed and ran for their lives as it stomped down the street.
"Whoa! What's this?" Jaune said in surprise.
"Probably another commercial," Pyrrha assumed, sipping a soda.
"It's back," an announcer said.
The dinosaurs eyes suddenly bugged out at something off screen.
The next camera shot showed a giant luxury four-door sedan. The dinosaur timidly backed out of the shot.
"Big is back, because bigger is better. 6000 VUX," The announced said.
"Pretty sweet car," Coco complimented, lowering her shades for a clearer view.
Yang nodded with a smile. "I prefer motorcycles, but you're right."
Next up was a news report with Bolin Hori and Arslan Atlan sitting side by side at a desk.
"Good evening. I'm Bolin Hori with Arslan Atlan. Top story, Mantle. 10,000 acres of wooded residential land were scorched in an instant when a laser cannon aboard the Atlas strategic peace platform misfired today during routine start-up tests," Arslan reported.
A screen between the two anchors showed the Atlesian peace platform unleashing a barrage of laser fire upon Remnant, and the resulting destruction involving destroyed buildings and burning forests.
"10,000 acres?" Velvet gasped at the destruction.
"Why would a peace platform have laser cannons?" Penny asked in confusion.
"I suppose that's 'peace' with quotes around it," Sun answered, eating a banana.
"Yes, it was a day of mourning for the families of 113 people known dead at this hour, among them, a former Atlas council member who had retired in the Mantle area. A day of mourning for a kingdom," Bolin concluded the report.
The incidents numerous casualties were shown being treated by paramedics.
Ironwood facepalmed with a deep groan at the death toll.
"It looks like the Atlesian space program isn't as good as I hoped," Winter sighed in disappointment.
"If we ever make it to space, I hope no similar accidents occur," Oobleck said.
"Police union representatives and OCP continue negotiations today in hopes of averting a citywide strike by police, scheduled to begin tomorrow at midnight. Lisa Lavender has more," Arslan reported.
Cut to Lisa Lavender live on the streets of Vale.
"They're still on duty, but what about tomorrow? That's the question we put to people in the crime-plagued Vale area."
Lisa approached a male pedestrian standing on a nearby sidewalk.
"They're public servants. They got job security. They're not supposed to strike," the man said.
"He wouldn't be saying that if he knew how bad the cops had it," Port said angrily.
Cut to another interview with a homeless, long haired man who seemed a bit unstable.
"It's a free society, except there ain't nothin' free 'cause there's no guarantees, you know? You're on your own. It's the law of the jungle."
"What does he mean by that?" Ruby asked curiously.
"He means the VPD can't be counted on anymore and the cities about to turn into a warzone," Ozpin said with concern.
"He's right. Soon it'll be every man for himself," Blake added, dreading the approaching chaos.
Back at OCP headquarters, a maintenance crew was cleaning up the mess leftover from Robocop's battle with ED-209. Roman walked in wearing a white suit and chewing some gum.
The workers ignored Roman as he waltzed in, chatting amongst themselves.
"Excuse me, please."
"They must be remodeling."
Roman approached a receptionist stationed outside Watts' office.
"Hiya, Barbara. Listen, I'm here to see Dick Jones," Roman said.
Roman picked up Barbara's name plate and stuck his gum onto it, much to her annoyance.
"But when I'm done, I've got some free time. Maybe you could fit me in," Roman said suggestively.
"Gross!" Coco and Yang said together.
"He's as bad as Neptune," Sun said teasingly.
"Hey! I'm not that bad!"" Neptune shouted indignantly.
Weiss held back a giggle at Neptune's expense.
Roman lit a cigar as Barbara gave him a deadpan look, unimpressed by his sleazy flirting.
"He's expecting you, Mr. Boddicker," Barbara said dully.
Roman smirked and walked along. "You can keep the gum."
Roman slipped into Watts' office and closed the recently replaced double doors behind him.
"Hey, Arty-boy. How's tricks?" Roman said with a grin as he swaggered inside.
"That thing is still alive," Watts said offscreen.
"That 'thing' is going to kick both your butts!" Ruby said
"Right on, sis," Yang said, giving Ruby a thumbs up.
Blake and Weiss nodded in approval
Roman puffed his cigar still grinning. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Watts was sitting at his desk. "The police officer who arrested you, the one you spilled your guts to."
Roman's smile turned to annoyance as he sat on Watts' desk and leaned forward to show his scars.
"Hey. Take a look at my face, Arthur," Roman sneered. "He was trying to kill me."
"Too bad he didn't succeed," Coco remarked.
"Roman never looked better," Velvet joked, eliciting snickers from the audience.
Watts slammed his fist as he stood up angrily. "He's a cyborg, you idiot! He recorded every word you said. His memory's admissible as evidence."
"That's true. Anything a perp says to a cop can be used against them in court," Ren said.
"So if Robocop gets in contact with the right people, he can expose Watts' murder of Merlot," Ozpin said in realization.
"That's why you should keep your mouth shut until your lawyer shows up," Qrow said.
"You involved me!" Watts scolded.
Roman stared impassively at Watts, exhaling cigar smoke through his nostrils.
Watts simmered down. "You're gonna have to kill it."
"Well, listen, chief," Roman sneered as he stood up and approached Watts. "Your company built the fucking thing. Now I got to deal with it?! I don't have time for this bullshit!"
Roman headed for the door to leave while Watts sat down on a leather couch.
"Suit yourself, Roman. But New Vale begins construction in two months. That's 2 million workers living in trailers."
Roman stopped in his tracks just outside the door.
"That means drugs, gambling, prostitution," Watts continued cogently. "Virgin territory for the man who knows how to open up new markets. One man could control it all, Roman."
"That slimy corporate bastard!" Qrow shouted, slamming his fist on the armrest of his seat.
Glynda shook her head in disgust. "He'd secretly help Roman expand his criminal empire to get rid of Robocop."
"And deceitfully increase demand for ED-209 to serve as law enforcement in Vale," Ironwood added.
"I don't know who is worse, Watts or my father," Winter wondered aloud.
Persuaded, Roman backtracked and plopped himself next to Watts. "I guess we're gonna be friends after all, Arthur."
The two men smiled at each other. Watts stood up, picked up a GPS from his desk, and tossed it to Roman.
"Destroy it," Arthur said plainly.
"Gonna need some major firepower," Roman requested, switching on the GPS. "You got access to military weaponry?
Watts grinned. "We practically are the military."
"And that's why corporations shouldn't be given so much power," Weiss commented, imagining how much worse of Atlas would be if her father possessed such authority.
"Now Robocop is gonna have an even harder time taking them down," Oobleck said, dreading what Watts would be supplying Roman with to take down the cyborg.
Glynda cruised down a gravel road as she arrived at the old steel mill where Taiyang was gunned down.
"Thank the brothers Glynda got Robocop to safety," Ruby said gratefully.
"Back to where it all started," Velvet recalled.
Glynda pulled over and hopped out, carrying a duffel bag. She ascended a staircase, wandering further into the steel mill until she stumbled onto Robocop sitting on a large piece of scrap metal. He was performing some makeshift repairs of his legs.
"Good to see he's fixing himself up," Ruby said with relief.
"Hopefully he'll be combat ready to take down the villains," Penny said.
"Did you bring the gun?" Robocop asked.
"The precinct was deserted. Half the force didn't show up for work today. Everyone else walks out at midnight. I guess we're on strike" Glynda explained.
"Bad news for Vale," Glynda said glumly.
"They're just playing into the villains' hands," Ironwood added, knowing the police strike would make it easier for Watts and Torchwick to win.
"At least Robocop has Ms. Goodwitch to count on," Sun said, looking on the bright side of things.
"I wasn't sure what you needed. I sort of grabbed things," Glynda continued, removing the Auto-9 and a mechanical drill from the duffel bag.
"Your gun. You asked for this?"
Robocop nodded and Glynda handed him the drill. He pressed the trigger to check it's battery.
Glynda held up a jar of baby food. "I brought you some food."
"Awww, that's so thoughtful," Coco cooed.
"They've definitely rekindled their partnership," Oobleck added, sipping his coffee.
"No, thank you. I'm not hungry," Robocop politely declined.
Robocop used the drill to loosen two heavy bolts on the sides of his head. Once finished, he handed the drill back to Glynda.
"You may not like what you're going to see," Robocop warned.
"That's not true," Ruby said sadly.
"We're happy to see you, no matter what you look like, dad," Yang added.
Robocop reached up and removed his helmet, revealing his face for the first time since his creation. Glynda picked up a cracked car mirror and held it up for Robocop. He gazed into the mirror, touching his face with curiosity.
Taiyang's face was grafted to his metal skull. He lacked hair and his expression was devoid of emotion.
The audience looked taken aback by Taiyang's face attached to a metal skull.
Despite this, Ruby and Yang smiled, knowing that little by little, Taiyang was returning.
Glynda smiled. "It's really good to see you again, Xiao Long."
"Indeed, it is," Ozpin said with a nod.
"Xiao Long had a wife and two daughters. What happened to them?" Robocop inquired.
"After the funeral, she moved away," Glynda replied sadly.
"I was right then," Port said sadly.
"I can't blame them for moving away," Pyrrha said.
"Oum forbid, if dad really did die, I don't know if I could stay at the ranch," Yang remarked, knowing bad memories would plague her in such a scenario.
"Where did they go?" Robocop asked.
"She thought you were dead. She started over again," Glynda answered.
Robocop sadly cast his gaze downwards. "I can feel them. But I can't remember them."
"Whoa. That's pretty deep," Jaune said sullenly.
"It's like he wants to cry... but he can't," Penny lamented.
Ruby sniffled. "OCP took so much from him."
"The greedy bastards turned him into a machine just to rake in the lien," Qrow growled.
Glynda reached over to comfort Taiyang, but he waved her away gently.
"Leave me alone."
Glynda walked away.