Standing in front of Ozpin's office door, the three huntresses remained in tense silence. Ruby nervously fidgeted as Weiss ran her right hand up and down her left arm. Pyrrha just remained still as Ozpin narrowed his gaze at them.

Glynda Goodwitch and James Ironwood stood off to the side, both agitated at the subject in question.

"Miss Rose, Miss Schnee, Miss Nikos," Glynda gave each of them a greeting as she walked out of the room.

Ironwood only gave them a brief nod as he walked out as well.

Ozpin cleared his throat, prompting the three girls to walk in. The three took the offered seats in front of his desk. Ozpin let out a deep breath as he looked over the three of them.

"Now, I understand that the three of you had a run-in with an intruder while the dance was going on, can you describe them?" Ozpin inquired.

"They were dressed in a black body suit," Weiss spoke first.

"She had black hair and a bow," Ruby added in.

"She waited for the party to pick up before she entered the CCT," Pyrrha finished.

"Thank you..." Ozpin paused. "Now, can the three of you explain why you chose to pursue her on your own without informing one of the staff?" Ozpin asked.

The three girls stood in silence, desperately looking for an answer.

"We..." Pyrrha trailed off.

"There weren't any teachers nearby," Ruby said.

"We saw the intruder moving across the rooftops, we would have lost them if we hadn't followed," Weiss explained.

"I see," Ozpin paused as he typed something on his desk. "Ensure that next time you let the staff know of any intruders on campus before pursuing them, we don't want students to disappear without reason," Ozpin said with cautious sincerity.

"We Understand," The three girls said at once.

"Good, now was there any other details on this intruder we should be aware of?" Ozpin inquired.

"She said something about Mt. Glenn," Ruby piped in.

"Mt. Glenn?" Ozpin inquired.

"Yes, she muttered something about it while fleeing," Pyrrha added in.

"I see, thank you, you're dismissed," Ozpin said. The three girls nodded and stood up. Ruby took a glance back as they stepped out the doorway, taking in the tired look in Ozpin's eyes. His gaze caught hers, and a knowing look was cast back at her.


"Hello everyone, this is Lisa Lavender and we have an important announcement to make," Lisa said. "Following a recent police raid in the shipping district, police made a startling discovery amongst the contraband recovered, Wasteland Drugs are now flooding the black market," Lisa announced as a man in a lab coat and a police officer approached. "With me here is Docter Pendress from the Followers of the Apocalypse and Officer Feraden from the Vale Police Department," Lisa said while gesturing to the two. Docter Pendress gave a small wave while Officer Feraden just nodded. "Pendress is going to explain many of the Drugs recovered and give a warning to the general public on their use," Lisa said as the camera shifted to Doctor Pendress.

"Thank you, Lisa, now where to begin?" Pendress said as Officer Feraden pulled out a briefcase. "Thank you," Pendress said as he took the offered case. "Let's start with the basics; most Drugs, or Chems as they're called in the Wasteland, are old pharmaceutical drugs from pre-war times," Pendress said as he pulled out a pill bottle with the words "Buffout" on the side.

"So many of these items are two-hundred-year-old medicine?" Lisa asked.

"Yes, many still do as they are meant to despite their age," Pendress answered while holding the pill bottle out for the camera. "The biggest issue is that while they are meant for medical use, they are also highly addictive when taken far too often," Pendress addressed as he put the bottle back into the briefcase. "This-" Pendress aid while pulling out a large needle with a purple liquid inside. "-Is known as Med-X, it's a morphine-based pain killer typically used for surgery or battlefield treatment, this hasn't stopped some criminals from taking them before a firefight to numb the oncoming pain," Pendress said as he swapped the needle out for a small box. "These are called Mentats, they're designed to temporarily increase intelligence and calm the mind, either to give a quick aid to scientists in work or help rattled soldiers mentally recover while still in battle," Pendress said as he pointed at his head.

"Interesting, are these Chems considered illegal in the Wasteland?" Lisa inquired.

"It depends, certain Chems are allowed so long as they are solely used for Mecial purposes, or their battlefield options," Pendress said as he pulled out a large Syringe with two vials on its sides. "This is called Psycho, it's a combat stimulant you jab into your neck that suppresses fear and increases adrenaline, its only governmental use is by NCR Armored Stormtroopers,"

"Storm Troopers?" Lisa inquired.

"Brave, if a bit crazy soldiers, given heavy armor and sent out to break through defensive lines, you don't see them much these days," Pendress said before he swapped the syringe with a strange bottle with a tube running out its top. "This is called steady, snipers love it since it helps with aiming," Pendress said as he stuffed the bottle back into the briefcase. "Now, I know what I've said might make these Chems appear cool, or safe, but this will change your mind," Pendress said as he pulled out what appeared to be an inhaler.

"This is Jet, and it's made from the fumes of Brahmin Dung," Pendress said with a straight face. Feraden raised a brow while Lisa looked at the inhaler with wide eyes.

"Brahmin Dung?" She inquired.

"Yes, Jet is the fermented fumes of Brahmin Dung in an inhaler," Pendress explained. Lisa looked almost sick while Feraden ran a hand over his nose. Pendress calmly set the Jet nozzle in the briefcase and swapped it out with another small box.

"Now, to end this message, this is called Fixer, it helps suppress addiction cravings from anything such as alcohol, Chems, or even cigarettes," Pendress said as he opened the box in his hands. "It's a temporary solution but it helps people recovering from their addictions, it's also standard protocol to keep a few boxes of Fixer at each Follower Clinic," Pendress finished as he put the box of Fixer back in the case.

"Well... Thank you Pendress for coming in to educate our viewers on these Chems," Lisa trailed off as Pendress handed the Briefcase back to Officer Feraden.

"Thank you for letting me on, Chem use is an issue in the Wasteland, I don't want to see it become an issue on Remnant as well," Pendress said as he stood up.

"Before you leave, do you have any guesses on where these Illegal Chems could be coming from?" Lisa inquired. Pendress paused, running a hand over his chin.

"I can't say for certain, considering who the Chems were found with I'd have to guess some kind of Smuggling operation between the Wasteland and Remnant, likely funded by whatever criminal underworld groups started talking with one another," Pendress mused.


Ironwood huffed as he stepped through the halls of Beacon. His usual calm had faltered due to the break-in during the dance, but he fought to suppress it with an air of calm. He had the CCT checked after the news but the crew didn't find anything out of the ordinary. Ozpin told him that he planned to send a team out to investigate Mt. Glenn, but that can only do so much.

Suddenly his scroll vibrated, forcing him to quit his musing. Ironwood pulled out his scroll and narrowed his eyes as he saw the caller's I.D. was from Mary. With little hesitation, he put his scroll to his ear and answered. "Yes, what can I do for you?" he asked.

"There's an issue rising with the Brotherhood of Steel and Maxon is calling on Atlas to act as a mediator," Mary said.

"Why, is someone threatening the remaining Atlasian troops?" Ironwood inquired with a low voice.

"No, but the NCR and the Brotherhood are in a shouting match and both called for a neutral mediator," Mary answered.

"Why Atlas?" Ironwood inquired.

"Atlas is the only Kingdomn on Remnant that has an embassy with the Brotherhood and positive relations with the NCR," Mary replied.

"Then why call me?" Ironwood asked.

"Wilhelm said he would only act as a mediator with the approval from the council in Atlas, you happen to hold two seats on said council," Mary explained. Ironwood took a deep breath and let it out. "Look, if you want the details, the NCR found a large military base filled with Brotherhood personnel in their southern territory," Mary began.

"And the NCR wants them gone?" Ironwood inquired.

"Preferably without bloodshed, but between ego and stubbornness neither side is backing down," Mary said.

"What is the NCR offering them?" Ironwood asked.

"Due to the nature of the base, the NCR is willing to let them leave with all their tech and personnel on the condition that they return a group of orphans from several NCR towns and never return," Mary explained.

"Orphans?" Ironwood asked with a raised brow.

"One of the major NCR cities was blown up, the Brotherhood took several surviving children from the town and has decreed them part of the Brotherhood, Redhawk wants them returned to the NCR and any potential family members that would still be alive," Mary explained with a tired sigh. Ironwood said nothing as he absorbed the information, his hand running on his nose and pinching it. "Before you ask, no the Brotherhood did not blow up the town, that was someone else," Mary said.

"If the Brotherhood doesn't agree to those commands?" Ironwood asked.

"Then the NCR will have to remove the Brotherhood by force, something Redhawk is hoping to avoid," Mary said.

"Wilhelm has my approval, but why did you call me alone?" Ironwood asked, wishing to change the subject.

"The embassy is calling the rest of the council back in Atlas, I volunteered to call you," Mary answered.

"Ok, I hope this can prevent a war from starting," Ironwood said, his mind wandering to darker possibilities.

"Same here, war is the last thing that the Wasteland needs right now," Mary said.

"Indeed, thank you for bringing this issue to me Mary," Ironwood said, letting his semblance suppress his emotion.

"It's not an issue, good day Ironwood," Mary said before the call cut.

"Good day," Ironwood mirrored before he let his shoulders drop, a sigh escaping his lips.


Narrowing his gaze, Adam looked out at the arrows stuck in the ATV. "Where did they attack you?" Adam asked as he turned to the pair of scouts who had returned on the vehicle.

"Three days northwards, they were hiding in the trees but a couple of warning shots made them scatter," one of the scouts replied.

"Did they follow you?" Adam inquired.

"Not to our knowledge," The other scout spoke up.

"Stil, we can't risk it, I want you two to double-check your trail and report back if you find them," Adam instructed.

"Yes Sir," both scouts replied as they walked off to start resupplying. Adam took another look at the ATV as a mechanic began pulling out the arrows. It was just another thing to add to the pile of wrong that was slowly stacking up as the days went by. First, it was the water, then an animal gets into the food supply, then one of the lumberjacks starts going on about how the trees are telling secrets behind his back, and on, and on, and on. A Scouting group getting attacked by hostile natives is just the next thing to list off.

"Sir, Miss Sienna is calling you," A white fang officer by the name of Jeffrey called in.

"I'll be a minute," Adam called back as one of the mechanics passed him an arrow. Adam took it and inspected it, getting a closer look. The shaft was old, the arrowhead was made of bone, and the feathers on the end were well-worn. "Have them cataloged, be prepared for more of these," Adam warned. The mechanic nodded as Adam turned and walked out of the impromptu garage. He wandered the gravel roads, walking past rows of cabins that had been set up over the last week. He arrived at a tent near the airfield, walking in to see Sienna's face on a large screen. "Sienna," Adam said as her gaze narrowed at him.

"Adam, I can presume the settlement has been doing well?" Sienna inquired.

"Yes, though there have been complications," Adam admitted.

"Complications?" Sienna inquired.

"Issues with our water purifiers, hostile wildlife, and now hostile natives," Adam explained while holding up the arrow to the screen.

"I see, has there been any casualties?" Sienna inquired.

"No, but one of our lumberjacks has been talking about weird trees," Adam answered.

"Have him sent back, we have new volunteers ready," Sienna said sternly.

"I understand, what of Menagerie and Remnant at Large?" Adam inquired.

"Little news, Though one of our spies did report a rumor of an alliance between Atlas and a group known as the Brotherhood of Steel," Sienna said.

"I see, we will be on the-" "ADAM WE HAVE A SWARM OF WOLFS ATTACKING THE MAIN GATE!" the shout of another grunt took his attention.

"Wolves?" Sienna inquired.

"Mutated beasts, just pests looking for food," Adam replied before he gestured to the officer. Sienna was cut off as the screen faded to black. Adam left the arrow on a nearby table and drew Wilt and Bloom, charging out to meet the beasts attacking.


"I can't believe Ozpin let us take this mission," Ruby said as they walked down the Beacon airdock.

"I know, I mean you two and P-Money did find that intruder," Yang mused.

"Still, I can't believe we had to go just as we got that cute little potato," Weiss said with a small tear.

"Relax, Zwei will be waiting for when we get back, he's a smart dog," Yang said with a smile.

"I'd rather we not have to deal with him," Blake voiced her opinion.

"Oh come on Kitty-cat, Zwei's not that bad," Yang said.

"Heh heh, yeah," Ruby trailed off as her eyes glanced back to her backpack.

"Attention Team RWBY, I must apologize for the wait," The voice of Oobleck drew their attention to one of the Bullheads. Team RWBY turned back to see Oobleck and...

'NNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!' echoed through their minds as they saw The Storyteller standing next to Oobleck.

"Hello students, are you ready for a mission?" The Storyteller asked as Edna let out a series of chirps. Team RWBY said nothing, still frozen with horrid realization.

"Come on, let's not hold up," Ranger Tanner cut in, stepping past them. Daisy wasn't far behind her, her gaze transfixed on Ruby's backpack. Wordlessly they stepped onto the Bullhead, their bodies acting without thought. By the time their minds caught up, the Bullhead was already in the air.

Ruby was the first to react as Daisy suddenly grabbed her backpack. "Hey, wait," Ruby called out as Zwei poked his head out and barked at Daisy.

"Hello handsome," Daisy spoke electronically.

"Ruby!" Yang shouted as Blake jumped back. Ruby just sighed, watching as Daisy gave Zwei a friendly greeting.

"Now hold on, it is quite brilliant," Oobleck spoke up. Tanner stood up and pulled Daisy back, The Storyteller just watched the scene unfold with mild amusement. "Dogs have been used by Huntsmen for millennia, many of whom have had their aura unlocked much like their masters," Oobleck sputtered out at rapid speed as he scooped up Zwei.

"Hold on, you can unlock the aura of animals?" Tanner spoke up.

The Bullhead was soon washed with noise as Oobleck broke into an explanation. Zwei took his chance to jump Blake as Yang tried to hold him. Weiss just cooed at the corgi as Daisy followed after him. Ruby leaned back in her seat, resting her head in her palms and letting out a deep sigh.