l
Jaune had been standing outside of Team RWBY's room at Atlas Academy for what felt like hours when in reality it had been less then a minute. He had taken his time getting there in order to prepare what he was going to say, but to no avail. He had never had to deliver news like this before. The feeling of anxiety and dread was crippling.
Steeling himself Jaune raised a fist and rapped on the door. He felt his heart rate quicken at the sounds of quick shuffling on the other side of the door. What few words he had prepared immediately vanished when Weiss's face came barrelling towards him when the door opened. "Winter! Oh, its just you. What do you want?" Weiss seethed.
Jaune closed his eyes and scowled at what he was about to do. "Weiss, earlier today your sister and I went on an assignment to oversee the repairs of the Mantle wall." Jaune said with a shaky voice, but he didn't falter. He forced himself to get through a complete retelling of what had happened to him, and more importantly her sister. "She's currently resting and should wake up sometime tomorrow."
He was expecting Weiss to lash out at him, to insult him, to belittle his skills or effort. He was even prepared for her to slap him. So when she wrapped her arms around him, and tearfully thanked him, he just didn't know what to do. He just stood their like an unthinking lummox.
Jaune eventually softened and put his arm around her. "Would you like to go see her?"
The next morning
Jaune awoke in his bunk. He was slow to rise as his injuries were taking their tole on his Aura. Normally he'd be fine by now, but he had never forced his Aura into such depletion before. He was struggling to rejuvenate it. The Atlas Medical technicians had assured him that such things were to be expected. There was a reason that organized combat competitions ended when someone fell into the red.
Slowly he showered and dressed, he armed himself and checked his scroll.
'She's asking to see you'
-Weiss
Jaune rapidly pocketed his scroll and bolted out of the room leaving a perplexed Ren and Nora starring at his wake. To his credit, he only got turned around once making his way from the Student Dorm and General Facilities to the Military Base and Limited Authorization Zones, which he had been granted access to when Ironwood brought them into the fold.
He ran into the same waiting room and saw Clover and Harriet standing there talking to the same doctor from the night before. Harriet noticed him first and nudged Clover. "Ah, Arc. You're on my list of people to talk to regarding Schnee's condition." Clover said approaching him and shaking his hand. "I've read up on the entire incident. Spectacular work, when James told me he was bring you and your friends in, I'll admit I was a bit skeptical. But now, I get it. You kids, no, not kids. You guys are the real deal. I've been asked to take over your, how did the General phrase it, Tactical Field Assessments. So starting tomorrow you're being taken off of the regular roster and you'll be working with Harriet here until Winter is back on her feet."
Harriet eyed Jaune up and down. "We'll see. I'm still not sure you've got the stuff. But if the General says you do, then I'll do my best to bring it out of you. One way or another." She said with a certain gruff indifference. "I still think we need to get the kid a pistol or something. I get the whole, knight in shining armor shtick, but have a range beyond 3 feet could really save lives."
Jaune was partially taking her criticism at face value when he remembered that Harriet didn't have a ranged weapon either. He gave her an up and down in return and raised an eye brow. "Oh don't think I'm unprepared Arc." Harriet said before pulling out a set of Gravity Bolos. "These seemed to do the trick just fine when we took down you and all your friends."
"Harriet." Clover said equal parts playful and chiding. "We'll worry about any equipment assessments another time. I was just here to get an update on Schnee's condition and to issue orders from the General, reminding her to properly rest and heal. We're off to discuss changes in assignments with the rest of your friends. Expect an actual assignment later today, though I think it will mostly be in the training room for you, at least for a while. Doc says you pushed your Aura pretty hard. Although I am curious to see what you look like at 100%. Regardless, we'll just have to wait and see. Until then."
Clover patted Jaune on the arm on his way out and Harriet just gave him a playful wink. Jaune rolled his eyes but blushed all the same. He approached the doctor who had been waiting patiently for him.
"Right this way Mr. Arc."
Jaune was led into a room and found Winter and Weiss, the later having obviously stayed the entire night. "How, how are you feeling?" Jaune asked sheepishly as he entered. "The doctor said the procedure went all right, but you're gonna be off your feet for a while."
Winter sighed and nodded. "That is correct Mr. Arc. Despite our best efforts, I will be trapped in this bed for quite a while." Winter said looking at her leg, elevated and completely encased in a high tech cast. "But, I am alive. Thanks to you."
"What? No, no thanks needed. I just did what anyone would have done in that situation. I couldn't just leave you there." Jaune said, clearly uncomfortable with the praise.
Winter shook her head. "You're wrong. Not anyone would have done what you did. Huntsmen and Huntresses here in Atlas are train to take orders. Even the AceOps would have retreated when order. Had I been partnered with anyone from Atlas, they would have left me for dead when ordered to do so." Winter explained morosely. "I am in your debt Jaune Arc."
Jaune found himself unable to coherently get a word out. He looked to Weiss who gave him a smile and nodded. "Well, okay then. I'm just happy you're okay." Jaune said pulling up a chair next to Winter's bed. "I'd offer to boost you Aura, but I've been told not to use my Semblance for the next few days. Turns out I did some serious damage to mine forcing it like I did."
Winter smiled at Jaune's offer. "Do not burden yourself with my recovery. I will endure it as is. This will be a reminder of my failure. Not in battle, that was beyond our control and the risk we take every day, but my failure in assessing the situation. Perhaps I could have used a repulsion glyph to raise the supports beams need for the wall, or perhaps I could have done any number of things differently. I was foolish to persist in attempting to slow down the Megoliath." She clenched her fist and looked down.
"Regardless, we must press on. Mr. Arc, have you been given a new overseer for the General's evaluations?" Winter asked, clearly wanting to change the topic.
Jaune obliged her and sat up right. "Uhm, yeah. Met with Clover and Harriet just in the waiting room. He's scheduled me with her for tomorrow." Jaune explained with just a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. "I get the feeling that I'm not gonna enjoy tomorrow, am I?"
There was a brief moment before Winter's stoic expression demonstrated a smirk. "Harriet is a capable Huntress and Clover's second in command. She's quite capable of training and overseeing your evaluation." Winter said smoothly. "But no. You will not enjoy it. Whereas my... abrasiveness, steams from high standards and my professionalism, Harriet will intentionally attempt to aggravate you and to make you irrational. She will, under the guise of playful banter, insult you, make you angry. That is just her way. She'll have the high standards of the AceOps, but rather then inform you of your shortcomings she will strive to beat them out of you."
"She likes to talk. Block it out." Winter advised. "Remember that this will only be an evaluation. Not actual combat. That being said, I would not be disappointed to hear that Harriet was taken down a peg." She smirked and raised an eyebrow. "If you can adequately ignore her attempts to unnerve you, it may result in her being unnerved instead."
Jaune smiled and gave out a little laugh. "I'll keep that in mind. Though I'm not sure exactly what they have planned for me. I don't think they'll just throw into a 1 on 1 with an AceOp"
Jaune was currently in a 1 on 1 with an AceOp.
In the viewing deck above Clover reviewed the footage of Team JNPR during the Vytal Festival Tournament. There was an obvious quantum leap in skill and ability. Even at his best, the Jaune Arc then was less then anything noteworthy. But the young man currently receiving a beating from Harriet fought like an entirely different person.
Clover had been reviewing all of the footage Atlas had of the Beacon alumni. Four session a day of his people fighting their new recruits. Seeing where they came from, where they are now then determining where they could go. Arc was an odd case. He was seemingly the weakest of the bunch, but grew at rate that outpaced the others.
Even now, watching him receive hit after hit from Harriet, not being able to land on hit on her. Eventually he stopped trying. Clover was curious to see how that strategy went. It seems that Arc was attempting to simply tire out Harriet. He backed himself into a corner intentionally. Harriet was mostly just striking against Arc's shield at this point.
Clover smirked. It was certainly a strategy. In most any other situation this would have been a critical error, but in this simulated 1v1, it had merit. Clover was familiar with Harriet's limits, so he wasn't sure what would break first, Arc's endurance or Harriet's patience.
Clang! Whoosh! Clang! Whoosh!
Jaune held up his shield tightly as Harriet continued to hammer at it from all angles. Just when he thought he had figured out a pattern to her hits she'd change it up and hit him twice as fast or hold off and catch him off guard.
"Wow kid, you're holding up better then I expected." Harriet shouted from somewhere out of sight. "Not exactly what I thought you'd do. Not like you've got many options. Must be nice for your friends to have such a hefty meat shield to hide behind."
Clang! Whoosh! Clang! Clang! Whoosh! Clang!
Winter was right, Harriet was attempting to unnerve him. He had been giving it a bit of thought and decided to gamble on Harriet's composure. "At least I have friends."
Clang!
Then nothing. Jaune peaked over his shield to see Harriet seemingly dumbfounded and frozen mid-punch. It was only brief but it was enough that Jaune was able to push back with his shield and activate the Gravity Dust in it, launching Harriet several feet away. Knowing that if he allowed her to recover he'd be right back to being on the defensive.
He charged at her as she was staggering to her feet and with his full weight behind his shield he rammed her, completely taking her off her feet. She hit the ground roughly and rolled. Jaune wasted no time and continued his attack. He knew this was simply meant to be an evaluation of his skill, he wasn't meant to win or lose, but he wasn't about to pass up on an opportunity to put a win against an AceOps on his scorecard.
Jaune tossed two of his newly acquired Hard Light and Gravity grenades behind his opponent as he ran towards her. One landed behind her and one directly in front of her. Harriet had barely gotten to one knee when she noticed them. Behind her a Hard Light Shield came into existence seconds before a pulse of Gravity Dust threw her into the air. She attempted to catch her bearings and right herself but was struck by Jaune's shield once again as he crashed them both into the Hard Light.
He had her firmly pinned to the Hard Light with his shield and his sword pressed against her abdomen. Panting, Jaune smiled. "I, got you." He said, breath ragged. "No where to go." He was expecting Harriet to rage against his shield or to attempt a counter attack of some kind. So when she smirked at him he was worried.
"That was pretty cool kid. You had me on the ropes there. But its not enough." Harriet said as she leaned closer to his shield. Jaune realized what she was doing far to late to stop it. He hadn't noticed it in his onslaught but at some point she had retracted her Mechanical Arms back into their dormant and collapsed state. She threw her arms out to her sides triggering her arms to activate, but as they were pressed up against the Hard Light it pushed her and Jaune outward. Harriet rolled with the momentum and with her Mechanical arms back on she grabbed onto it hard and pressed it against him. Jaune landed on his back hard, knocking the wind out of him. Harriet had both hands on the edges of his shield, her full weight on top of him. He went to slash at her with his sword, but a leg shot out and pinned his arm down at the wrist.
She was leaning over his shield, adding pressure to it and to him. "Unless you've got anything else here hot stuff, That's the match." Harriet said closing the distance between them. They were both exhausted and panting, red faced and embarrassed.
Jaune closed his eyes, scowled, and nodded. A simulated air horn rang out in the training room and all of the artificial structures started to disappear. Harriet rolled off of him and onto her back. They both just laid there for a while, catching their breath.
"I gotta say, that was entirely unexpected. Never pegged you as the type to push an advantage like that. Pretty awesome and brutal." Harriet said just starring up at the ceiling. "If that had been real combat, then you might have had me at the end there. Just needed to take that sword and penetrate my Aura."
Jaune nodded. "Yeah. I was kind of hoping to force you to concede there. Didn't really have many other options." He said, also just staring at the ceiling. "When did you retract your arms? That's the part that I can't figure."
Harriet barked out a single laugh. "Oh, that. I did that right after your second hit. When you shoulder checked me with that shield of yours." Harriet said without any malice or resentment. "Nice hit by the way. Using your stature to your advantage. Good idea. You've got the mass and enough speed for that to be a pretty powerful hit. Not to mention that shield is pretty heavy."
Jaune took the loss in stride and listened to her assessment. "I'll try to remember that. Aside from the Vytal Festival, and the attack on Haven, I've never really fought against people. Its only ever been Grimm, or, well Atlas tech." Jaune said remember the rogue Atlesian Knights and Paladins at the Fall of Beacon.
"Oh yeah. You guys totally fought against all that." Harriet said before sitting up right. "Come on. I'm sure Clover's got his own assessment and pointers to give you." Harriet stood up and offered Jaune a hand up. With a smile he accepted and allowed Harriet to pull him towards her.
Either Harriet pulled too hard and Jaune stood up too fast but as he rose he moved forward a little too much and bumped into Harriet. He felt her hair brush against his nose as he stood up. When he caught himself he was standing extremely close to Harriet. She seemed to notice their situation and was amused by it. "Easy there lady killer. Take a girl to dinner first." Harriet said with a smirk gesturing down.
Jaune looked down and saw that their stances had forced Harriet to straddle his leg between hers. He quickly detangled himself from her and started sputtering out apologies. "Hey don't worry about. Its not a terrible concept to be up close and personal with someone I know can handle my fine ass." Harriet said with a wink before bursting into laughter as she walked away leaving Jaune in a state of sheer confusion. \
After a cold shower Jaune found himself in the Observation deck with Clover who was not watching as Nora and Ren faced off against Elm and Vine. It was a very strange match-up. Like watching mirrors fight. There were key differences in styles. Such as Elm favouring complete stability, Nora having mobility. Elm and Ren seemed to have settled into a bout of pure martial arts, neither relying on semblance or weapons. Jaune wished he could watch and cheer on his team, but Clover was on the other side of room looking over footage of Team JNPR at the Vytal Festival.
"Arc, over here." Clover called out looking over his shoulder. "Was just finishing off the last camera angle from your Round 1 match at Amity."
Jaune approached and saw that Clover had been going over the footage of every single camera at Amity during his first fight of the tournament. "You've been going over all of them? Isn't that a bit of overkill?" Jaune asked feeling nervous and a bit on the spot.
Clover waved it off. "Not for this." Clover said turning his attention back to the recording. "Like this. Your stance is very off. You're retreating, your shield is up, but your footing isn't planted. I know you've since corrected this. But if I hadn't seen this from 5 different angles then I couldn't properly critique and suggest improvements. I can clearly see that you've overcome almost all of the flaws I'm seeing here."
Clover paused the recording at a particular moment. "See, right here. You're footing, you can see that now I'd wager." Clover said as he played the footage back in slow-mo as Jaune stepped backwards and repeatedly put himself in a position to be knocked off his feet. "Now I understand that you were, keyword there, were a less then spectacular student. Its fine, we all have to start somewhere. I've seen what you and your team get up to now though and you've come a long way. James was right to grant you guys your licenses early. Not to mention everything you've seen and gone through to get here."
Jaune nodded, solemnly considering what exactly had they gone through. "Its currently my job to see that you keep moving forward. Now, I want you to think back to your hardest fights, be it the Grimm, White Fang, the Enemy, or even, regrettably Atlas Tech. Think about what your short comings were." Clover said before bring up a scattering of recordings. Some of the Vytal Festival, some of the Breach inside Vale, and a few from within the very training facility they stood. "I know this isn't everything, you and your team made it across Anima. Fought at Haven, then in Argus. I want to see what you think if your greatest short coming."
Jaune furrowed his brow. He watched all the recordings. He was so intent on looking at his own failures that he almost ignored his allies in those same recordings. The one thing that separated him from everyone else, was range. Harriet was right. He did need a gun. "Its my equipment. Everyone else I fight with has an effective range that more then just-" Jaune said as he took his sword out and held it straight out. "3 and a half, maybe 4 feet. I'm effectively using an antique. Its an heirloom. My great-grandfather fought in the War. This sword and shield belonged to him."
Clover nodded and thumbed his chin a little. "I see. So you're rather keen on keeping it, traditional then I assume. No plans on incorporating shifting parts and turning it into something, relatively, extravagant?" Clover asked, minimizing the recordings.
Stowing his sword, Jaune considered Clover's question. He had already altered it, and upgraded it to have its Great Sword function. But to drastically change it that much. "Yeah, I don't think I could do that." Jaune said.
"Well then, its like Harriet said. We need to get you a side arm." Clover said gesturing to a large case on a table nearby. "Am I right in assuming you've never learned how to properly handle a firearm?"
Jaune nodded. "Just plinkers back home. Dad would take me out couple times in the summer to shoot cans off a fence, but nothing major." Jaune said remembering the simpler times. "We saw the occasional Grimm back then, but nothing the locals couldn't handle."
"Then how about we see if Atlas can find you something that works for you." Clover said before opening the case. Inside were several small guns of a variety of sizes and functions. "Seeing how well you use that shield of yours I put together a small assortment here that should compliment your skills and style. All one handed that should work well with your sword and shield."
Jaune was in awe of the different types of weapons before him. "You've got a standard pistol, a slightly larger revolver, a few rapid fire, then a few heavy hitters." Clover said gesturing to specific weapons. "I don't think we're gonna give you too much range or power. Your friend Miss Rose seems to have quite the powerful and lengthy means of attack. Anything you could adequately handle on one hand while holding up that shield needs to be highly manageable."
"And Miss Valkyrie seems to have a handle on raw power so I've also omitted anything with a larger, well boom." Clover said gesturing to each gun before taking his scroll out. "I'm sending you the summaries of each one in case you want to read up on them before you make a decision. We're also going to take these down to the range so you can try them out in a controlled settings, but before we do do you have any input, suggestions or preferences? I want you to think and consider this before going back into the field."
Jaune nodded and understood the gravity of what Clover was asking him. He'd need to consider what he was going to arm himself with before he was potentially thrown into combat again. He'd need to think about what could save his life and the lives of those he protected. Jaune started considering the weapons of his friends. Ruby had her High Calibre Sniper Rifle, Nora her Grenade Launcher, Ren had his duel SMGs, Blake favoured her smaller Bladed Pistol. And then there was Yang.
Jaune quickly scanned the case. "Uhm, so I know I don't know a whole lot, but do you guys have maybe, like a one handed shotgun?" Jaune asked pitifully. "I'm not even sure if that's a thing. Its just that, it seems like the closest thing to point and shoot that I can't screw up. It would give me some range and not need too much extensive training, I think."
To say he was surprised was an understatement for Clover. Arc was right. Clover quickly considered it and understood what he was getting at. It wasn't to dissimilar to methods used by some of Atlas' High Risk Anti-Personal Squads, with their Riot Shields and Pump Shotguns. "That's a pretty good idea. Lets take a trip down to the Armoury and see what we can do about that." Clover said with a smile. "Just give me a moment." He closed up the case and walked over to the viewing gallery before activating the intercom. "Elm, Vine. I'm taking Arc to the Armoury to see what else we can find for him. Continue on with Valkyrie and Lie as you see fit, but don't skip out on a post session assessment this time. This isn't just Combat Practice. We want them to learn something remember. Clover out."
A quick stroll and an elevator ride later and Jaune found himself in front of the largest collection of weapons he had ever seen. It seemed as if every inch of wall was affixed with racks of weapons. Ranging from small handguns to heavy vehicle mounted cannons. This place had it all. "Never tell Ruby about this place." Jaune said looking around. "She'll never leave."
Clover smiled. "Yeah, when I spoke to Qrow about this place he had a similar concern. Something about a cot."
They approached a desk secured inside a boxed off area, behind a fence and Clover rapped his knuckles against it a few times. "Gunny! You here? Its Clover." Clover shouted. There was a loud thud followed by a crash and some grumbling.
Eventually from just out of view an older man with a grey beard and a shaved head came into view. He was wearing an Atlas Uniform, but it was covered in grease stains and missing both sleeves, large muscled arms covered in military tattoos. His most striking feature though was a large metal plate cover up his right eye and several scars peaking out from behind it.
"Clover! What can I do for you? Thinking of trading in that hook of yours for a real man's weapons?" Gunny said taking a seat on a roller stool and rolling up to the desk. "You know I still have your old LK-147 in storage somewhere. I'm pretty sure I could dig it up and clean it up for you if you want. They don't make em like that anymore."
Clover just shook his head. "No I'm afraid not Gunny. I'm here with someone special. Jaune Arc, meet Sergeant Major Gungnir Rockwell. Or as almost everyone calls him, Gunny." Clover said gesturing to the man behind the fence. "No one in all of Atlas knows more about firearms then Gunny here. He's fabricated, serviced and commissioned more weapons then most soldiers see in a life time. He's going be the one to get you your shotgun."
Gunny brighten up at the mention of 'shotgun'. "A shotgun you say? That's none to common here in Atlas. Most people want either rate of fire, precision, or just plain old massive guns. Alright, alright. Let's have a good look at you." Gunny said before standing up and disappearing out of sight and a door swung open abruptly. Gunny walked out, his foot falls irregular and loud as his right leg from the knee down was an incredibly large and boxy prosthetic.
"Okay, stand up straight, arms out." Gunny said approaching Jaune who in his confusion and apprehension could only comply. Gunny reached into one of the numerous pockets on a large tool belt and pulled out what appeared to be a laser pointer. He quickly drew lines over Jaune's body and began taking not on his scroll. "Right right. 1.85 meters, Armor seems relatively new, I'm guessing a mix of Mistral work and, hmm, Polendia's work. Smart man. Okay. Show me that sword and shield of yours."
Jaune looked to Clover who simply nodded at him. With his regular flourish he pulled the sword from his sheath which sprung into its full size shield form. Gunny drew some more lines with his laser pointer and took more notes. "That's a Valish sword. Very old. Some Mistalian work in there as well. I see. Okay, now take a stance like you're about to start of a fight. I want to know what you immediately go to when a situation goes to rot."
Jaune still not entirely sure what was happening did as he was told. He brought his shield up and his sword at his side, readied. "Like this?" Jaune asked feeling awkward and embarrassed.
Gunny smiled. "Yeah, if that's what your first thought of ready was, then that's prefect. I've got a few ideas already, but I'll need a few more things before I just start handing out guns." Gunny said stowing his laser pointer. "Let me have a look at your sword hand."
There was a moment of awkward silence as Jaune sheath his sword and held up his hand as if stopping traffic. "No, not like that, just give it here!" Gunny barked as he grabbed Jaune by the wrist and examined his hand closely. It was uncomfortably close and Jaune could feel his breath on his hand. "Right, right. This way, I need to see how heavy you're weapons are next."
Gunny lead them into the facility to what appeared to be a workshop. It was absolutely littered with dozens of different guns in many degrees of disassembly. He walked over to a scale and brazenly swept his arm across it knocking the previous contents onto the floor. "Okay Put your sword on the scale if you would."
Jaune was getting a little frustrated with the lack of communication but Clover just gave him a look of understanding and an implied trust. "Okay, sure." Jaune said before doing just that. Gunny took more notes.
"Okay, now the shield." More notes.
"Okay, now both." More notes.
"Okay, now you see that red handle in the bin over there? Bring it here. I'm gonna need that for the next bit. Clover I assume you've got footage for me." Gunny said sitting down at a work bench and started dissembling what was in front of him.
Clover smiled and shook his head. "Yeah Gunny, got a highlight reel." Clover said point his scroll at a nearby monitor which started playing footage of Jaune's training in Atlas.
Jaune approached the work bench Gunny was at and attempted to give him the handle he had been told to get. "Nope. Changed my mind. Find the green handle. Should be in the same bin." Gunny said before throwing chunks of metal into a furnace. "Clover, who is this kid? I've never seen him before and he's clearly not Atlas."
There was a brief moment of silence as Jaune pouted and walked back to the bin of colored handles. "He's what you'd call a new recruit. James brought him in to help with a special, off the books project. He's from Beacon." Clover said in a knowing fashion.
Gunny nodded. "Beacon? I see. Okay, then he's got the stuff then. No worries." Gunny simply said as he started to assemble the pieces in front of him. Jaune presented him with the green handle. "Nope, that won't do either. Look for the blue one."
Jaune sighed and threw his arms up as he went searching for the blue handle. "Gunny?" Clover asked with a smirk. "You seemed to be having a little fun with him. Everything all right?"
The was a beeping noise from the furnace. "Don't you remember what I was like when I made your first hook? These things are special. I know what I'm doing." Gunny said as he extracted the now molten metal from the furnace and carefully poured it into a mold. He set a timer and set the mold into a brace which clamped down on it tightly before several tubes of dust activated, infusing the molten metal.
Jaune hadn't even made it half way back with the blue handle before Gunny turn and shook his head. "Nope not that one either. Try the white one in the back." Gunny said dismissively.
Jaune threw his head back and let out a disgruntled groan.
Several minutes went by and Gunny had been dissembling and assembling like a man crazed. When Jaune returned with the white handle Gunny scowled and told him to look for the black one, but changed his mind when he saw Jaune swing his arms around in frustration. "No, no. White one will do perfectly. Don't know what I was thinking. The black one? Was I mad?!" Gunny practically scream as he went about opening the mold and taking out a long barrel. "Arc, be a lad and bring me that drum of oil, the one with the letter HI-BR."
Jaune was past being confused or frustrated and simply did what he was told. The drum in question was large and heavy, practically filled to the brim with oil. No sooner did he set it down did Gunny pick up the red hot barrel with a set of tongs and submerge them into the oil. Gunny would lift and lower his tongs periodically looking at the barrel.
"Okay, Seems in near perfect enough condition." Gunny said returning to his work. Jaune was immensely curious but did his best not to get in the way. He watched as Gunny collected, appraised and modified every single piece before putting them together. Eventually the coarse roughness evolved into delicate and meticulous. With most of the pieces laid out in front of him Gunny began pulling out more refined and technologically advanced tools. A cylinder of Gravity Dust here, Ice Dust there. Some circuitry and sensor arrays.
Eventually even Clover started paying attention. "So what are you thinking Gunny?" Clover said gesturing to a seemingly random piece. "The kids strong. Physically held off a Nuckelave and a Alpha Megoliath. Separate occasions mind you."
Gunny nodded. "I'm thinking 12, and a light shock reducer, maybe snout pick, now pass me that square pry bar." he said not looking up from his work. Just held his hand out waiting. Clover smiled and handed him the square pry bar. "And no, before you ask, its not drum fed or pump. I know what I'm doing. Kid doesn't need an obliterator or an intimidating boom stick. He needs to tool to back shit up or to blow its head off."
A few more minutes passed in silence. Clover took the time to read reports on how his team was doing with the rest of the Beacon group, and Jaune was shooting aliens on his scroll. "That should about do it." Gunny said wiping off his brow. "Had most of the part here already, just needed to pour the barrel and customize some preexisting parts. But there you have it."
Jaune rushed over and was in awe. It was brand new and gleaming. He could help but see the similarities with it and Ironwood's Due Process. It just looked like a longer, yet bulkier version, with a large loop covering the trigger and handle. "What's with that?" Jaune said pointing it out.
Gunny scoffed. "That's the lever you dunce!" Gunny said with a disappointed scowl. He picked up and gave it a twirl. "Now, it ain't loaded so here hold it up and see how it feels." Gunny handed it over to Jaune who cautiously accepted.
"Its, I don't know, heavier then I expected, but also lighter? Does that make sense, or am I just being stupid?" Jaune asked as he held it. It was just short enough that it felt wrong to have it in two hands, so he held it in one and had no problems moving it around.
Gunny shook his head. "Not at all. I specifically made it so that it weighed as close to your sword as possible. The handle is as horizontal as you sword arm would be comfortable with." Gunny said leaning back and crossing his arms.
"Wait, so is that why you had me get those handles?" Jaune asked sounding surprised. The grip felt good in his hand. Not like his sword, which was perfectly straight and aligned with the blade, but it fit his hand quite naturally.
Gunny nodded. "Of course. I needed to see how you held them and how they fit your hand. Its also why I needed to get up close and personal with your hand. The full body measurements were so that I knew how long I could make it and where certain balance points needed to be." Gunny said, clearly proud of his own work. "Now the most important thing you're gonna have to learn is how to reload that with one hand. Clover, be a sport and show him what I mean."
With an amused sigh, Clover walked over to Jaune, who handed over his new weapon, and with a practised hand, flipped the weapon over itself cocking the weapon and presumably attempting to reload. He did it a few more times for good measure. "That's terribly smooth Gunny. You've outdone yourself. James might even be jealous." Clover said handing back to Jaune. "Okay now Arc. You give it a try. Just don't drop it and ding up Gunny's work."
Jaune smiled sheepishly and attempted to flip it the way clover did. It was a bit awkward at first, but Clover was right, it was very smooth. He had only needed to figure out how its weight reacted when he threw it out like that. It took him several tries, but eventually he got it in one fluid motion.
Gunny started clapping. "Excellent! Now do it with you're shield in the other hand. See how that feels when your balance is slightly off."
With his Shield in one hand and his new shotgun in the other he eventually got that motion figured as well. "This is amazing. Its so natural." Jaune said appreciating his new weapon in hand. "I guess I'm going to have to spend some time getting proficient with this before I'm back on active assignments aren't I?"
Clover smiled but gave him a nod. "Yeah, not to mention you're off active duty until your Aura Levels stabilize." He said before taking out his scroll. "If you're up to it, I can schedule something with Harriet again. See how you fair now that you've got a reach significantly more then 4 feet. Maybe tomorrow or the next day. I checked her schedule and she's clear."
Jaune considered his offer. "If its all the same, I think a couple of days at least with this thing before facing of against Harriet would do me a world of good." Jaune said as he appraised his new weapon. "Spend a couple of days at the range, check in on Winter, let her know how I'm doing. If that's alright that is." Jaune's humble nature rising to the surface.
He had only seen her just this morning, but he felt it prudent to let her know what had happened. Facing off against Harriet, getting the upper hand, getting pinned a few seconds later, and then ultimately the construction of his new weapon. He felt like she deserved to know.
"Of course. Shouldn't be an issue. I'll see if I can schedule you and your team with some R&R. You guys have deserved it." Clover said gesturing towards the door. "Lets be on our way, I'm sure Gunny here has some actual work to do when he's not playing favourites. Isn't that right Gunny?"
Gunny simply crossed his arms further and looked away. "I have no idea what you're referring to Ace Operative Ebi. You simply have seniority over anyone else that comes through here." Gunny said not making eye contact. "I don't have any particular affinity to you and brand new projects I get to make from scratch. None what so ever."
Clover smiled and shook his head. "Of course, how foolish of me. Come on Arc. Lets leave the Sergeant Major to his work." Clover said already halfway out the door. "Thanks again Gunny!"
After leaving the Atlas Armoury, Clover had brought Jaune to one of the many shooting ranges at Atlas Academy. One reserved for high ranking officers, such as the Ace Ops or Specialist, like Winter. "Yeah, this place is usually empty. Without sounding arrogant, but we really don't need much practise anymore so unless we're blowing off steam or an annual assessment is coming up, you normally won't see anyone here." Clover said turning on the lights and wiping some dust off of a bench. "So for the next couple of days you've got the run of the place. If anyone not in the know asks, this is punishment. They won't be able to get in and see what you're actually doing, so the official story is you've been order to clean it up with a tooth brush."
Jaune laughed at the pitiful, yet sadly believable story. "Yeah, that tracks."
"Ammo's there. Target controls there. Just don't hurt yourself or make a mess of the place and you'll be fine. My advice, take it slow. Don't worry about the targets at first, just get a feel for it." Clover said as he played around with the target controls. "Once you're comfortable with the kick and the power, then set up some stationary targets." A few button presses and Hard Light pylons appeared down range. "Then move on to some moving ones." More buttons and the pylons began sliding back and forth. "You'll be fine. I mean, you have taken fire arm safety courses right?" Clover realized in all of his haste and excitement, he didn't think to confirm is Jaune Arc was even prepared to handle his brand new, custom made, lever action shotgun.
Jaune placed his gun down on the ammo shelf before collecting a few boxes of shells. "Yeah. It was mandatory at Beacon for first years. I think I was the only one in the class that was interested. Everyone else already knew what they were doing and had amazing guns that were also swords, or axes, or spears, or giant 4 foot long warhammers."
Clover smiled and nodded. "Great. Well, if you have any questions there's an automated terminal that should be able to fill you on how to operate this place." Clover said before turning to leave. "Oh and one more thing. No food and drinks in here. You can thank Marrow for that."
"Intruder detected!" The calm artificial female voice echoed through the halls outside. "All students and non security personnel are to clear the hallways and remain where they are. Remain calm."
Jaune watched as the General pushed a series of commands into the controls on his desk as the intercom fed him data. "I want a security team deployed to the R&D vault immediately!" He ordered drawing one of his large caliber revolvers and popping the cylinder to inspect the rounds in their chambers.
"We're already deploying them sir!" The voice on the intercom confirmed.
"This is Specialist Winter Schnee, General I am on my way to your location!" Winter announced on the intercom.
"Copy that Specialist Schnee," Ironwood said.
"General Ironwood sir!" Penny's voice announced over the intercom. "This is Penny Polendina requesting permission to move to the east wing and help secure the R&D vault."
"Negative Penny," Ironwood said, "remain in your current position, protect your father!"
"But I can fight and I am close!" She protested.
"Your father is a potential target Penny, maintain your current position and keep him safe. That's an order!" Ironwood commanded.
"Yes General," Penny said, "is Jaune with you currently?"
"Mr. Arc is here in my office, yes," Ironwood confirmed for her.
Jaune felt a jolt of realization and embarrassment, he was the only huntsman here with the General. He was expected to help protect him, wasn't he? Jaune drew Crocea Mors and activated the shield turning to the door as if something would suddenly come through the locked and reinforced steel door.
"You have not been cleared for action Mr. Arc," Ironwood told him.
"I'm to remain here right?" Jaune asked, giving him a shrug. "So if an attacker does come through that door would you like me to sit in the corner?" Jaune asked him sarcastically.
Ironwood smirked, amused at the young knight. "I see your point," he said, "thankfully I do not believe we are in danger Mr. Arc, the body was found far from here, the two most likely targets close to that area are the R&D laboratories and Penny, I'm deploying multiple security teams to that area and another is on its way here."
"What about the Ace Ops?" Jaune asked him, "shouldn't this be a job for them?"
"They're currently away on another mission," Ironwood explained to him, "the timing has me a little worried."
"Hopefully a coincidence," Jaune said as the lights suddenly died and plunged the General's office into darkness. Pale moonlight filtered through the half dome window in the back of the wall leaving the rest of the office in a dark void.
Ironwood lunged to his desk pressing the button for the intercom. "This is Ironwood status rep-!"
"Wait General!" Jaune cried moving immediately towards him as a barrage of automatic fire splintered his desk. The hard light dusk in his shield activated and the rounds impacted against the surface shielding them both.
Muzzle flashes illuminated the shooter. A figure dressed black fired twin machine pistols raining brass onto the marble floor as he peppered Jaune's shield with gunfire. Ironwood raised from behind the protection of the hard light shield and fired. His revolver roared as he fired on the assassin only for the shots to strike the ceiling when the assassin dropped from the ceiling.
The assassin landed gracefully on the floor amongst the scattered casings. The gunman ejected both magazines from his machine pistols and moved to reload when Jaune charged.
He leapt down the short steps leading to Ironwood's desk and rushed the assailant. A pistol morphed into a short bladed sword and thrust forward for Jaune's face from across the room. The assassin's arm seemed to stretch like rubber to attack him, making the knight stumble as he barely deflected the attack with his shield.
The assassin's elastic arm retracted back to him and he raised his second machine pistol freshly reloaded and unleashed a barrage of gunfire at General Ironwood forcing him behind his desk as he fired off several more shots.
Jaune kept pressing forward only for the rubbery appendage to strike out at him slashing and stabbing at him with the gun blade. Jaune parried the strikes and caught the blows on his shield as he moved in closing the distance and attacked, lashing out with Crocea Mors.
The assailant dodged the blows with an unnaturally fluid grace. The attacker's strange semblance let him evade the attacks with ease, bending and stretching freakishly to dodge and parry Jaune's onslaught of attacks.
The assassin kicked a foot out to Jaune's ankle, the limb stretched and wrapped around the knight's leg like a serpent retracing to trip him. Jaune landed on his back and raised his shield as the gunman leveled his pistol at him and fired. The gun sounded like tearing cloth as it unleashed a torrent of lead into Jaune's shield, the rounds shattering against the surface.
Ironwood's revolver barked as the General burst out from behind the cover of his desk firing. The assassin's gun blade danced deflecting the shots. The heavy revolver clicked empty and Ironwood popped the cylinder letting gravity expel the spent casings.
The assailant struck as the General reloaded, his elastic arm snapping out with a thrust of the gun blade. Ironwood dodged to the side and caught the attacker's arm. The General gripped the stretched limb in his hand holding it with inhuman strength. Ironwood flipped his empty revolver in his hand and yanked back on the stretched limb pulling the attacker to him and smashing the butt of his revolver against his face. He spun and threw the attacker slamming him against the wall. Ironwood again popped the cylinder of his revolver and loaded a moon clip of dust rounds and fired.
The assassin sprang off the wall as the General's rounds impacted harmlessly against the cracked stone wall. The assassin fired his pistol again trying to spray his target with more automatic fire only for the barrage of bullets to again be stopped by Jaune's shield as he stepped into the line of fire activating the hard light dust.
The assassin extended his arm stretching it to attack once more with the gun blade. Jaune dodged, he dropped to his knee and let the elastic appendage pass overhead. He swung Crocea Mors in an arc over his head. The assassin's aura flared and shattered into light as the knight's ancestral sword cleaved through the stretched arm.
The arm snapped like a rubber band and the assailant screamed. Blood splashed across the floor and sprayed Jaune. The dismembered arm fell to the floor still clutching the gun blade. The assassin fired the other machine pistols and retreated back into the dark shadows at the end of the room disappearing into the black void.
Crash!
White light blinded Jaune filling his vision with spots. The door and wall to Ironwood's office was smashed open, flooding the office with the white light of the hallway, a cloud of dust and debris filling the office. The powerful form of a glowing white grimm manticore snarled and roared as the light revealed the wounded assassin. Winter stood behind her summoned creature sword leveled at the intruder. "Surrender now!" Winter threatened.
The assassin sprinted. He turned for the large window at the back of the office and ran for it firing a burst again at Ironwood, more to suppress than kill as he moved to escape dodging Jaune as he moved to stop him. The assassin emptied the rest of his weapon into the window shattering the glass as he moved to leap from it.
The assailant leapt onto Ironwood's desk when the General's revolver roared, the round cutting through the assassin's leg stopping him in his tracks making him fall to his knees on the desk.
Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!
Rifle fire snapped and struck the assassin. Clean and surgical shots ended the assassin, muzzle flashes from outside the window showing the soldiers. The Atlas security team repelled down outside the window swinging through the shattered glass with their rifles raised scanning the room for further threats. They filled the room like water checking every shadow and corner before declaring the room clear.
"General Sir!" One of the soldiers said moving up to Ironwood. "Are you injured sir?" He asked, shining a light on his superior looking him over. Only a second later did Jaune find the same being done to him with one of the soldiers inspecting him. "I'm fine Sergeant!" Ironwood assured him, "but I'm afraid you and your team killed the only person who could have given me any answers."
"Sorry General, our priority was to neutralize the threat and keep you safe," the sergeant explained unapologetically.
"The kid is fine," the other soldier reported, "this isn't his blood."
"General!" Winter said snapping a salute. "I am pleased to see you unharmed."
"At ease Specialist," Ironwood instructed holstering his revolver. "And can you please explain to me why you felt the need to demolish the door and wall leading to my office?"
"The door was locked and I heard gunfire," Winter explained looking a little embarrassed by the General's question, "plus you were unresponsive to my attempts to contact you."
"JAUNE!" The shout echoed from down the hall as a red and green blur. Penny rocketed down the hallway barging through the hole in the wall flying on her jet boots to land right in front of Jaune. "Are you hurt!? Where are you bleeding!?" She asked, laying her gloved hands on him as she searched for wounds staining herself with red.
"I'm fine!" Jaune assured her, stepping away from her. "It's not my blood," he explained, exacerbated at her fretting over him.
"Penny!" Ironwood barked. "Why are you not with your father like I ordered?"
She turned to see the General staring at her and stepped to attention. "I was worried when we lost contact with you sir," she explained, "my father understood my concern and urged me to go."
"Your father is not your commanding officer Penny!" Ironwood reprimanded, "you deliberately disobeyed a direct order!"
Penny averted her gaze and instead looked nervously at the floor. "I am sorry sir," she said timidly, "I was concerned and thought it best that I personally intervene."
Ironwood looked from Penny to Jaune. The knight tried not to flinch from his stare, he averted his gaze only to find Winter looking at him as well. "Go clean yourself up Mr. Arc," he instructed, breaking the relative silence that hung between them. "Penny accompany him back to his dorm room, we're still on lockdown, we'll discuss your insubordination later."
Jaune nodded and turned to leave happy to be excused from the wrecked office. He stepped over rubble and brass shell casings as he walked, Penny followed behind.
"Oh and Mr. Arc," Ironwood said, the knight turned back to face him. "I'll be clearing you for combat, you can return to duty when you feel you are ready."
Jaune nodded, "thank you sir."
"General Sir," he heard Winter address Ironwood as he left out the hole she'd demolished in the wall, "it seems you were not the only target, there's been a report of more bodies being found in the west wing, they hit the R&D lab."
Jaune left them to handle the crisis, he stepped out into the hallway and moved for the elevator. The same artificial voice on the intercom kept repeating itself warning of an intruder and instructing everyone to remain where they were.
"The elevators are deactivated," Penny told him, "we will have you use the stairs."
Jaune nodded and took a left for the stairwell. They descended the steps together in silence finding their desired floor before moving towards the dormitories. Jaune replayed the fight again and again in his mind. Another assassin, this time the General had clearly been the target. First Penny, now General Ironwood and they still had no idea who was orchestrating the attacks or why.
They reached this dorm room and stepped in, it was empty. It usually was these days, with everyone still busy, his time in the dorm was quiet with Ren and Nora usually leaving early and coming back late tired. Even though his teammates tried to enjoy some time with him before getting some well deserved rest.
"Jaune, are you ok?" Penny asked him tentatively, ending the silence between them.
Jaune nodded. He was unharmed and well but he was still feeling the adrenaline. His heart was pounding and his chest and his ears had a little ring courtesy from all the gunfire.
"You can put your sword down now," Penny said.
Jaune hadn't realized he was still holding Crocea Mors, his grasp on the hilt was firm, he was still ready for an attack. He released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and collapsed the shield back into its scabbard to sheath his blade and set it aside.
"Here I will help you get cleaned up," Penny said, stepping into the little bathroom and wetting a washcloth.
"I'm fine," Jaune assured her, "I'll take a shower." It took him a second to realize just how messy he was. It wasn't just the assassin's blood but dust from when Winter shattered through the wall and fragments of shattered glass from the security team rappelling through the window. He felt a thick coat of the dust in his mouth and coughed.
Jaune grabbed a glass from the desk and moved to the bathroom to fill it. Penny put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him and taking the glass from his hand filling it up.
A stab of annoyance hit Jaune. He was fine, a little shaken maybe. He was just coming down from the adrenaline and wanted to wash this awful taste from his mouth. But ever since they got back she'd been like this, like he was too fragile to do anything himself. Was that why she'd defied the General's orders? To protect him?
Penny filled the glass and handed it to him. He took it and it exploded in his left hand, shattering into a hundred shards and splashing water everywhere. It shocked Jaune and he jumped back in surprise. He looked at his hand, his aura had protected him from any cuts. His two bionic fingers were still curled tightly turning a couple of shards into powder. It'd been his new fingers that'd squeezed too hard.
"Are you alright Jaune!?" Penny stammered rushing forward to inspect his hand.
Jaune snapped his hand away from her. "I'M FINE!" He shouted at her, she stopped in her tracks and Jaune felt the last week of frustration boil over. "GO BOTHER SOMEONE ELSE! I DON'T NEED A ROBOT BABYING ME!"
Penny's eyes widened, stricken at his outburst. The look of hurt that colored her features was a knife of guilt to Jaune's chest. He opened his mouth to apologize but she took off.
She was a blur of green and red hair as she rushed out the door and took off. Her jet boots roared as she took off faster than he could follow and rocketed down the hallway and away.
Jaune sighed and closed his door. The intercom reminded him that he wasn't supposed to be out and about because of the lockdown. He needed to cool off, not add to his troubles by getting caught trying to look for a girl.
He turned back to the cold empty room. The spark of anger that he'd directed towards Penny now smouldered as anger to himself. He cursed himself hoping it'd help, it didn't. He unstrapped his armor and tossed the rest of his clothes into the laundry hamper stepping into the bathroom to start his shower.
The watered helped, if only a little. It washed away the blood, dust and sweat and helped calm his thoughts leaving him to focus his thoughts on Penny and how he was going to make this right.
General James Ironwood pressed the button for the intercom on the desk. "How many dead?" He asked the as the terminal in front of him displayed much of the relevant data.
"We have counted five so far," the intercom informed him, "two in the R&D wing and three more on the landing pad, the bullhead was taken before the academy even entered lockdown."
The terminal showed him the security camera footage outside the research and development laboratories. A lone female Faunus with a black and white tipped fox tail entered into the laboratories with a keycard and disappeared. After that looped footage of empty hallways continued for quite some time until the first body was discovered and the alarm was sounded and a long while afterwards.
"I want that bullhead found," Ironwood ordered knowing that in all likelihood even if they did recover the stolen craft it would likely be too late.
"Of course sir we'll be deploying teams once the lockdown is lifted." The intercom informed him. The lockdown would likely last another hour as the security teams cleared the academy sector by sector, the General doubted they'd find any other intruders at this point but they wouldn't leave any stone unturned if it could be helped.
"Begin immediate analysis on the intruder, I want to know who she is and what she stole," Ironwood said.
"We already have a team down in the lab determining what was taken now sir, you should be given a preliminary update soon." He said.
Ironwood leaned back in his chair and sighed massaging his temples. "Do you have a headache sir! I have some medication in the drawer if you wish." Winter told him sitting to his side. This was in fact her desk he was sitting behind considering his own along with his office were unfit for official use currently. Luckily the Specialist had expectantly kept a clean and organized workspace with only one personal item, a framed picture of her sister Weiss.
"I do not think it would help," Ironwood admitted looking up to his subordinate. "That thief killed more and damaged more than that assassin," he grumbled, "and all I can do currently is wait to hear the extent of the damages cause and contemplate today's events, I'm afraid a pill would do little to ease this headache."
"My apologies sir," Winter said.
"You have nothing to apologize for Miss Schnee," he said, scanning the various emails being forwarded to him detailing initial reports on the theft and attempt on his life.
"If this incident is related to my investigation I believe I do sir," Winter said, "I was supposed to uncover any leaks in our security and find potential accomplices and informants as Mr. Arc theorized, if I had done so this might have been prevented."
Ironwood shook his head at her. "Perhaps, but we have to figure out how this happened before anyone starts pointing fingers, this may have been something far outside our control."
Winter nodded in understanding. "Thank you sir."
Ironwood turned back to the terminal and scanned the data being sent directly to him, pieces of the puzzle being fit together as everyone dissected the events and evidence. Apparently a ventilation grate in the ceiling of his office had been bent, so far it seemed that the would be assassin had entered in through the small air vents, doubtlessly his rather unique semblance had assisted him seeing as it was too small for most people to crawl through, a security measure he'd correct. But more than the assassin and the theft weighed heavy on his mind.
"What do you think I should do about Penny?" He asked her, "it is rather unusual for her to disobey an order from me." Unusual, though not unheard of. She'd been rather defiant back at Vale, before the Vital Festival. Sneaking how multiple times despite clear instructions not to.
"I don't know sir," Winter told him, "but I don't see any reason for you to be harsh with her, she only disobeyed out of concern."
But was her concern for him? Or for Jaune Arc? Ironwood wondered. "I'm sure I'll think of an appropriate punishment."
A message flashed across the screen, the preliminary report from the R&D lab detailing what had been stolen. Ironwood's fist smashed against the desk.
"Sir?" Winter said, wide eyed at his outburst. "What is it?"
"The theft was far worse than I could have imagined," Ironwood seethed.
"What was taken?" Winter asked.
"Vasily Patterson's weapons to start," he explained, "and that's not the worst of it."
"What is the worst of it?" She asked.
Ironwood scowled, "I'm afraid that's classified, even to you Specialist Schnee."
Jaune had spent the last two days practically alone in the Ace Ops firing range. He had taken Clover's advice to heart and was learn how to handle his new weapon, his custom built, lever action shotgun. Atlas Tech, age old functionality. After the first half day with it he had received a message from Sergeant Major Gungnir Rockwell, or Gunny as Clover had introduced him. It was a detail schematic of the weapon that Gunny had drawn up after the fact. Having completely memorized the entire make of the weapon as he was building it.
Gunny had suggested that Jaune familiarize himself with it, so he could handle his own maintenance. Jaune had only screwed up reassembling it once and found an extra screw once he thought he was finished. After that he slowed down and took his time. Looking at the blueprints thoroughly as he examined his weapon. Afterwards Jaune continued with his firing down range. He had move on to moving targets and had set the Hard Light pylons to move at random.
It was still challenging. Once he felt himself getting comfortable with the exercises, he'd repeat them with his shield in his other hand. By the end of the second day his wrist was throbbing. He messaged Clover about it, deciding that his embarrassment wasn't worth not taking proper care of himself.
Yeah, that's bound to happen if you've never fire anything like that before. Ice it for as long as you can, head to medical and just ask for a brace. Some pain meds before bed, and take the next day off from shooting. This is new territory for you. Take it easy. I'll send you some literature tomorrow to keep you busy. That R&R I mentioned should be scheduled for you and your team in a few days. No break yet I'm afraid.
-Clover
So Jaune did exactly that. He took the time, iced his wrist and talked with Team RWBY about his new equipment. Predictably Ruby was enamoured by it. She had a slew of questions that Jaune simply gave her the blueprints. Blake was polite, but uninterested. Weiss was complimentary and said that she'd be willing to let him practise with her and her summons, for when moving pylons became too simple for him. Yang was the one he wanted to discuss it the most with. She was the inspiration for his choice after all.
She told him the story how how she came to the idea of Ember Celica back at Signal. She told him about the types of Ammunition she tried out, and still used to this day. Jaune took notes. Eventually Yang pried it out of Ruby's hands and appraised it. "This is incredible. Short and balanced. I'm sure it kicks like a mule. Explains the ice." Yang said holding it up and looking down the iron sights. She pumped the lever, expelling shell after shell until it was empty. "Okay, now that its not loaded." Then proceeded to twirl it like a pro and pull the trigger after each flourish.
"Yeah, I had something like this at first. Way back. The professors at Signal had us try out a bunch of things before we settled into what we were most comfortable with. It was like the second week when Professor Chiron pulled out this old and busted, double barrel shotgun and just destroyed one of the wooden targets." Yang said with a sort of revelry in her voice. "It was that moment that I knew I had to have one. The next day was a pump shotgun, and the next was a lever action. I spent that entire term learning the ins and outs of shotguns. Eventually dad said something off hand about me punching shotguns shells. I know he wasn't serious, but it lite a fire in me and the only way to let it was, was well, to punch with shotgun shells."
"Yeah, then you put a hole in the kitchen and dad made up the rule about no guns in the house. Thanks a lot Yang!" Ruby said, sulking still looking over the blueprints.
Yang looked sheepish and rubbed her neck. "Yeah, I did do that." She said embarrassed. "Anywho, This is a solid build Jaune. You should be happy to have it. Until you get some slugs or long ranged dust shells, you should dial in your effective range. I'm guessing you've got like a max range of, 45 meters." She flipped the gun and held it up at arms lengths, looking down it. But you should probably stick to no further then, 25 or 30 to be effective."
Jaune just gave her a look like a deer caught in headlights. "Wow, you really know your stuff." Jaune said as she gave the gun back to him. "Like I always knew you were impressive, but I never considered that was anything more then raw skill. I hadn't considered there was experience behind your "punch it really hard with a shotgun" technique."
Yang scoffed and punched him in the shoulder. "Heck yeah there's experience. Jaune I did the exact same thing you did to you wrist, but both, at the same time." Yang said seriously. "Dude, that seriously sucked for like a week."
Jaune spent the next few hours just hanging out with Team RWBY, talking about how their training with the Ace Ops was going, how their missions regarding Amity were like, and just enjoying each others company. There was a sombering moment when Blake mentioned that they were all officially and actually Huntresses, or Huntsmen in Jaune's case, and yet they were still as relaxed and playful as they were back at Beacon. There was a collective silence when they realized that the weight of the world didn't have to be crushing all the time.
Before long Weiss decided to be the voice of reason and reminded Ruby, and by extension everyone else, that they had a mission together in the morning and they needed to up very early. Jaune politely excused himself and headed back to his own dorm. But was not remotely expecting to find what he found.
Oscar was just starring at the door, with an awkward and perplex expression. He saw Jaune approached and look so relieved. "Oh you're here. I'm not sure what this is, but I've heard things." Oscar said dragging Jaune towards the door.
Jaune was also aghast, but he knew exactly what he was looking at. It was one of Nora's socks, on the doorknob. "Oh, well. That just means you and I have to find somewhere else to sleep tonight." Jaune said a matter-of-factly. He left no room for discussion.
Jaune lead Oscar by the shoulder and started walking. He didn't have a plan or destination in mind, he just wanted to put some distance between himself and their dorm room. Eventually after giving it some thought, they ended up in front of the temporary arrangements given to Qrow. A spare staff quarters. Jaune sighed heavily and knocked on the door.
"Just a minute" Qrow shouted from the other side. Eventually the door opened and there was Qrow, in shorts and a t-shirt. "Yeah, so that was what like 35.99 right? Oh, hey. You're not my delivery. What's going on?"
Jaune took a long breath and sighed again. "Well, Oscar found a sock on our doorknob and we need a place to crash for the night." Jaune said with a frustrated expression. Oscar still wasn't entirely sure what was going on and looked back and forth between Jaune and Qrow. The later grew a rather insidious smirk and started chuckling, which then grew into a hearty laugh.
"Oh, that's rich. Yeah, yeah. Come on in." Qrow said before quickly resuming his laughing. "Honestly, not the pair I was expecting. I thought it would have been Yang and the emo one. But life is full of surprises."
Much to Oscar's confusion and Jaune's annoyance, Qrow was amused. The rest of the evening turned out to be pretty alright. An unintentional Guys Night of sorts, omitting Ren for obvious reasons. Aside from "What does the sock have to do with anything?" from Oscar, they spent most of the night swapping stories. Now that Jaune knew the true fight and wasn't one of his nieces, Qrow delighted him with stories of what his younger days were like. Back when he started working for Oz and travelling the world solo. Jaune then told Oscar what Beacon was like. Then Qrow made a comment about landing strategies and started laughing again.
"But you were drunk right?" Jaune asked incredulously. "I mean why would you willingly pick a fight with her in the middle of our courtyard?
Qrow put his hands up in defence. "Yeah, I might have been drunk, and sure I was a little pissed off at James, but, well I mean. Okay, yeah. I got nothing." Qrow said before slumping in defeat. "It was a dumb idea."
"But you did win, right?" Oscar said with a smirk.
There was a brief silence before Qrow laughed a little. "Let's just say it was a tie. James and Oz showed up before things got real."
"Wait, like an actual dress? Did you wear heels?" Oscar asked between bites of pizza.
Jaune scowled and shook in frustration. "No I didn't wear heels. But yeah, an actual dress."
"Tai said it was a kilt. What did I know. I grew up with Bandits and Hillbillies. I didn't know any better." Qrow said with a smile. "Although the girls did say I had nice legs."
"So then the guys starts cutting and Yang is perfectly content, humming a little tune from one of her cartoons. But then all of a sudden she see her own hair, just casually falling to the ground in front of her and proceeds to have this epic tantrum!" Qrow said waving his arms around. "Tai was attempting to console her when all of a sudden her hair just starts well, flaming! I'm trying not to laugh and Summer just elbows me in the ribs. Now I'm on the ground, Tai is trying to calm Yang down, and the poor Salon guy is just cowering in the corner."
"Why are you so good at this?! Jaune yelled at Qrow. Frustrated. He thought his youth and experience would give him the upper hand. "Come on Oscar. He can't take us both on at the same time."
"Yeah! You're going down Qrow!" Oscar yelled with exuberance.
"SOARING NINJA WINS"
"Told you. I'm just that good."
Slowly Jaune began to stir awake. "Hey, this isn't my bed." He said in a stupor. Slowly he rolled over in an attempt to take in his surroundings and rolled off the couch. "Definitely not my bed. Ow." Acutely awake now, Jaune took in his surroundings and remember where he was and what happened. Over on the other couch was Oscar, with Qrow's jacket draped over him.
"Oh you're up. Yeah, we did kind go a bit late."Qrow said walking into the room with a cup of coffee. "You can head out whenever you want. Showers in there. James wanted me to look over some debriefs and other boring paperwork." Qrow throw his thumb over his shoulder and started looking at his scroll.
Jaune nodded and accepted the invitation. It was nice to have a shower, alone, in a bathroom not designed for half a dozen people. The Atlas dorms while meeting their needs, lacked for privacy. Showering hadn't really been an issue, it had only been himself, Ren, and Oscar in their wing. Jaune was drying off his hair as he walked out back into the main room when he saw the General Ironwood was there talking with Qrow. "Oh, General Ironwood. I didn't know you were here." Jaune said with a pleasant surprise in his voice. "Everything alright?"
Ironwood gave a noncommittal sort of grimace. "Things could be better, but I'm glad you're here. Saves me the trouble of coming to see you." Ironwood said before placing his scroll on the table and projecting a holographic image of Mantle. "Atlas intelligence has been investigating potential threats to the upcoming election. As much as it would be in our benefit to maintain things as is, I'll lose all support if I use my power to delay or prevent it any manner. So I've had agents looking into some unsettling rumours. Specifically that those outspoken against me going missing, and/or turning up dead."
Several locations in Mantle highlighted red and a small profile popped up of those that were very vocal with anti-Atlas sentiment. All dead. "I've spoke with the Ace Ops, and I'd like to you and your team to investigate." Ironwood said with a smile. "You're, uhm, on-going assignment in Mantle hasn't gone unnoticed. I put out feelers, and you're quite appreciated and well known in Mantle. People like you, and most importantly, you're not of Atlas."
Jaune nodded and looked over the map and profiles. "You think this has anything to do with Amity, or Salem?" Jaune trying to see if any of the names or faces popped out at him.
There was a tense silence. "I'm not sure. I want to say its not, but it doesn't matter. Anything that weakens us and makes it easier for them to attack is an issue." Ironwood said as he added more information to the holographic map. "All of these killings were reported to and recorded by the local law enforcement. I'd suggest starting there. The four of you head out tomorrow."
Jaune looked at Oscar momentarily. "I thought Oscar wasn't going to be put on field assignment. You guys wanted to have him assist with planning and coordination to try to knock some Ozpin stuff loose." Jaune said, still not entirely content with the lie they had given Ironwood regarding Ozpin's absence.
"Oscar won't be joining you. You'll have a different 4th." Ironwood said with a smirk. On que the front door opened revealing a standing, Winter Schnee. "The doctors have given Winter permission to handle field mission, permitting that she refrain from combat. Seeing as this is an investigation, I've allowed her to join you. Her expertise and experience should be a big asset to your assignment." Ironwood emphasized that last part. "To be clear, this is your assignment. Winter has been instructed to follow your lead, and only in the most dire of situations will she be authorized to assume command."
Winter silently nodded to Jaune. "You're a Team Leader for a reason. I think its time that we appreciate it in action." Winter said entering the room, albeit with a slightly noticeable limp.
"You want me to do my thing?" Jaune asked holding up a pair of glowing hands.
Winter pursed her lips slightly but eventually nodded. "That would be appreciated." She said taking a seat. "Anything that can expedite my recovery would be most prudent. Though I'm not sure how, effective you're semblance is in regards to healing."
Jaune scoffed and walked over. "Oh its pretty neat. I mean I fully healed Weiss' impalement in a few minutes. This should be a cake walk." Jaune said as he took a knee in front of Winter and applied his Aura Amp to her leg. Only to immediately feel a chill run down his spine. The room had gotten several degrees colder in a matter of seconds. He looked up to Winter and saw her starring at him with a chilling, murderous look.
"Her what?!"
Eventually after an uncomfortable explanation regarding Weiss being impaled at Haven, the unscheduled meeting was concluded. Jaune was about to leave but was called aside by Ironwood. "I heard from Qrow the, hmm, circumstances relating to you staying with him for the night." Ironwood said, equally as uncomfortable as Jaune. "If you'd like, I can see to assigning you your own quarters. I understand interpersonal relationships, and what we, that is Huntsmen and Huntresses, do to, alleviate stress."
Jaune was also feeling rather awkward about the conversation, but as his dad would call it, he pulled up his big boy pants and talked it about it plainly. "That would be appreciated, sir. Ren and Nora have been through just as much as the rest of us and are happy together. They deserve to have their moments, whenever they can." Jaune said firmly.
Ironwood nodded. "That's a mature and reasonable view of the situation. I'll see to it that one of the spare prefects rooms is prepared. I'll find accommodations for Oscar was well." Ironwood said looking past Jaune and at Oscar who was at that moment shoeing Qrow away from attempting to fix his collar. "He's still not entirely up to this, so giving him some time and comfort makes me feel less like a monster for expecting him to be the next Ozpin. Walk with me" Ironwood led Jaune down the hall. Not seeming to be in any rush or heading in any particular direction.
"Is that why you're keeping him out of the field?" Jaune asked dolefully. "You keep him busy and in the loop enough to feel like he's a part of the mission, but not in danger?" There was a quiet understanding to the situation. Oscar was the next Ozpin. The next inheritor of Ozma's eternal mission, but we was also just Oscar Pine, 15 year old boy that didn't ask for any of this. Unlike the two of them, he didn't sign up for this. They chose this life, while it was thrust onto Oscar.
"Its mostly guilt. For how I treated Ozpin and my part to play in the Fall of Beacon." Ironwood said before kneading his brow in one hand. "I know you were there, but you don't know everything. Oz and I were at odds, for most of my time at Beacon. Oz, in his infinite wisdom, wanted to wait and assess the situation, even with the clear danger that, who we know know was Cinder, represented. I was vocal about being proactive. I brought my ships, and my mechs to Beacon to defend it. To show our enemy the strength we had."
"But ultimately, Ozpin was right. My ships and my army didn't matter, they didn't help in the slightest. Our enemy turned them against us. I was powerless, but most of all I betrayed him." James said almost in a whisper. "I betrayed his trust, I did exactly what he was worried about it it didn't just hurt me. It hurt everyone in Vale and Beacon. People are dead because I wouldn't listen to him."
Jaune wanted to say something comforting, that Ozpin would understand, that he wasn't that kind of a man, but, he just couldn't bring himself to Ozpin's defence right now. "So when I see Oscar, with all this responsibility just waiting for him. He needs protecting." Ironwood mustered through some hitched breaths. "Oz or not, he's gonna need all the help he can get."
The was a moment of silence when are group of students passed them by and salute the General.
"Sir, James." Jaune said, hoping to have a less professional moment. "I don't think you betrayed him. Ozpin had a plan, that involved keeping you in the dark. It involved not telling you why he did the things he did, but asked of you to trust him. So when you brought your army to Vale with the intention of keeping everyone safe, you did that right thing. Could you have know that Cinder had the means to turn those mechs against everyone?"
James looked at Jaune for a moment. "Did Ozpin order you to send your forces into to assist us when the Breach happened? Cause I was there. I remember seeing the terror and fear on the people's face when the Grimm poured out of that hole. You sent your mechs and ships to assist. When the attack on Beacon started, you rallied us, motivated us to defend out school and home. Did you do that because of Ozpin, or did you do that because that's who you are."
"You don't give yourself enough credit and, in my opinion, you don't own Ozpin anything." Jaune said firmly before wiping a tear from his eye. "But you were right about one thing. Oscar, he doesn't deserve the burden that been placed on him, and if we can help him prepare for it, to lessen the load, then we should."
They just stood in silence for a moment. James was speechless. A few more students passed by before James collected himself. "You know you're only the second person to attempt to reassure me that what I did was right. I didn't want to believe it then." James said, then straightened his perfect straight tie. "But now, it feels more earned. Thank you Jaune Arc."