A/N; I really wish I had something better to give you today. I waited to put it out anyway, but this isn't exactly the quality I wanted. For those of you not reading on publish day, today is exactly one year since the creator of RWBY, Monty Oum, passed away.

She was numb.

Weiss had cried when upon splitting up with Blake, but as soon as she had begun knocking on doors, those feelings vanished. The faces of her classmates pushed her deeper into the mask she had donned after they parted she turned to own task. The had all reacted differently, some trying to simply run for the Grimm infested hills, others heading for the river, but she knew the Atlesian military. Only a very few the students had a shot at getting out of the campus. When Weiss was stopped by a hunter team on the main landing area, all she had to do to continue on her way was state her name and affirm relation to the SDC. Getting out of Vale was almost as easy, all it took was a swipe of a credit card and she had an airbus taking her to Patch and a ticket on the last airship to Atlas, possibly for the months if Ironwood had suspended travel between kingdoms. All that she could see of Beacon was a column of smoke in the distance as her ship rose into the air.

She didn't pretend to understand what the army thought it was doing, nor did she understand any of what had happened thus far today. She knew Evander had something to do with it, but destroying one of the only four locations in the whole world where humans could be safe seemed incredibly wasteful. His actions and presumed motive of world domination didn't line up, which meant she was missing information. With the Cross Continental Transmit Towers down, possibly forever, doing research was impossible, not that she would have found anything anyway. All that was left was to wait for them to move again, and hope she gained more than the world lost. For now, she was trapped within the airbus with only herself, her sword, and her thoughts. Weiss could halt her emotions, stopping them from affecting her, but it was only a pause and when the dam broke, they would be just as bad all at once. No, sitting on this airship was the best time, with nothing else she could do

'Blake might be lying under the rubble of the building that had been their home for the past year. Ruby or Yang could be too.' She had no way of knowing. 'Anyone I had met in the past year, the best year of my life, could be dead or dying right now.' Weiss slowly took a breath, in and out. Before she even let herself begin to cry, static blared through the speaker system, nearly knocking her out of her seat. Ironwood's voice came through a second later.

"This is General James Ironwood of the Atlesian Armed Forces, Supreme Commander of the United Armies of the World Government, broadcasting on all radio frequencies. Please excuse my interruption, but the CCT in Mistral has been damaged." He paused, drawing in a long breath. "The purpose of this broadcast is to explain the events that have recently transpired. These events were the cumulation of a scientific process started three weeks ago when one of our scientists discovered that the particles released by Grimm upon death all move towards a single point, Beacon Academy." He paused, letting the implications of that sink in.

It seemed the time for emotions was not quite yet upon her, and that Ironwood was going to hand-feed the entire world the information she had been planning to fight for. Weiss was nearly positive that this story was a fabrication. The whole thing had to be, since three weeks was not nearly long enough for a full investigation, nor would it make sense to just have Ozpin killed without more evidence. Ironwood's voice again filled the airbus, and this time he revealed even more.

"We immediately sent agents to investigate what was going on, who discovered a series of vaults underneath the Beacon Tower, sealed to all but Professor Ozpin. We believe he was the only person aware of their existence. Ozpin was eliminated as soon as we determined that he was complicit. What followed his death was unexpected: a number of the Grimm still living vanished instantly, and every remaining Grimm except for those already engaged began moving at speed towards Beacon. The school's defenses came under attack within minutes, with greater numbers and concentrated force than had been seen since the Great War. To my horror, I was forced to order the destruction of Beacon Academy using explosives. When the dust from that explosion settled, the Grimm, even ones too far to be caught by the blast, were just gone. Atlesian forces engaged elsewhere reported the same thing; the Grimm had just vanished." He paused again, and she could practically see Evander smiling as the crown fell into place on his head. There was only one thing left for Ironwood to do before the trap would be complete. He spoke again, driving the final nail into the world's coffin.

"Based on the breakdown of inter-kingdom relations over the past 100 years, our analysts have given us an estimate for worldwide warfare lasting more than a hundred years upon the destruction of the Grimm, if we did not act immediately. In order to understand the magnitude of the conflict, simply imagine the massive amounts of resources each kingdom would have had if able to expand into the land once held by the Grimm. In order to prevent this, a little under 6 hours ago, the Atlas council voted in secret to create a world government, which will be made up of 40 representatives, 10 from each Kingdom. To prevent resistance against the establishment of the world government, I ordered the deployment of the Atlesian Air Fleet, Atlesian Army, and other support organizations to Vale, Vacuo, and Mistral. If you have questions, please direct them to the nearest member of the Atlesian military."

The radio clicked off, and Weiss sat back in her seat. She knew that the general was acting under orders, but this hoax seemed insane. There was no way it could be believed. However, Ironwood wasn't a fool or a bootlicker, so if Evander had finally gone completely insane he would have stood up to him. There was the possibility that they just planned to control the world through force, but from Weiss's impression of Ironwood that would not sit well with the General.

As Patch came into view out the window, she wondered what had led to this. She, as someone who heard everything that happened in the Winter Palace, had only heard operation "Lightning War" mentioned as a joke. It was the plan for the capture of all three cities simultaneously. For whatever reason, Evander had made that joke a reality.

Again a voice crackled through the radio, with a good deal less force. It sounded as though the pilot had turned it down.

"This is air control for the Gordemere Airport, Patch. Identify yourself."

She could hear the muted sound of the taxi pilot offering his identification and license, then the controller responded.

"The airport is under a state of emergency. The incoming pad is open, and we are evacuating. Make your own landing please."

The pilot took the controller at his word and started his descent.

When the doors shot open, Weiss was met by 6 Valean hunters. They tore into the ship, checking every nook and cranny. She had expected an inspection, but ...

"Isn't this a bit excessive?" She said mildly.

One of the men turned to her, an easy smile playing across his lips for a moment. "Yes. Unfortunately for you, that's just what an imposter would say." His face was covered with a smattering of stubble, and he wore a light grey button up shirt.

Weiss pursed her lips. "I'm a Beacon student. I just want to get home. I promise I won't fight you, I just want to go home before they block transport."

They all looked over at her words, and a low laugh echoed from one of the men behind her. She racked her brains for something that she could use to gain their trust.

The man in grey spoke again. "All the ships are taken, I'm afraid. You'll have to come with us." He wore an odd tattered cape, and it seemed to wave behind him even though he stood completely still.

She realized she had to give something away and hope they didn't recognize her. "I was on a team with a Signal student named Ruby Rose an-"

The change the man's face showed at the name was extraordinary. He went from calmly checking the walls for switches to pinning her to a wall before Weiss could even blink in surprise. "You're on a team with Ruby?! Is she alive?! What happened to Yang? Is Yang alive?!"

Weiss was unable to breathe, his arm pinning her to the wall. She didn't dare fight back with five hunters looking on, so she tapped on his arm, opening and closing her mouth like a fish to get the point across.

The hunter looked confused for a moment, then pulled his arm off her neck. She slumped to the ground.

"I don't know. We split up aft-"

"You split up with your teammates in the middle of a war zone?" This time the interruption came from a large man with - Weiss did a double take - the exact same pale purple eyes as Yang.

He was wearing a pair of shorts in mid winter, which was odd, and had what appeared to be a socket embedded his shoulder pads, which was more than odd. His weapon was strange as well, a hammer with a piece of metal sticking out halfway down the shaft, a ball joint attached to the end.

While Weiss would have loved to puzzle out how exactly he fought with a 2 meter tall hammer attached to his shoulder, she was still in a bit of a situation. They appeared to know Ruby and Yang, probably close relations. So she hoped Ruby hadn't written home much, and continued to bluff her way through. "Yes, yes we did. I don't know why you care so much, but I'm trying to get back to Atlas, and they were trying to get into Forever Fall and come this way."

His partner's eyes narrowed. "Really, so that explains why they didn't just come with you?"

Weiss was desperately trying to come up with a response to that question that didn't involve telling them that she was the heiress to the company with the biggest influence on the Atlesian offensive when the man who she assumed was Yang's dad chuckled.

"Qrow. She obviously isn't a Belladonna, so who on their team is left?"

Qrow glanced at Yang's dad. "Wha-." He paused, then his eyebrows drew together even further. "Oh. Oh shit." Then he glanced around at the other 4 hunters gathered in the main area, all looking expectantly at him.

Weiss could have said the exact same thing.

She knew her best chance was to continue bluffing and hoped they trusted Ruby and Yang enough to let her go. "Well now that that's dealt with, I hope you can trust I'm on your side. Glynda suggested I go back to Atlas and try and do some damage from the inside. I'll take any of the Atlesian Signal Students you trust with me."

Qrow looked between her, Taiyang, and the remaining hunters. "I hate to say this, but we don't have anything long range enough to get you to Atlas. You'll have to come with us."

Weiss was unsurprised. Her whole plan had hinged on acting like a normal student once she arrived on the island, getting on a flight to Atlas before Ironwood cut off inter-kingdom travel. Apparently Vale was better prepared than she had calculated for.

"So I'm your prisoner. Just so you're aware, my father never pays a ransom, ever."

Qrow grimaced at the memories evoked by her words. "First off, I was involved in that clusterfuck, so let's not talk about it. Second of all, we are trying to save the highest number of lives here. That means all of the long range ships are filled to total capacity, and anything that might make it to somewhere safe is headed out already. We simply can't spare any ships. I understand what you're trying to convince us of, but it just doesn't matter."

One of the other hunters broke in. "Sir, who exactly is she?!"

Taiyang smiled quickly, then lied to his face. "Not even I have the clearance to know her real name." Qrow immediately shot him a glare, but Yang's father just shrugged at him.

The hunter looked at him quizzically for a second, then turned to Qrow, his face returning to attention. "If she's an operative I doubt clearing the ship is going to be necessary."

Qrow nodded. "You are correct. Go help with the evacuation."

The other team walked off the ship. Weiss watched until they were out of earshot, then turned to Qrow, who was obviously in charge. "What if I took a cargo bullhound, one of the larger cargo bullhead variants. I can use my semblance to get to Atlas, and carry anyone else who wants to come."

Qrow thought for a second, rubbing his hands through his hair. "No idea how you plan to use your semblance, but I'm going to assume since you asked for a cargo freighter that you'll need a lot of dust. In that case, we have a recently . . ." He paused, scratching his head for a moment. "liberated SDC short range cargo ship for on island use only. It's got one of the SDC's new scanners, so only an authorised SDC employee can use it."

Weiss's face contorted at the thought of her father's employees in danger. "Any crew member will also be granted the opportunity to come." Her voice was ice cold, dripping with threats and unspoken promises.

Qrow chuckled. "What did you think we were going to do sweetheart?" His voice was taunting and slightly chilled. "Take them as prisoners?"

Weiss glared at him and prepared to unleash a verbal tirade, but Taiyang spoke up, his voice despondent. "You don't know anything about what might have happened to Ruby and Yang?"

The tension remained in the cabin, but both Weiss and Qrow realized they were glaring at a friend of a friend. Weiss thought for a half second before she looked at the ground. "If I had to guess, they are probably prisoners," spitting the word at Qrow, using all of her considerable training to make it an insult, "of General Ironwood. Most of Beacon is at this point."

Qrow's expression morphed into a wide smile, and he chuckled loudly. "Oho. That's how the bastard's playing? Mister tough guy? That'll make this all the more fun then."

Taiyang was also smiling now. Weiss glared at the both. "I'm not even going to ask how you plan to help them, but I want to ask you both not to die. It would probably wreck my teammates."

Qrow chuckled. "Whaddaya know, the little Schnee has a heart of gold."

Taiyang and Weiss glared at him in unison, but Taiyang broke their concentration with a gesture towards a large freighter parked slightly away from the others.

"Your ship is right there, just don't get shot down. According to our sources the convoy protection agencies are all being contacted by Atlas."

Weiss scoffed. "Who in their right mind would shoot down an SDC cargo freighter with the heiress aboard?"

Qrow over his shoulder at her smiling slightly. "At least you're not a total idiot."

If looks could kill, Weiss would have had a body to bury. "I understand my family has enemies, but not among the CPA's. After all, we provide 99% of their business."

Taiyang looked at her, his face thoughtful. "Fair enough." He turned to Qrow. "You can go do something productive."

Qrow immediately opened his mouth to argue, but Taiyang cut him off. "I think you'll agree, especially based on past experience, that I can beat one little Schnee?"

Qrow nodded slowly, chuckling as he did so, then jogged across the airfield towards the rising skyline of Signal in the distance.

Taiyang immediately turned back to Weiss, his face apologetic. "He's got a lot of stuff on his shoulders right now. That's just how he deals with stress."

She froze her face into a smile, unwilling to join him in any more petty conversation. "How soon can I leave? The Atlesians will be here in less than half an hour, judging from how the battle went over there."

Taiyang held up his left arm, pointing to the far side of the field. "There you are. The Atlas exchange students are already there with the SDC contractors, since we only wanted to set one group of guards."

Weiss allowed her smile to edge upwards. "How . . . fortunate." She drew out the pause, knowing it would make him uncomfortable.

When the SDC employees saw her following a hunter towards them, they looked shocked. More then that, they looked terrified. The Atlas students knew vaguely who she was, but they didn't understand the gravity of that particular misconception. However, Weiss immediately allayed the fears of the whole group.

"We're going back to Atlas. Get on board."

Hope lifted their faces, but they were prisoners until someone said otherwise, so their first concern went to the hunters guarding them. For their part, the hunters immediately unloaded the responsibility by looking to Taiyang. He nodded, and they moved over to converse with him. The SDC pilots stood, assuming she had bought him off. She spared one glance for Taiyang, then turned to the captain of the freighter, her voice cold and commanding.

"If you could land on water and reload the engines with Dust, without fear of Grimm, could you get us to Atlas?"

He thought for a second, then nodded slowly. "I have no idea how we could accomplish that, but with the amount of dust this thing has in cargo, it's theoretically possible."

She smiled. "I can freeze the water with a relatively small amount of dust using my semblance, and we can land and reload the engines. However, we must leave now. The Atlas army is planning to cut off travel between kingdoms so I need to get back to Atlas as soon as possible. I'm sure you guys want to get home as well." The SDC employees nodded and started moving towards the ship. The Atlas students looked extremely surprised, then turned to her, standing as they did so. One of them, wearing what appeared to be wearing a large suit of mechanical armor with the Adel logo on it, spoke, his voice quiet and cautious. "You're just going to give us a ride out of the kindness of your heart?"

Weiss giggled at him. "No, I'm giving you a ride because I need people to help load the engines when we land."

Fawkes Adel popped his visor off and held out his hand for her to shake. "A Schnee never does anything out of the goodness of their heart."

She took his hand, her smile matching his. "Get aboard, all of you. We'll be leaving shortly."

A/N A short chapter, but thanks for bearing with the less action filled sections. Next chapter is Blake, then we go back to the war. Thanks as always to my editors, /u/theswedishmoose, /u/clamzilla, and /u/thebluehedgehog

Chapters are now semi-weekly. Technically that means one every two fridays, but really it means when my editors get them done I'll publish them, but if I get one done in a week I'll save them for writer's block.