Arc of Chaldea

Chapter 11: Arrival

Author's Note: Sorry for the late update work has been tough these past few days. Then what little time I had free was spent playing Fate/Samurai Remnant.

The Golden Hind touched down gracefully on the landing pad of Site Beta. As its boarding ramp was lowered and the aged wood touched the concrete, Jaune stepped forward. He was the first to disembark, and he stood next to Da Vinci who was already bubbling with excitement a short way away from the ramp. Headmaster Ozpin followed, exiting the ship alongside General Ironwood as Qrow and Councilor Mauve trailed behind them. Bringing up the rear of the group were the beacon teams and Councilor Mauve's aide.

"Welcome to Mount Arcanus and Site Beta," Da Vinci began, arm outstretched in a welcoming gesture.

"I hope the trip was pleasant?"

"Pleasant and certainly it was a unique mode of transportation," Ozpin said not having expected to make the trip in such a manner.

"Shall we begin the tour, or would you prefer a moment to rest?" inquired Da Vinci, a tablet in her hands.

I believe that we will start with the tour, break for lunch, and then resume," Replied Councilor Mauve

"Very well then if you would all follow me, please." Jaune gestured as he and Da Vince walked into the hallway.

The lighting adjusted as they crossed the threshold into the facility, Jaune seemed to stumble for a moment and as his team moved to see what was wrong with him. He waved it off as a bit of airsickness and urged Da Vinci to start with the tour while he caught his bearings. Opening his mental connection with his servants he asked What do you mean that we have an infiltrator in the group? Do we know who exactly?

It is as I said master, I am certain the Councilor's aide is not who they say they are. They are using an illusion to conceal their true identity; shall we eliminate the security risk?

I don't think that's necessary just yet Kiritsugu, but please do keep an eye on her and ensure she doesn't go exploring where she shouldn't. If we have a chance to isolate her and question her, we will. Replied Jaune as he moved to catch up with the group. He was just in time to hear Da Vinci talking about the research and development of several new weapon designs that the materials group was working on.

This immediately caught the attention of both Ruby and Ironwood, who stepped closer to inspect the intricate designs and materials used. Jaune noticed Ruby's mouth drop open in admiration as she spied the prototype sniper rifle on display at a table. With a warm smile, he gestured towards the weapon. "We can't test this one yet, but we could go to the gun range and see how a similar model stacks up against Crimson Rose."

Ruby practically stared him down with narrowed eyes, her voice unusually serious. "Tell me when," she said.

As the group continued through the research facility, a white blur suddenly raced by them and crashed into Jaune's legs. A young girl with white hair and wearing only a long tee shirt rubbed her head slightly. "Sorry mommy-" the figure started before trailing off and looking at Jaune with a mixture of love and worry on her face. She quickly gave him a brief hug before running off towards the end of the corridor, laughing gleefully as she went. Jaune's exasperated voice called out after her. "Jack, we've talked about this - put some pants on! You can't run around like that!" Ozpin raised an eyebrow in curiosity, while General Ironwood looked on with slight amusement. Teams RWBY, JNPR, CRDL, and CFVY had a variety of reactions to the situation, from stifled chuckles to outright laughter, while others simply looked confused. Atalanta, another servant of Chaldea, shouted in pursuit of Jack as she too raced after the elusive child. "You are not getting away this time!" The corridor soon echoed with their shouted pleas and Jack's joyful laughter.