The REDS of war

Volume Seven Chapter Eight

Weiss Schnee is holding an invitation to a banquet hall at the Schnee Manor. "Only my father would turn a hostile takeover into a fluffy PR move."

In their dorm room at Atlas Academy, Weiss is sitting in a circle with Ruby Rose, Oscar Pine, Yang Xiao Long and Blake Belladonna. She, Ruby and Oscar are sitting in chairs, and Blake and Yang are sitting on Weiss' bed.

"On the news, he said he just wanted to break bread and hash things out. Maybe it won't be so bad? We do want the General to start opening up to these people, right?" Ruby says hopefully.

"Yeah, but on his terms." Dusk says sitting in a circle with Rei, Erin, Sky, Glossy and Rai. "Ironwood and I are going to be locked in a room at our rival's own dinner party. I know that jackass says he's happy to moderate, but all that really means is he'll be the one controlling the conversation."

Rei sighs. "Not hard to imagine how that's gonna play out."

"I still can't believe he won." Weiss says. "Robyn was supposed to be the people's champion, wasn't she?" She sighs. "There's just too many coincidences."

"You really think Schnee might have something to do with Salem?" Rai asks.

"I think my father would do whatever it takes to win." Weiss says.

"And we should do the same." Dusk says.

"Meaning...?" Weiss responds to Ruby.

"Well, no one knows your dad better than you, and out of everyone going tonight, I'd say you're the only one who could snoop around the house and not be questioned."

"If Jacques Schnee is up to something, I think we should know what it is." Erin says leaning back.

Weiss thinks about it for a moment, then gains a somewhat determined look.

An Atlas Broadcast News airship hovers in the night sky above the Schnee Manor. Five hover cars drive along the driveway loop and come to a stop in front of the manor. While Ruby, Weiss, Yang and Qrow Branwen get out of their car, Jaune Arc and Oscar stand nearby, having already exited their car. The Ace Operatives exit another of the cars, Rei, Cyril, Dusk, and Rai exit their own, and Ironwood steps out of the fifth car with Winter Schnee. Penny Polendina gets out of the other side of Ironwood's car.

"Suppose we should smile for the cameras?" Ironwood says.

Winter frowns. "Sir, with all due respect, you'd have to pay me."

Ironwood smiles in amusement from Winter's response, and the two head to the front door of the manor. Weiss stops and takes a deep breath before following them. Everyone gathers at the door, and Ironwood rings the bell. The double doors open to reveal Whitley Schnee.

"Good evening, everyone."

Weiss steps forward. "Where's Klein?"

Whitley responds with a sarcastic smile and somewhat dramatic poses. "What an interesting way to say "Hello, dear brother, how have you been?"" He crosses his arms and continues to address Weiss with a frown. "I'm afraid you won't find him here. He was let go. I can't imagine why." Whitley smirks, and upon realizing what he meant, Weiss gasps and looks guilty. "General, exactly how large do you think our dining room table is?"

"I happen to know it's enormous. But most of my guests will be on standby in case the council requests additional eye witnesses. Until then I'm sure they'll be happily celebrating your father's victory."

Whitley forces a sarcastic grin with a smug chuckle, then rolls his eyes as he turns to lead them into the foyer. Scattered around the room are small groups of formally dressed guests. Waiters roam the room with trays of wine glasses and hors d'oeuvres. Whitley stops in the middle of the room, turns to Ironwood's group and points to his right.