A/N: Thank you all again for the continuous support, I cannot express just how much it means to me. I hope that you are all enjoying the story and the little side chapters here and there. With this chapter the changes I'm making to canon are pretty evident, but should also make things a little more interesting down the line. With that being said I hope you all enjoy and have a great rest of your day, Rhino out.
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Guard 1: "Introducing!"
Guard 2: "Special Operative!"
Guards 1 and 2: "Caroline Cordovin!"
Even with Ariel and Neo warning him of Cordovin's rather small stature, he still didn't think it was as small as she is. If Topaz were to stand Cordovin up next to Ruby, the woman would only come up to Ruby's chest. Seeing her standing next to the two rather large guards, it was as if a child followed her parents to work, but Topaz knew a little better than to say that aloud. Clearing his throat to draw her attention from the clouds she stared off into, Topaz gives her a polite smile and introduces herself.
Topaz: "Good morning Special Operative Cordovin, my name is Topaz Nemea. I've asked to speak with you this morning-"
Cordovin: "No."
Topaz: "No?"
Cordovin: "No I say. I will not help you with whatever it is you are trying to do."
Topaz: "Even if that thing I am requesting involves General Ironwood himself?"
Cordovin: "General Ironwood himself you say? Not possible. You are but a child, with nothing worthy of noting. It could be one hundred years later and you still couldn't possibly do anything of note to draw the attention of such a great man."
Topaz: "You mean aside fight by his side at the Fall of Beacon? Or perhaps the capture of Roman Torchwick and handing him over to General Ironwood? You know come to think of it, there really isn't any reason for me to speak with him. Thank you for pointing that out to me, I'll make sure to include that into my apology statement to him."
Cordovin: "WAIT! Did I say you couldn't do anything worthy enough to meet General Ironwood? Silly me, what I meant to say is that you have done so much for the good of all of us and I would be happy to give you an escort to the General."
Topaz: "That would be great. But, I will not be going to him alone."
Cordovin: "Oh, you aren't you say. Just who will you be bringing along with you?"
Topaz: "Let me see… including me, there are sixteen of us."
Cordovin: "Pray tell, what do the sixteen of you need with General Ironwood?"
Topaz: "We are in the middle of a mission left to us by a common ally who is sadly no longer with us. The next step in that mission is to speak to General Ironwood and get his assistance."
Cordovin: "I see. May I ask for the details of this so called mission?"
Topaz: "I do apologize but the contents of this mission are classified to the extent that I cannot even tell a high ranking officer such as yourself."
Cordovin: "Something so classified that not even the great me can be told? Doubtful."
Topaz: "Doubt me all you want, but I assure you that it's the truth."
Cordovin: "Fine. But… I want you to assure me that when you arrive in Atlas with your group, you will tell General Ironwood just how helpful I was for you. I expect a promotion after this."
Topaz: "I make no promises for a promotion, but I will let the General know of your assistance."
Walking away from the military base, Topaz sends a message on his scroll letting everyone know to meet up at the park where Ruby and Maria were training the day prior. Arriving at the park, Topaz waits for a while and eventually everyone makes their way to the park. Drawing everyone's attention Topaz gives them the good news.
Topaz: "Hey everyone, so I have a bit of good news. I went to the military base a little while ago and spoke with Special Operative Cordovin."
Nora: "You spoke with the psycho? How are you still sane?"
Jaune: "You know, as much as I hate to agree with Nora on this one, she's right."
Topaz: "Eh, all I did was hit her where I hurts by bringing up General Ironwood. With that I was able to convince her to give all of us a ride to Atlas."
Ruby: "Well I guess we should prepare to head out to Atlas."
Qrow: "Why bother. This whole thing is a train wreck since the train wreck."
Topaz: "Enough Qrow. Ever since you found out Oz's secret you've done nothing buy mope. I get you've had a difficult life with your semblance, but enough is enough. Trust in Ruby and the rest of us. You're the adult here, so act like it."
Topaz turns and walks away, frustrated at Qrow's depressive act. As he walks away he hears Maria chuckle and tell Qrow that Topaz is right. Walking away now with a small smirk on his face, Topaz makes his way to the inn he's staying with the girls and prepares to set out. Shortly after he gets into their room, Neo and Ariel walk into the room and make sure he's ok.
Neo: "You ok Topaz?"
Topaz: "Why wouldn't I be?"
Ariel: "Topaz, we know you look up to Qrow after the whole kidnapping incident. Having to lecture him like that couldn't have been easy."
Topaz: *sigh* "I promise you girl I'm ok. It was something Qrow needed to hear to get him to focus again."
Neo: "Ok, let's get packed and get ready to see Atlas. I've heard the view while flying in is breathtaking."
Packing up their things, Topaz, Neo and Ariel walk towards Jaune's sister's home, where the group decided to meet up at. Getting to the home, Topaz walks over to Nova and Scarlett who look like they have something to say.
Topaz: "Hey guys, everything ok?"
Scarlett: "Hey Topaz, Nova and I have some news for you."
Topaz: "Ok, what's up?"
Nova: "Scarlett and I are going to stay behind when you guys go to Atlas."
Topaz: "That's ok."
Scarlett: "You aren't angry with us?"
Topaz: "Scarlett, how could I be angry with you guys? When Beacon fell, the both of you were affected pretty drastically. For Remnant's sake, Nova lost his legs."
Nova: "Yep, these mechanical ones are good and all, but they aren't the real thing."
Topaz: "What will you two do while we are away?"
Scarlett: "Well, Nova and I have decided to go back to Vale and start a comfortable life there. Of course, the two of us will continue to train and try for some small jobs here and there, but for the most part we are going to start our life together."
Topaz: "We will miss having you two around, but will support you guys however we can."
Ariel: "What he said. You two are family to us, and that means we will always be here for you."
Scarlett: "Thank you both. Make sure you visit when you find yourselves back in Vale."
Nova: "Topaz, don't do anything too stupid while we are away, alright?"
Topaz: "I make no promises."
Scarlett: "Ariel, Neo, we leave it to you to try and keep him in line."
Neo: "We will, or at least we will try to."
Ariel: "Yeah, you know him."
Scarlett: "Very true, ok then. See you guys next time."
Nova: "Later guys, take care."
Topaz: "Yeah, we'll see you. If you guys ever need any help, stop by the Xiao Long/Rose house, and let them know I sent you. They'll help you out."
Neo: "Take care!"
Ariel: "See you!"
Saying their goodbyes, Nova and Scarlett make their way towards the train station to make their return journey to Vale. Topaz and the rest of the group make their way to the military base, where they are escorted by Cordovin to a large transport ship. Walking into the large ship Topaz takes a seat between Ariel and Neo and leans his head back for a quick nap. Feeling someone shake him awake, he opens his eyes and is told to look out the window. What he saw blew his mind.
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