Save the world? Fuck that, I want to make money! (RWBY SI) ch 53

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Mazarin was at her post when the launch had happened. At first, she thought that there was an earthquake and thus, she ran towards the Minister's office to evacuate him. Then just as she had kicked his door open, a bright light engulfed the world. They went towards the window and saw it, a mighty beast of steel and fire rising from the waves defying gravity and the all natural laws, going up and up into the great sky. Calls and other inquiries were made regarding what had happened and they had triangulated its origin from Patch. Confusion settled in...then the news came out.

Still in his office, Mazarin quietly picked up fallen pieces of paraphernalia that had fallen during the launch while the Minister sat behind his desk, stoically watching the news as a young man in uniform was interviewed. "So, we've been going through this for awhile now. Years in fact. And as you can see, the results speak for themselves," he grinned.

That result being a livestream view of Remnant. The Minister turned to a different screen, one that showed off Remnant in its entirety. Mazarin stole glances of it when she felt the Minister was not looking. She did not feel like a rough musketeer now. No, she felt like a child discovering something new. Remnant was stunning. Her eyes only saw for a few seconds but what a feast it was. From Vale's deep green plains and western mountain ranges to Vacuo's jutting rocks and golden sands. From Mistral's dense rainforests to the south to Solitas's unending field of ice and snow to the north. Menagerie, with its large deserts and several remote oases that before were left undiscovered. She was sure, to the delight of Dust companies, she also saw shining glimmering fields of Dust all over the world as well. There too were other islands and landmasses that were hitherto undiscovered.

Then there was that continent to the west, green to its south but pitch black and volcanic red to its north. Mazarin shivered.

How could a patch of land look so...evil?

"How was this funded?" the reporter asked. The Minister leaned in at that.

"The recent years had been very good to the Company and we financed most of it initially. Then we had help from the Solitan Government as well as assistance from our fellow conglomerates," Alexander Wayland answered with a practiced smile. "I am happy to announce that Cosmos will be made a public venture so if the ordinary citizen wishes to invest, they are more than welcome to do so."

"What is Cosmos?" the reporter asked.

The Wayland CEO turned to the camera. "Cosmos for now is a satellite service. Think of it as a Cross Continental Tower but in space! Safer, reliable, and all-over! For those at Amity, a special discount will be offered if you go to any of our booths which should be opening now."

Behind them, a large crowd had formed all waving at the camera. At that, a great many rushed to avail. As the crowd thinned, a member of it rushed through, his vest identified him belonging to Vale News Network. The new reporter yelled out, "You mentioned for now, Mister Wayland! Are you suggesting that Cosmos will also have plans for other worlds?"

"One step at a time, VNN," Alexander said dryly. "But to answer your question...yes."

The sizeable crowd still there went wild, cheering and hooting. The reporter adjusted himself, surprised at the frnak admission of Alexander. "Yes? Where would we go?"

"The closest we have now is our moon. I hope to put a man there in a few years. Probes will be sent out as well to explore our solar system and hopefully, a planet free of the Grimm and suitable for colonization."

"Colonization?" The Cardinal muttered in disbelief. "Is he serious?"

Mazarin did not register the Cardinal's words, utterly enamoured at the interview on the screen. Alexander continued, turning to the screen. "That's right! Colonization! I am willing to work with the Kingdoms regarding this venture should a candidate planet be found. I see no reason why we all shouldn't grow and prosper together in a new land without the threat of the Grimm over on our shoulder."

Cardinal Rouge then clicked a button, shutting the screen off. Mazarin hid her disappointment with a mask of duty. She had wanted to see more. It had sparked a fire of something in her. It was different compared to her patriotism to Vale. It was bigger, grander. She did not know what that feeling was but she felt lifted...inspired to a degree.

"Cardinal?" she asked, tilting her head. The old man glanced up.

"Farseer Observatory is our national achievement when it comes to the stars. It is located in our highest point, Mt Ranier. It has observed, catalogued, and took note of any and all celestial phenomena," Cardinal Rouge said. "And they have confirmed the presence of numerous artificial bodies all over Remnant. This is no trick, this is no lie. We have well and truly entered the Space Age."

Despite the hopeful words, the Cardinal did not seem pleased. "Yet you look unhappy, Sire."

"Because now, our enemies possess an overwhelming advantage over us," Cardinal Rouge said bluntly. "Already, they possess the biggest economy, the biggest military. And now, they are in a place where they can do as they please and we have little to respond to it."

The hope in her heart stilled as she examined their reality closely. Vale was absurdly outmatched before. Now? A more logical mind would just stop. They were outmatched. "What do we do?" she asked, worry in her heart now. Would the Solitans use their new technology to spy on them? Build orbital weapons?

"I will call an international summit to restrict space," Rouge said, tapping his table. "No weapons, no spy equipment. We must ensure we are protected." He took in a breath.

"Will it work? The Solitans could just ignore us and continue as they are," Mazarin pointed out.

"If the Solitans are utterly shameless, they would ignore that. But this is international politics. If they care about their international reputation, which they do, they will abide with that. And with our kingdoms pressuring them, they will agree to it," Rouge muttered again, his voice that of speculation instead of fact. As far as Mazarin could see, the Solitans weren't their old Mantlese counterparts. She shuddered to think how things were if they still possessed that old Imperial spirit. Vale and Vacuo barely stopped Mantle. If Solitas decided to settle on world conquest....

"However, it will just be Vacuo and Vale calling for this," Cardinal Rouge snapped. "Mistral is too chaotic at the moment and I fear they won't be able to attend."

The Mistrali Civil War had been isolated mostly to its frontiers. It began when police forces from the City were ambushed by frontiersmen. The police retreated with casualties and returned with Huntsmen. That drove the casualties on a higher note. The only reason why this wasn't so widespread was the world's attention was fixed on Vytal as well as the rocket launch. Hell, the rocket launch was more talked about than Vytal Tournament.

"What are we going to do with Mistral?" Mazarin asked. "Having a unstable neighbour to our east is hardly beneficial to us, Sire."

"In a ideal world, the Royal Army would have marched out to help the Mistali government and restore rule to their provinces. We could ask for concessions in exchange for our help," Rouge said then he shook his head. "However, I have been stonewalled in the Council. The best thing we can do is to send advisors to train the Mistrali Police."

"They aren't going to restore their Army?" Mazarin asked. The Cardinal's lips let out a harsh laugh.

"The Mistrali Council is run by coward eunuchs who are more interested in their wealth than their nation!" He shook his head again. "No, they will let their country burn if it means a little extra lien in their pockets. The only reason we are helping them is because the alternative are terrorists and traitors."

The Mistrali White Fang had adopted a new banner, the so-creatively named Red Fang. Instead of being a full faunus group however, it was mixed of both faunus and humans. Why good human men and women would align with faunus, it was beyond her. But if the stories about the Mistali Council was true with their neglect and arrogance, she could understand why her fellow men would go with animals.

"You are dismissed now, Mazarin," Rouge sighed as he swivelled his chair to face the windows. The Musketeer saluted, giving him one last long look before leaving. As she left, Rouge closed his eyes to contemplate on their current situation.

As far as reports went, the new Vacuan King was more focused on internal development on his kingdom rather than conquest. The rhetoric was worrying but it seemed that it was all show rather than fact. Still, a watch had to be kept. Mistral was worrying too, what with the southern continent fully embroiled in the grip of a terrorist woman. He truly had little clue about what she was like other than what was known. He would have to send operatives to find out more. A divided Mistral would be easier to influence, if they weren't picky. The South presented an opportunity. If Vale moved first to secure its economy, it would do much to increase the Kingdom's standing.

But that was nothing compared to Solitas who now were likely looking down at his office from the sky and there was nothing he could do about it.

Well...there was one.

Rouge ensured his office would be closed and secured. Confident that it was, he took something from his desk drawer and pressed into it. Not a second later, the hologram of a giant man appeared.

"Minister Rouge," the giant bowed respectfully. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"The Solitans control space," he snapped, his patience thin. "Did our benefactor foresee this?"

Hazel Rainart looked at him, as if he was deep in thought. Then, he replied. "No, she did not." He answered simply. That only irked Rouge some more.

"Yes, well, what does our benefactor plan? What use is a coalition of nations against Solitas if they control the skies?" Rouge pointed out. "Vale does not possess the strength of arms it once did neither does Vacuo. We all will be massacred if a war comes."

"My Mistress understands your concerns, Minister Rouge," Hazel replied, ever calm and collected. "She assures you that you will get the reinforcements that you will need. Dr Watts, our most intelligent and technologically inclined associate, will be sent to you for purposes of upgrading Vale's technology. She however asks that he remain hidden as he is technically considered deceased by the wider world."

"And pray tall how will this man be of any help?" Rouge asked. "We cannot bring our infrastructure up to current standards if she expects me to use our resources in skirmishes against the enemies of Vale."

"You will be delighted to know then that such missions are on hold," Hazel announced gruffly. "Focus on building your kingdom, Minister. You will need it."

Rouge leaned in, his eyes narrowing at Hazel. "And what is our benefactor preparing Vale for?"

The giant craned his head down, his face stoic. Then he shook his head. "You will know in time," Hazel said simply. "Good luck."

And with that, the Giant cut the connection off, leaving Rouge alone in his office. The aged Cardinal slowly leaned back on his chair then stood up. He strode over to his window and looked down at the busy city below. That answer from Hazel did not assuage his concerns. What sort of creature did he pledge the Fleur's support to? The uncertainty gnawing at him only increased as he gazed outwards to the Valean coast. He could still remember the launch, how it shook Vale Castle, and the sheer light that came from its thrusters. It was symbolic in a way, lighting up the sky as it did.

Suddenly, Rouge felt weary, like gravity was pulling him down onto the ground. He fell back on a nearby couch, sighing. His age was catching up to him. His ideas of Valean Supremacy...can he really claim that when Solitas held the skies and the heavens? He had already started reforming the Fleur to better survive the changing world they were in but the changes were incomplete, stone-walled by idiots who lived in the now than seeing the future.

He needed to appoint a successor quickly. A successor that would not fail him. He would need to screen them now.

For Vale and its future, he must not fail.

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Hazel turned off the call with a click. He instinctively straightened as he felt a sharp demanding gaze fall on his back. 

"It was our asset in Vale," Hazel rumbled as he turned on his back and quickly glanced down to the ground, a tightness formed in his stomach every single time he would look at her. Only his intense focus kept him from falling to the ground. Dealing with Salem was like talking with a black hole, demanding and draining that the only thing left to anyone was the fear in their hearts. "I was just explaining to him what you had decreed, my lady."

"Very good, Hazel," Salem praised him, seated atop her throne. Hazel nodded and gave a low bow while his colleagues all hid their displeasure to varying degrees. Tyrian was livid, foaming at the mouth. Watts merely scowled. Hazel had returned after his missions from the outside to the Grimmlands. The outside was kept in perpetual night, firstly from the volcanic ash that permeated from the very earth and secondly from her own magic which spawned dark clouds that gave her castle shade. She had felt it prudent before to keep her castle hidden from view and she was glad to be proven right as the humans sent their satellite in orbit. 

In truth, she had been preoccupied with other less urgent but equally important matters when the aforementioned Sea Dragon rose from the depths of the seas and deposited Remnant's first artificial construct into space. As much as Salem was a dealer of death and destruction, she too was a scholar as well. Going into the heavens was a feat only the Gods were capable of and to say the least, Salem allowed herself to indulge in the victory the humanity of this age won for themselves. Even at the height of magical prowess, they had been shackled on the ground. 

A question had been raised about what to do regarding the start of the Space Age. A question Salem herself found difficult to answer. In one hand, this presented something truly extraordinary for the Queen of Darkness. Dust stopped working as soon as it would leave Remnant's confines. The reason being that dust was quite literally essence of life. It needed to be close to living things to work and a planet was that living thing. The farther it was, the less potent it became until finally, it simply lost itself. As for her Grimm...she had never tried sending them into the void before as she saw no reason to but with this enthusiasm for space, she would go and test it out. 

"My Goddess!" Tyrian cried out, breaking her concentration. The Scorpion faunus threw himself on the floor in worshipful supplication. "Send me next! That fool Wayland defies you by going into the heavens! He does so without your permission! Allow me to go and punish the heretic!" he cackled.

Salem kept her anger under control. How easy it would be to blast Tyrian to nothing with a wave of her hand. Alas, the mad Scorpion still had his uses. Just as she was about to shut his idea down, Watts did it for her.

"You zealous fool," Watts sneered in disgust, turning his nose up at the prostrate serial killer. "Do you want the world brought down upon your Goddess? That is how you do it by performing such a pointless murder." 

"Watts is correct," Salem joined in, her voice cutting down their argument. "There is a reason why we rely on subterfuge and that is to keep ourselves hidden. We cannot wage open war yet." She turned to Watts. 

"The launch of this rocket, Watts. What will the satellites mean for our plan?" Salem asked. Watts puffed up his chest, adjusting his collar as he spoke, to Tyrian's fury. 

"Certainly, your majesty," Watts cleared his throat. "Assuming what Wayland said is true, satellites will be orbital Cross Continental Towers and likely will not face the same limitations as the existing Towers. The advantages of this mean a wider connection thus improving communications significantly. However, this will mean that our plan to hijack the CCT system will be moot as the satellites will make them obsolete." 

He hid a another scowl. Watts had helped in the development of the CCT system and knowing that one of his creations would be set aside likely irked him. That Salem was going to use to full effect. 

"And how long do you think will it take for Solitas to upgrade its communications systems?" Salem asked, tilting her head. 

"I have no doubt that it will take them years," Watts answered after a moments thought. "Solitas will likely start with their Kingdom first then the other Kingdoms next." 

Salem thought of it carefully. It did not take her long to see that they were speculating here instead of knowing. Watts was brilliant, yes, but he was relying on theoretical. Salem needed something practical. 

And so, she decided. 

"We musn't change our entire plan simply because of this event. We need information," Salem decided. She turned to Watts. "Find out all you can about Cosmos. We need to learn our enemy's new weapons." 

"Let your will be done," Watts said obediently. Salem turned away from him and towards Hazel. 

"Hazel, has Strangelove reported back to us?" she asked, tilting her head. The giant took out his scroll and scanned through it. He nodded. 

"It appears General Ironwood and...Ozpin met with Alexander Wayland," Hazel read, his voice a slight tremor at the mention of her ex-husband. 

"Another soul he will likely mislead to his death," Salem sighed mournfully. Hazel's exhale turned into steam. Salem looked up at him with sympathy. 

"Worry not, Hazel. Ozpin will never lead a soul astray again. You have my word," Salem promised. "You are aware of the rebels in the south of Mistral?" 

The giant nodded, his rage momentarily forgotten. "I am," he replied.

"Good man. Seek out their leader and offer our assistance. I can see that their ruler is a woman in need of help. Let it not be said that I turn away those who need succour," Salem declared grandly. 

"Are we focusing on Mistral now?" Watts asked impetuously. "Forgive my, my lady, but I thought we were destroying Vale first?" 

"We still are, Watts," Salem answered, her red eyes flashing. "But with Cinder finding herself with a husband, it will be difficult for her to act as a maiden now." And from the reports that Strangelove kept sending her, Cinder hadn't been acting properly as well. She was rash, bold, prone to seek choices that were for self-aggrandizement than actual future gain. 

"Are we replacing poor Cinder? Aw, the girl will lose herself!" Tyrian cackled, scorpion tail swinging wildly. 

"We aren't," Salem answered again. Tyrian paused, looking at her in confusion. 

"We aren't, my Goddess? But you want Hazel to look for that tigress? What is that if not replacing her?" Tyrian asked dumbfounded. 

Of course, Cinder was a damned self-aggrandizing harpy that did not deserve power. But the girl showed drive and promise. She had slacked as of late, finding comfort in her new position. It was clear to Salem that the girl was relying on the fact that she had no rivals to speak of for Maidenhood. "Cinder has grown complacent. It would seem I have to remind her that there are plenty other women on Remnant who are just as if not more capable than her," Salem answered.

​"Forgive my impudence, my lady, but why would the Tigress accept? She has no stake in this," Hazel asked, mulling on Salem's reasoning. As far as he knew, the faunus woman was a fierce freedom fighter more interested in defending the common folk. 

​"I understand your concern, Hazel. I shall explain, then," Salem smiled indulgently. "She is alone, her nation is infant. I have paid attention to the events of the outside world, Hazel. She is now the mother of thousands against a city run by corrupt fools. She will do whatever it is in her power to protect her charges. If we offer her our help, and ease her into our cause, we can gain the allegiance of someone who also has thousands at her beck and call." 

​Vale would be surrounded on both sides, west and east. By gaining the Khan as a pawn, she in turn would have access to fanatical operatives who could act freely in Vale. Cinder had the same forces in her hand but they would be tied to Vacuo. By using Sienna Khan's network, her plucky band would be blamed. Sure, she had wanted a war to start just enough for her forces to secure the maidens while the world was distracted then overrun the Kingdoms in one fell swoop but not yet. 

She needed the Kingdoms to be fully armed and ready so that the fires of war would utterly consume them. Strangelove was inspired in his methods and she admit she would miss his counsel when she would gain control of the Relics and summon the gods, usuring in Remnant's destruction. 

"Does anyone have anymore questions?" she asked carefully. Her council glanced at each other. Then, they shook their heads. 

"Excellent," she smiled again. "We will have a period of inactivity to allow you all the opportunity to work quietly. Let the world advance in the sciences and technology. Let them build their bastion of hope." She stood up, her form casting a long shadow over the table. Watts, Hazel and Tyrian fell in supplication. "The higher they fly, the more terrible the fall. And man has sunken to its lowest, we will bring in the spark that will ignite the world. It is human nature to explore and innovate. But it is also human nature to be suspicious, to be paranoid. So let them build their rockets, their satellites, their new technology. And soon enough, they will be using it to murder each other in droves." 

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A/N: Oh boy, my malevolent murder goddess cant be this cute.