Save the world? Fuck that, I want to make money! (RWBY SI) ch 39

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I have the blood of a god.

The thought swirled in my head over and over again as I glanced up at my ceiling, my body sprawled atop my bed. Father had seen fit to forbid me from forging until I could fully recover. I wasn't going to say no to that as aura break fucked my body real good and a lazy day no thinking about work was one of the rare few moments in time I could allow myself to relax. But before everything,

I had the blood of a god. 

I glanced at my hand. It was calloused and rough, as a man's hands should. I felt my blood flow, my heart thumping in my chest, the breath coursing through my lungs. I did not particularly feel god-like, the only part that was fantastic was the family ability to form something out of nothing with the only requirement that of our aura. I took a another breath and sighed. 

Yep, I was still quite fleshy and blood. If I had died, would I eventually awake the potent abilities that my family had? I had far too many questions in my head and despite our records, we only were aware of our half-divine nature and that was pretty much it. I supposed the ones that didn't return found out what we could do and the ones that did come back got a bad case of OCD and focused on the real world. 

Was I going to become weirder than what I already was? Was this going be some Ghoul Stars freak device thing? I would hate for that happen. I like my sanity where it was, thank you very much. 

I sat up on my bed, taking my scroll out to do a quick review of my plans. I know pops wanted me to rest but fuck it, I have gotten used to the monotony of work and the more I stayed idle, the more my mind began to think of esoteric shit that just left me highly highly existential. Once a man starts to question everything, it becomes a rabbit hole impossible to climb out of. 

My mood lifted as I read the reports from down the grapevine. Steyr had been fully renovated, stocked, and ready to start manufacturing. Already, shipments of raw materials meant for the Foundry were being redirected to Steyr. All that was left for such materials to be processed and soon, the whole world would be flooded with weapons. Underestimate not the industrial potential of Mantle. It had entire districts dedicated to the fires of industry and the cranking of wheels, once abandoned and now reborn. Gears turned within machines and assembly lines, steamed rushed forth from pipes, and dark billows of smoke were belched out by furnaces like steel lungs expelling dirt.  

Steyr's reactivation did not unnoticed either. Companies which had moved from Mantle and onto Atlas had began considering returning too. Steyr was a monstrous and hungry beast that demanded to be fed constantly; steel for shells and bullets, chemicals by the ton to make our bullets shoot, rare metals for our more sophisticated machines. There were an example of the amount of raw materials that Steyr would need. Luckily, father had been very very busy with that. As long as Steyr's bellows roared their industrial song, its fires would never die as both private companies and the Bund were more than happy to supply us. Hell, areas in Mantle were being re-activated by a few other companies mostly Steel and Avionics companies which my father had approached first. Together, we had formed into a partnership that would ensure that Atlas would never, ever run out of bullets, beans, and bandages. 

By estimates of both our guys and analysts, an Atlesian squad could keep firing their Buzzsaws constantly and never have to worry about running out of bullets. 

Speaking of Buzzsaws...

I switched into a new report and laughed as I saw a new set of artillery and machine guns being ordered by the Atlesian Military. Doctrines were starting to be circulated by Atlas Academy on how to use such things. I had little doubt that they were taking lessons from Bundsmen who no doubt had more experience using the things than them. It was funny to imagine stuffy Atlesian officers taking instructions from hillbillies and boonie-folk. 

​It was not a surprise that Atlas was embracing this new technology with a particular zeal that I would not fault the other kingdoms of thinking that Atlas was trying to restore the Mantlese Empire. While it was obvious that the current leadership of Atlas would never sign off on that, you had to see it from their perspective. Your northern neighbour is shitting out tools of war so deadly, so sophisticated, so destructive that you couldn't help but be nervous. I would be too if I saw the neighbour down the block build up an arsenal. 

I frowned a little. This was also probably one of the reasons that pseudo-French prick Rouge was able to convince the other Valean Councillors. Atlas was powerful enough already with its Navy and advanced technology but with artillery that could blast walls, twenty-foot tall assault walkers with big guns, and other esoteric weapons, we probably looked scary. 

I snorted.

​We would never turn those weapons on the other kingdoms. Unless of course someone would give us a reason to. 

​I had to admit a strange level of calm satisfaction, fully aware that my kingdom had the means to absolutely vaporize another country should we wish. Was this how Americans felt with their massive military? 

Once the time comes when Salem decides to go full out, Atlas would be more than ready. Phase one, the establishment of basic grunt shit was complete. Now we had delved into middle-level equipment with the Crocodile Gunships and the Titans. Now all I would need was to convince Ironwood to inject us with a bit more money to truly get Atlas as the undisputed Kingdom on Remnant. 

Atlesian Science, Atlesian Industry, Atlesian Ingenuity shall render Salem's hordes into nothing. This Kingdom will be made strong by my family's semblance, no longer will people on this planet fear the night again. From the deserts of Vacuo, to the mountains of Mistral. From the coldest Northern tip of Solitas and to the jungles of Menagerie. Atlas will lead the way with tools forged from the womb of our planet, stronger and better machines will be made to wage war anywhere and everywhere. In the sky, on the land, even to the very depths of the sea. In time, to the furthest edges of the galaxy itself. 

​Salem and the Grimm will be grounded underneath Atlesian might.

All led by family, and forged by me.

A trickle of excited laughing left my lips. Then, I stopped as I realized that my train of thought had fed me beautiful images. Ever since I had learned I had divinity inside of me, I was starting to think and feel megalomaniacal. I mean, my family had divine blood after all....

I slapped myself on the face, firstly to knock my head out of the gutter and to get me to focus.

No wonder it was kept a secret by our family. The last thing the world needed was a villainous Wayland deciding to be a Saturday Cartoon villain engaging in schemes to take over the world. With out semblance, it was likely that they'd make technological abominations that would make a Custodes think something broke out from the bowels of the Imperial Palace. 

I shouldn't let my victories cloud my judgement and turn me into a preening ass. 

I set my scroll aside, my eyes landing on my wardrobe. 

Fuck it. I'm meeting Ironwood. 

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As usual, I found Ironman himself seated behind his desk, his eyes still set on his desk where a holographic screen was alit. He was working with such speed and precision that impressed even me. It took me to clear my throat to make him realize that I was inside. His eyes were wide open seeing me inside of his office. I smiled cheekily, waving at him. 

"I thought we had direct numbers to each other," Ironwood rumbled, pressing on a few buttons that quickly deactivated his holographic displays. His eyebrow rose. "And how were you able to get in?"

"Yes well, some things have to be spoken with directly to avoid misunderstandings. As for how I got in, well, I called and asked your office if we could meet. They said you were free to meet so here I am." I explained, my palms spread. 

If Ironwood was annoyed by my sudden entrance, he did not show it. Considering I was quite literally the guy that made all his stuff, he was likely going to let me get away with my unannounced visits. My family and I were useful after all. 

"How may I help you, Mister Wayland?" Ironwood asked, getting to the point. I grinned. This is why I liked Ironwood so much, he gets to the point immediately unlike some businessmen I have met who you had to woo with pleasantries. 

"I have a proposal, General, for Atlas to achieve total planetary dominance," I spoke up. That immediately got his interest. I continued. "I am pleased to inform you that Royal and Imperial have been developing, in secret, a device that when deployed would be sent up into orbit around our planet."

​Ironwood hummed. "I believe the word for this was a satellite, correct?" 

My eyes widened slightly before I schooled myself. "Indeed." 

He leaned back. "I am not unfamiliar with that concept. When Atlas had a space program, I remembered some whispers about deploying a man-made satellite into orbit and function as a communication relay. The feasibility of such a thing was shot down when we all discovered our technology would no longer work outside our planet." He leaned in, Gendo-posing on his desk. "I assume then that you have found a way around this?" 

The surprise on my face was palpable. I hadn't expected Ironwood to know about this much less be willing to entertain my idea. When I had pitched to my dad about space ventures way way back, he had pointed out dust's incapacity to work outside the planet. That was his concern as well as the fact that we were in the red at that time. We had to focus on grounded ideas first before exploring fantastical ideas. 

​"You seem surprised," Ironwood noted. 

"The idea does sound improbably, considering what we know," I admitted. 

"I am hearing you out, Mister Wayland, because your ideas have merit. If they weren't, I would have kicked you out of here." Ironwood explained himself. 

So essentially, I wasn't a quack. Fair enough. 

"Back to our topic however," I cleared my throat. "Royal and Imperial have developed a non-dustless piece of technology that would allow us to deploy a satellite onto space. Once there, it can function as a communications relay, predict weather, assist in navigation, scientific research, and planetary observation. It has military uses too;  reconnaissance, early warning, signals intelligence and, potentially, weapon delivery. We would have a bird's eye view on other kingdoms and places of interest to the state," I ended with a glimmer in my eye. 

"...I see," Ironwood replied, processing my words. He looked up. "Do you have a practical design?" 

I held up my scroll. "I would not come here if I didn't." 

"I will need technical assistance with this," Ironwood said. 

I shrugged my shoulders as I replied. "Call who you'd like, General. I will be waiting." 

Ironwood nodded, tapping onto his console. "This is Ironwood. Would someone please get Dr Polendina into my office?" 

Polendina....

Wasn't that Penny's dad?

I got my answer when not a minute later, the doors to his office opened. In came a man on a wheelchair. He had a impressive beard and kind sparkling eyes. He wore a red vest over a cream collarered shirt with a pink necktie and a white scientist jacket, and gray pants. Our eyes met and immediately, he brightened up some more. "Ah, Mister Wayland!" he greeted me, his voice a deep and rich baritone. I stood in place as he scooted his wheelchair closer. I held my hand out to shake his hand, a gesture he returned with gusto. Despite him being a scientist, he had a rather strong grip.

"A pleasure, Doctor Polendina," I greeted him. 

"I have wanted to meet you for a long time!" He laughed, shaking my hand some more before releasing me. His eyes were alit with wonder and curiosity. "The advances Royal and Imperial have made with science is astounding. I myself am fascinated with nitralization."

My mind latched onto the Haber-Bosch Process, the primary method the company used to make nitrates for war making purposes. In universe, it was called Nitratilization since I couldn't just namedrop the dudes who discovered it. I smiled cheekily. 

"Between you and I, doctor, you are the more impressive man. The wonders which I bring don't come from my own skills but from a semblance. If anything, I am making something out of nothing. You? You have studied science, worked your way to where you are now. In a way, I am cheating." I laughed mirthlessly. Really, I was more than aware that my 'inventions' were a bullshit power. Did it give me some form of imposter syndrome? It did. Was I going to stop using it?

Hell nah. 

"You're kind, Mister Wayland. And you do yourself a disservice." Dr Polendina shook his head, offering me a sincere smile. "Yes, you were gifted an ability others would consider cheap but you did not choose to be born that way. And you have used your talents to make things that have protected villages from the Grimm, your inventions have advanced our understanding of science. That is something to be proud of. Stand tall, Mister Wayland." 

Damn. And I was just making a light-hearted joke at my expense. Doctor Polendina, I have met you only for a few seconds but if anything would happen to you, I will kill everyone inside the room then myself. 

"Back to topic," General Ironwood cleared his throat. "Doctor Polendina here is one of our finest minds. His work with prosthetics has been instrumental both for civilian and military use." To emphasize, he pulled off a glove and revealed his robotic hand. My eyes widened at that, interest at seeing Ironwood's non-organic bit. I had seen him use that hand to curbstomp a Beowulf into the ground like he was nothing. As soon as I had seen it, I had decided that Ironwood was a damn fine man I would follow to hell and back. 

​For as long as I live, Jake Steelbark would never become a thing. 

"Impressive," I said, and honestly. Prosthetics was something that one can never hate. 

"I do my best," Polendina laughed. "Now, what do you need me for, General?" 

"Mister Wayland here has a proposal regarding satellites," General Ironwood dropped. Doctor Polendina's eyes widened at that statement as he turned to me. 

"You have?" he said in disbelief. 

"May I use your holograms, General?" I turned to Ironwood who nodded. A few buttons clicking then spawned an image before us. It was that of a thin rocket with a conical shape at the top. Displayed prominently on the rocket's center was the Wayland Eagle. Instead of clutching the usual sword and orb, it was instead having its wings outstretched before a planet, the numerous continents of Remnant displayed prominently on it. In short, a carbon copy of the UNSC logo but replaced with a Prussian Eagle. What was Bungie going to do, sue me?

"The rocket is called the Wayfarer," I began. "It is a partially reusable, medium lift rocket. It has a diameter of  3.7 m and a mass of 549,000 kilograms. The engines are to be powered both by dust and a non-dustless fuel." 

Ironwood and Polendina watched in fascination as the rocket simulation launched. "It shall have two stages. What you see is the first stage where a dust mixture is used to thrust the rocket upwards. As known, dust stops working at a particular line of our planet called the Karman Line. That is where the next stage of the rocket comes into play, the liquid nitrogen." I explained as the red thrust of the dust was replaced by a vibrant yellow-red. 

"Two stages...the first to thrust it upwards and the second one to accelerate entirely on its own power," Polendina quickly grasped the specifics. His eyes widened glittered with excitement of a man still willing to be curious. "How far up would the satellite be?" 

"550 kilometers from the planet," I coughed. "This will boost connection speeds and reduce latency. I will warn you however, the satellites we plan to deploy are rather bright. Observatories might dislike the artificial light show." 

​SpaceX Engineers are wizards. The Falcon Series Rockets and Starlink itself is feat of human engineering and I will fight anyone who says otherwise. Starlink too was a impressive system. Sure, it had its issues but it was what I understood to be the best on what we had before I woke up as Alexander. It works so, might as well use it.

"And the satellites?" Ironwood asked, interested more on what sort of device Royal and Imperial would be sending upwards. 

"The satellites themselves would, as I mentioned earlier, provide a communications relay far from the reach of the Grimm. We could have improved navigation systems, monitor the weather better. The benefits for our armed forces would be obvious as well. It would allow the company to produce weapons so sophisticated it could target a tea cup in a busy street and destroy only the cup." 

Ironwood glanced to the simulation as the rocket finished the second stage and deployed its payload, numerous satellites that began to spread out on low orbit. I continued. "We will start with 40 satellites, each one capable of connecting with each other via lasers which minimizes the need for ground stations. Once deployed, users below will enjoy connection speeds measuring up to milliseconds. Far faster than the Cross Continental Towers. A ice breaker in the Solitan Wastes would enjoy the same net speed as someone from Menagerie would. The more there are, the better the connection."

​Ironwood's eyes flashed, the benefits displaying itself in his head. So did Polendina whose eyes glittered so much one could mistake it for stars. "The potential of this technology would be massive! The world would be connected in a way the CCT system could never do!" 

"There are drawbacks, however," I warned. "I wouldn't outright replace the CCT system with this. We plan with 40 satellites as our standard-bearer. Users will be congested until more can be deployed. Poor weather would disrupt the connection and the satellites themselves would be an eyesore for observatories. The rockets have their drawbacks too. Yes, it could be re-usable but there will come a certain point it won't be useful anymore. Wear and tear does that. The deployment too would be an issue." 

"I assume this is why you've come here?" Ironwood asked, tilting his head. 

"Well, I came here because I wanted to bring government funds into this, General," I said honestly and quickly. Ironwood grunted at that, appreciating my honesty. "Because this is new technology that Wayland and Imperial are painstakingly innovating with non-dustless methods, it is going to be expensive. Secondly, launching the rocket would be easier at the equator." 

"What would make it easier?" he questioned, seeking clarification on a scientific question. 

"I believe Mister Wayland is referring to us taking advantage of Remnant's rotation. Remnant rotates from west to east. So, when a rocket is propelled from west to east in the equator, it will help its speed in getting up for less fuel cost, compared to launching it from Solitas," Doctor Polendina explained to which I nodded. 

"There's already a place in mind we could set up, at Patch Island West of Vale," I suggested. "It is a island suitable for a launch. A section of it is moderately developed so we don't need to set up infrastructure already to support personnel and there are areas of it that we could dedicated to a rocket site launch. I understand that there is also a Huntsman preparatory school there so we could count on them to help protect the site alongside our personnel." 

I was also aware of the fact that both Ruby and Yang were being little rascals over there and Qrow would probably drop by too. But really, they were a bonus feature asides from the obvious advantage the island offered. 

"I have a document up and ready for you to review if you'd like further clarification, General. It has everything you would need to review it, technical and legalese." I ended respectfully. 

"I would love to see this document too, Mister Wayland. If you'd like, I could assist in this one too," Doctor Polendina offered. 

"Of course, I see no reason why you shouldn't," I smiled. 

​Ironwood glanced up. He glanced at the rocket, then at me. 

"Mister Wayland, do you know the budget that Atlas as a kingdom has?" Ironwood began. 

I tensed. When someone starts talking about budget, it was a sign that you were about to enter into a haggling contest. 

He stood up from his chair, his hands folded behind his back. "We are indeed the wealthiest kingdom on Remnant. However, I admit that I cannot hand over money as freely as I did with the contracts with Royal and Imperial. You see, the budget that I have been given is going in improving the military. I could support you by halting some cash flow from the military and into your project but that would be massively unpopular especially among the ranks. I could go and call for a Council session and request funds for this but even we, the wealthiest kingdom on Remnant, have limits to our money. We have other expenses too, maintaining Atlas in the sky is one such expense for example." 

​I hummed. "What are you proposing, General?" 

"There are wastes and inefficiencies that is weakening Atlas. It is dividing our kingdom when we should be one," Ironwood rumbled, expression severe but words sincere. "I have been discussing with Councillor Rider about changes into our kingdom. But if we propose it without reason, it will be unpopular. So, I would like to ask for Royal and Imperial to support a referendum to change our system of government and to permanently keep Atlas connected to Mantle. No longer will our Kingdom be divided." 

A flash of something coursed through my veins, emotional control keeping me from showing surprise. Polendina however did not expect to hear that from Ironwood. He looked outright shocked. 

"James?" he whispered in confusion. 

"How do you wish to reform the kingdom?" I asked quickly and quietly. He did not skip a beat. 

"It is clear that a Council style system of government is ineffective. It creates an oligarchy that will turn this kingdom into a den of thieves like how Jacques Schnee corrupted us. We shall remain a Kingdom however, the government shall change. Rider suggests a Federal parliament. I don't know how to explain it but it will allow Atlas better governance." 

"And what will be your role, the role of the military in all this?" I asked again, carefully. 

"I am willing to surrender my seat to see this through. The military must always remain separate from governing the kingdom, as shown with my predecessors corruption. The Government leads the Kingdom, the military protects it," Ironwood said with finality, and true brutal honesty. His answer surprised me. There have been those that argued that Ironwood was a control freak who had a beast lurking inside of him that would come out at the worst times. 

"You're willing to give up your power?" I whispered, still in shock. 

"I am soldier of Atlas. I protect the kingdom and its people. If surrendering power means Atlas becomes stronger, then I give it up willingly," Ironwood declared with sheer utter surety. He looked relieved as he said that too, as if a burden was lifted on him. "I will remain in my post as Chief of our Armed Forces but never again will the military take a role in governance." 

"That will be rather unpopular," I pointed out. "The military having a seat at the table has always been a thing. For you to give it up would be seen as strange," 

"The military will not lose its influence simply because we no longer sit at the table, Mister Wayland. In Atlas, the military will be a force to be reckoned with," Ironwood smiled for the first time since we began this conversation. 

"So...let me get this straight," I recalled. "You are willing to support Royal and Imperial with this project as long as we use our influence to support this government change and...permanently keeping Atlas on the ground?" 

Those two would send big big shockwaves throughout Remnant. Not only would Atlas abandoning the Council system be a sort of fuck you to Ozpin since he was the one who had orchestrated the Council style government in the first place, Atlas being on the ground is another fuck you to him too as one of his incarnations had sent Atlas to the sky after all. Was Ironwood beefing with Ozpin now? What the fuck was going on?

"It is part of a wider plan to make Atlas stronger," Ironwood revealed then sighed. "Having Atlas float into the sky...it has not exactly fostered brotherly ties with the old capital." 

"Atlas does look pretty in the sky," Polendina offered with a nervous chuckle. "But I admit, it wasn't really the best idea. I've a place in Mantle that provides medical care. I know firsthand how bad it is living there." 

Ironwood darkened at that. "I am aware, Doctor Polendina. Hence why, that shortcoming must be addressed. For Atlas." He sighed once more, turning to me. 

"Do we have your support, Mister Wayland?" He asked carefully. 

I glanced at him closely. 

Ironwood was getting good at politics. I could refuse and Royal and Imperial could shoulder the costs of everything but we wouldn't have the blanket of state protecting us. I imagine Ironwood and Rider would not look kindly on Royal and Imperial not being good patriots or something. I wasn't particularly attached to our system of government either so if I said yes, Atlas would get stronger and Mantle would be re-integrated. Plus, we were looking to integrate Steyr better. A unified and grounded Atlas with Mantle would supercharge the state. 

"I want Royal and Imperial as well as our associates a table at your new government," I made my demand. Perhaps dad could retire and take a government position? 

"We imagined that demand would come." Ironwood shook his head. "I assume you would like your father to take an active role in government?" 

I nodded. 

"We have a position in mind. Like you, we have documents prepared for you to review. Again, I ask. Will Royal and Imperial support us?" Ironwood asked again. 

Eh, what the hell. The timeline has been fucked anyway. Better to be the ones that steer the ship than not do that. 

"For Atlas," I answered simply. 

​Ironwood smiled, relief in his eyes. "For Atlas," he chorused. 

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A/N: Hlalo. Sorry for vanishing. I was with family on a trip. I almost drowned too. I swerved too hard on a jet ski and was thrown off. Since I am writing this, I am still very much alive. 

And oho, Ironwood is getting a hang of this political work and wants our assurances before another cash flow into the military industrial complex goes. In the end, mostly everyone here wins. Ironwood releases himself from the burden of governing, Atlas and Mantle reunites again, the people get an actual government instead of a jumped up council, and Ozpin gets humiliated. Salem too will get an L for this since there will be a super-state (by Remnant's standards) that will be born and will be fundamentally opposed to her. 

Furthermore, Speiss. This won't be the last we will talk with Polendina. Does anyone wish for an army of Penny's? Raise your hand.