False Harmony

T.V's across Vale were turned on. An official announcement about yesterdays incident concerning the MoJave was about to be released by the company's CEO. The smoke raising off on the horizon had captured the attention of citizens, soldiers, and leaders alike. The people wanted their worries eased or, in some cases, their suspicions confirmed. Either way, Andrew knew he'd have to play the act of the completely honorable businessman and give Vale a good show.

"About to begin recording sir."

"Of course," Andrew replied to one of four newscasters aloud abord the Tandi for this broadcast.

Seated comfortably behind his desk. Andrew gave a warm smile with his arms folded across his desk. He thought over his, all be it, brief speech for today's clarification. Trying harder than usual to keep his mind on track given new develops.

NCR, Brotherhood and who knows how many other factions were planning against him. He couldn't say he didn't expect something of the sort to occur. To the point, he had thought through far in advance in how to handle said situation. If they had attacked, Yes Man will simple get his army of Secuicrants in position and push the NCR back. Or at the very least hold them at bay until Andrew thought up a well-devised counter attack. In such a conflict, all Andrew had to do was remain defensive. Along with killing NCR troops inside Vegas's borders, which in turn meant those in Vale, and cut the Republic completely off from New Vegas's resources.

Said war would then become a bogged down mess for the Republic. With thousands of needless deaths and political suicide for any politician in support of the war. Andrew knew how said war would play out, the NCR knew this as well, and so did any person worth half a brain across the former Western states of America. It came to no surprise to him that they'd play a game of this caliber under the table.

Allying the Brotherhood came as a surprise. Given the two factions historic bloody past with one another. However, the two have worked well together whenever a common enemy appeared before them. It would seem that becoming a Brother himself wasn't going to protect Andrew, He didn't cure their fears of his continued use of advanced technology. The Brotherhood of Steel most likely agreed to help the NCR get ride of him for this fact alone. This brought far greater concerns to the Courier though.

If the NCR got the Brotherhood. Who else among his allies could be working against him?

"Live in three, two, one!"

"To the people of Vale."

The Kings and the Followers were soon pushed out of suggestion. Neither had ever like the NCR in the past with both containing members downright dismissive of the Republic as a whole. This added to the fact that neither were that major of a factor when it comes to Vegas and with both usually trying to avoid a fight as best they could. Made them unlikely to ally the NCR under Andrew's noise.

The Vegas families though will need a talking to.

"Yesterday's attack was one of desperation and pointlessness."

Swank's a loyal and unimaginative man. That cleared the Tops from Andrew's pool of possible betrayals. Cachino back in Gomorrah was another issue altogether. Luckily the Omerta family boss has a good memory. Good enough that he'll remember what Andrew did for him concerning Cachino's new position of power. Along with Andrew looking the other way more than once concerning the families sailing of prostitutes and chems. A quick check in with the man, once he's back home, is the only way Andrew will know for certain however if the Omerta's are indeed still in the cage he gave them.

"Due however know. The Vytal Festival will remain open to the public and stay under the MoJave's watchful eye."

The White Gloves could be a problem. But if Marjorie is still as docile as ever and kept her kitchens avoid of screaming citizens that were not belonging to their in rage head chief. Andrew would write them off the list as well.

"I am more than certain that the White Fang leader, Adam. Will meet his end either by a rifle or a rope."

The Boomers were the last on Andrew list of possibilities concerning traitors. Mother Pearl, unlike the Vegas families, wasn't motivated by the sort of greed and respect of strength. She'll protect her tribe no matter what. Keeping true to some of the isolationists' policies even after joining Andrew's little city-state. Of course, now those policies were honored and enforced by Andrew. Instead of an artillery barrage.

Said isolation would make the NCR contacting them far harder than the other factions. Making them somewhat of an unlikely target by the Republic. However, Andrew knew a well-handled investigation into them would have to commence. At the very least to ease his own paranoia.

"We, of course, expect Atlas to continue their cooperation in our handling of this matter."

Andrew, in the end, would have to go and see for himself if there are more cases of temporary loss in faith. Still, he supposes it'd be fun destroying the NCR's plans against him. If anything he thought about thanking them for this chance to reaffirm his hold on Vegas. It shouldn't hurt reminding people why they listen to him.

No matter how far this traitor may go, their plans will all amount to nothing. As long as Andrew held the G.E.C.K, finish or otherwise. The NCR will undoubtedly hold off any direct attack against him. They couldn't risk the key to solving their water problem completely. That alone will keep them in check. Still, Andrew wasn't going to fault them for trying. Now, where was he?

"And if it will be alright with those running the Festival. I'd like to make the request that a moment of silence is held for my troops lost in yesterday's attack. That will be all."

As Andrew finished and the news change back to its regular host. Blake found herself scurrying back to her bed before Ruby or Weiss noticed that she was watching along with them.

"Andrew..." Ruby whispered. Shanking her head before calming herself back down.

One quick glance at Weiss and she knew that her teammate was giving off the same air discomfort. Andrew sounded distracted throughout the speech. Constantly showing signs of anger whenever the White-Fang, Atlas, or this Adam criminal was mention. Followed shortly by a smile that kept her unease.

"He's planning something." Weiss confidently stated.

Now, Ruby wasn't really one who wants to be rude to her friends. Even making fun of them she found hard at times. That said, the young huntress soon had her head in the palm of her hand.

"I think we all got that Weiss."

One humphs from the Ice Queen later, and the girls decided to continue their conversation. But not before they turned towards Blake. Turning back when they were sure their friend wasn't paying attention to them.

"Do you think Blake knows who this Adam guy is?" Ruby asked bluntly.

Both girls had notice Blake watching the speech along with them. They had both unknowingly decided to not bother their friend throughout the speech. But that became increasingly difficult when Andrew talked about this Adam figure inside the White Fang's ranks. They knew who the guy was with his wanted posters showing up on the news and the like. One of the White Fang's best soldiers out on the field. Responsible for the deaths of more than a few Huntsman and MoJave Special Forces. That last part got them concern.

"What do you think he,... did to her," Ruby continued, reminding Weiss as well of the sight of Blake shaking in place.

They had wanted to ask her what was wrong right there but decided to let the speech finish. After all, getting Blake to open up was difficult enough. To do it right there on the spot would've probably scared her off. Neither wanted that.

"I don't think I want to know. After seeing her frozen like that." Weiss answered in a whisper. Trying harder than Ruby in trying to make sure Blake didn't hear them.

Sadly for them, four hears proved highly effective at hearing even the smallest sounds in a room.

"I can hear the two of you, you know?" Blake was close to yelling as she put her book back down and began to sit straight on her bed.

Ruby and Weiss were caught off guard. Jumping up from their seat on the couch and landing on their knees back on it. This time facing Blake well trying to use the back of the couch to hide their shame. The two did eventually begin to face Blake more directly. Once after their teammate was beginning to lose her initial anger. Replace now by nerves getting the better of her. Shaking in place and earning Weiss's and Ruby's concern.

"I'll,... I'll tell you about him when Yang gets back. Just for now can you not?" Blake sounded as if she was pleading.

This alone got the girls nodding. They had never seen Blake, loner and near emotionless Blake, acting so scared. They weren't about to push her further. So things began to ease down and Weiss and Ruby left Blake alone for the time being. Going off to find whatever could keep them occupied until Yang gets back. Ruby though did ask Blake if she could get her anything that'll help her friend. Trying what little she could to see Blake return to a calmer state.

"Just leave me be Ruby. I need to think through this, alright."

Ruby nodded once again. Now, actually, leaving Blake alone and start to follow Weiss's example. That be to distract themselves for the time being. For Weiss, this meant studying for tests and reviewing combat maneuvers. Ruby, however, followed Blake's lead. Taking a seat on her bed to think about what else been bothering her. All of which lead her to Andrew.

He wants revenge. Ruby put that together from the look he was giving. Calm, charming, and malicious. A boiling anger kept in check with what she guessed was years of training to help keep him an inspiring figure of his company. But he failed. Andrew was just like when Ruby and he fought that intruder during the dance. That was at least something positive, Ruby figured. He kept his calm then, he'll do it here too. Right?

She didn't know. Truly she wanted nothing more than to see Andrew and tell him she understood. Ruby was the leader of team RWBY. If one member of her team was killed in something as meaningless as this attack by the White Fang. She wasn't sure if she felt comfortable enough admitting to herself what she'd do. It felt wrong, it felt extreme, it felt like she'd be breaking every rule a Huntress was meant to follow but be felt it anyways.

Andrew saw his men in the same light Ruby saw her team. A responsibility to see them all come back safe. But Andrew couldn't do that. His force was too large for him to expect such a thing. Ruby couldn't imagine taking that position. It was both not in her nature to lead from such a high place position but also because she'd hate seeing the bodies. He blames himself for each one but somehow, unlike her, he was willing to accept that.

It was this that built up Ruby's biggest fear. How far will Andrew take this? Sure she wouldn't blame him completely but she didn't want to one day be fighting against him.

"All right guys! Who's ready to cheer me on...!" Yang quickly shut her face. A shaking Blake and quiet dorm room taking her mind off of jokes. "What happened."

Soon the team all formed themselves around Blake's and Yang's bunk bed. The RWY of team RWBY being extra considerate towards Blake's space. Waiting for her to begin this conversation before the rest of them. With only Weiss explaining to Yang beforehand what got Blake so shaken up in the first place.

"He was my partner. Before I came here." Blake explained, her voice finding it's regular confidence. "I was willing to follow him anywhere. He made me believe we could actually do some good in this world. To finally take the fight back to all those who wrong us. To prove we're worth respecting. I wish what we did was right."

The last part there got Weiss's hair standing. Blake wasn't White Fang anymore, Weiss had said she wouldn't care about any of that, and Blake was making the effort to be something better. But still, Blake worked with the likes of Adam. Weiss has seen the casualty lists before from attacks lead by that Faunus. The chance that Blake could've been involved with them got the heiress second-guessing herself, whether she wanted to or not.

"But the MoJave kept killing us, Atlas kept making jokes out of us, and Huntsman kept us from becoming anything more than minor annoyances. And all of that kept happening well he continued pushing for bigger 'messages'," Blake's voice cracked as a tear went down her eye. Her team, thankfully, however, didn't need the girl to explain what she had just implied. "We did horrible things. I did horrible things. All to stay by the side of what I thought was still my friend working towards the betterment of our lives. I'm just thankful I was finally able to see that he was already goon. That's why I betrayed him and why I'm now scared for all of you."

"You betrayed him?" Ruby asked, a realization that she and the rest of them soon came to the same conclusion.

"Yea, we got a tip-off about a train the MoJave was moving towards the coast. We knew it would be guarded but I was the only one who knew there were Power Armor troops. First chance I got I locked him in a room with those men. Made my escape all well he watched." Blake, for her part, found herself becoming normal again. Even so, they all caught the girls shame. "Afterwards I found Ozpin. I wanted into Beacon and after I explained everything to him, he just smiled and said he'll make all the needed arrangements." Briefly, as it may have been, Blake smiled near the end there. Before setting herself straight and faced her team's eyes with her own. "I don't know how he escaped but he did, and now he most likely knows I'm here."

"How can you be sure of that?" Weiss asked with less sass than one would usually expect from her.

"He doesn't forget, Weiss. And he'll do everything in his power to take revenge on me. Even go after all of you."

"Aw, you do care about us." Yang smiled before jumping up from her seat.

"No, wait? Yes but..."Blake tried to counter but stopped when the rest of her team followed Yang's example.

"So some terrorist wants me dead. Nothing new for me Blake," Weiss explained in all be it, bitchy but nice way.

"Yea, if some big shot White Fang boggy man want to come after me or the rest of you. He'll have to answer to my right hook," Yang empathize this by showing off her muscles.

"He's stronger than you Yang! Stronger than all of us," Blake tried her best to counter, going so far as to push herself up towards Yang's face.

With this action, however, a soft hand stopped her. One belonging to her team's leader. Sweet, far to nice but still effective leader Ruby. A girl that may be younger than her but looked like the more responsible and calming figure in this picture. Giving a big toothy smile towards her friend.

"Then we'll just keep training and get better. And no matter what we won't let him hurt you, us or anyone else if we have the chance to stop it. We simply won't let him Blake."

Ruby made it all sound so simple. Blake so desperately wanted to explain to the girl why she was wrong. Why they simply couldn't take on a killer like Adam. Why they'd lose. Yet, Ruby's words made her feel confident that maybe they could. It was stupid in all regards but Ruby had a way to make Blake feel safe in this position. To finally let her guard down and do some good for once without running away at the off chance that someone was going to get hurt. It was a sense of calm Blake hadn't felt in years.

"All right, Ruby." Blake gave up, smiling before turning her eyes away from her team. "Thanks, guys."

"Don't mention it," Yang might have just yelled, catching Blake off guard by wrapping her arms around the Faunus girl. "Now let's finish this tournament and get back to fighting the bad guys again. Right team!"

And though it was cheesy, Blake and the rest of them joined the blonde heavyweight in some team cheering.

"So many are going to die," Graham said to himself once he finished burying the unmarked grave.

Giving a quick pray before turning back towards the Tandi. The air was thick, lust for revenge and deceit ran rapid, and all of it was closing in on itself towards one big showdown. Though the drums before battle were no longer being played, they might as well be. When it comes he does not know. But it will, and when it does he knew all he'll be able to be is a pawn in Andrew's game. The only problem Graham had with that was he wasn't sure they'd win.

Izzycity12: So as I'm sure you can guess by now, there aren't going to be consistent updates any longer. I'm sad to say but the only reason I got this done was that I couldn't sleep all that well and decided to do this to keep me company. But even so, for what it's worth, I hope you enjoyed.

Oh, and for those wondering what's got me so preoccupied well. I finally lost enough weight to be cleared to sign up for the U.S. Army. It's been my dream since I was eight and there's no way I'm pushing it off when I'm so close to seeing it through. Thank you for your support and until next time, enjoy.

Fallout is owned by Bethesda and RWBY is owned by RoosterTeeth. Please support the Official release

PS, please point out any spelling errors. I suck at finding that stuff myself wheither or not I double check it. Thanks!