[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

Jaune enters an ancient temple his great-grandmother brought him to.

Jaune: "What's this?"

Nana: "A test. One all Jedi must face."

Jaune: "What's in there?"

Nana: "Only what you take with you." frowns "I sense... Someone else is within... But how?"

They enter together... But the walls shift, and suddenly Jaune is cut off from his Nana.

Jaune: "Nana?! NANA!"

He takes deep breaths... Calms himself... And then hears footsteps in the ancient temple. He turns... And sees him.

Adam: "... To think, I would once have been content with power over this small world. That is a good start... But only a start."

Jaune: "Adam... How did you find this place?!"

Adam: "My mother left me a memento. Before a human killed her." He held out a pyramid shaped object that glowed red. Jaune sucked in a deep, horrified breath.

Jaune: "A Sith holocron?!"

Adam: "Yes... Did you really think your great-grandmother was the only one to survive? Did you think this world untouched? Long ago, Force Users unto the Gods fought on this planet, and above it. Shattered the moon, devastated civilization. This Temple was left by the Jedi... But the Sith left one behind, too. The Force flows through this world. It is strong... With the Darkside of the Force."

Jaune: "The Light is still stronger! The Grimm are nothing but distortions of the Force! The Darkside twisted life into something horrible, unnatural!"

Adam: "Unnatural? Or the next step in evolution? You are locked in the old ways. The Jedi create order... It become complacent, corrupt, weak and feeble. The Sith, sensing weakness, seize upon it and the galaxy is torn apart in war. Foolish Jedi... We are part of an unending cycle. But... We can end it."

Jaune: "... How?"

Adam: "Join me. Our combined strength can end the Dark Witch AND the feeble Wizard. Can end the conflict between Man and Faunus! We command the Force! The greatest power in the universe! Why suffer these weaklings to hold any power? They abuse it! Together, Light and Darkside, we can prove we are the true rulers of this world! We can bring peace, order-"

Jaune: "Tyranny! Slavery!"

Adam: snorts "Weak people, who cannot hear or feel the heartbeat of creation, are responsible for those things."

Jaune: "Like the Sith?!"

Adam: "The Sith I have been learning from had a similar, revolutionary spirit. She saw the endless conflict for the stupidity it was. Her conclusion was wrong though. This power cannot be destroyed... But it can be used to bring about true balance. You are soft, weak... But kind. I am cruel and strong... But willing to compromise. We would be the perfect choices to rule this world!"

Jaune: "... Oh no... The holocron of Darth Treia?!"

Adam: smirks "The same... But where she betrayed, I offer my hand. My friendship. What do you say?"

Jaune: ignites his lightsaber

Adam: "... So be it." Ignites his own red lightsaber, and the battle is joined

Jaune fought Adam... But despite his training, Adam was still the better swordsman. Their sabers clashed, burning in the temple, their scream of static as they forced their blades against eachother.

Jaune tried to use the Force to get the upper hand, but Adam matched him, blow for blow.

Adam: "You seem to have some assumptions, Jaune. You think I'm just another Force user driven mad by the revelation of my power. Intoxicated by the Darkside. No... No, I see things clearly, Jaune."

Jaune: "Do you?!"

He flips over Adam, striking from above. Adam blocks the strike, and swings behind him. Jaune uses the Force to dive out of the way and launch stones at Adam. Adam deflects them with his lightsaber and charges, forcing Jaune back.

Adam: "Yes! I see the battle for what it is! It is not human and Faunus, it is not Grimm versus the Souled, it is not Grimm Witch against Ancient Wizard! It is order versus chaos! The Force gives us the power to bring true order and freedom! FREEDOM from this endless conflict!"

Jaune: "Haa... Haaa... People will fight you! I will fight you!"

Adam: "We could stand together! As brothers in the Force! Darkside, Lightside, what does it matter?!"

Jaune: "It matters to me! It matters to the people of this world!"

Adam: "So does freedom from this war! Think of it! Our powers combined could free the people of this world from the Witch and Wizard's squabble! And we could guide them! With the power of the Force, there is nothing we could not do!"

Jaune: "We still have limits, even with the Force!"

Adam: "We are blessed with the power of the universe! Its very essence! We should be in charge! We should rule!"

Jaune: "Then you've learned NOTHING!"

Adam: "And you are still bound by the Jedi's chains!"

Adam knocks the lightsaber out of Jaune's hands, and knocks him down a chasm.

Jaune: "AAAAHHHHH-!"

He slows down. He comes to a stop in another part of the temple. Tall pillars stand over him. Nearby, there is an man with angular features, black hair, with a short trimmed beard sitting in Jedi robes.

Man: "You all right?"

Jaune: "I... Yeah... Thank you for saving me."

Man: "It's all right... It has been a while since anyone came here."

Jaune: "Who... Who are you?"

Man: "... I have borne many titles... Jedi Hero, Savior of the Galaxy. Dark Lord of the Sith."

He stands, and for a moment he is dressed in Sith armor with an ominous mask over his face. Jaune's eyes widen in disbelief.

Jaune: "... Revan...!"

The specter returns to the older man with a soft smile.

Revan: "Yes... You know me?"

Jaune: "I do! But... Aren't you dead?"

Revan: "Yes... And no. I became one with the Force long ago. My teacher was the Jedi Master who became Darth Traya. Her holocron being activated... Alerted me, for lack of a better term."

Jaune: "So... Can you help me win?"

Revan: "Perhaps... That all depends on how you define winning."

Jaune: groans "Look, I'm not... I'm not some Jedi Master sitting in a temple contemplating stuff isolated from the universe! I'm here! In the real world! You can't just quibble over crap and think you're wise!"

Revan: grins "Yes... That sounds like your Nana all right."

Jaune: flush "Uh, sorry-"

Revan: "No... There is something to be said for that. The Jedi become locked in a cage of dogma, weak and stifled. The Sith though become locked in a cage of endless betrayal and self destruction. The Jedi seek peace and create stagnation, the Sith seek freedom and create tyranny. It is the tragedy of both Orders."

Jaune: "So... What's the answer?"

Revan: "A fool would say that it is some arbitrary middle ground between the philosophies. The truth is... The Force is. It is infinite, far more beautiful and terrifying than can be put into two arbitrary boxes. The Darkside can destroy you through corruption... But the Lightside can destroy you through stagnation. You must feel the Force, understand it, embrace the greater mysteries of it. Let go of your prejudices and truly seek answers without preconceptions. Only then can you truly know the Force, and yourself. Only then can you be what a Jedi is meant to be."

Jaune: "That still sounds like the Sith are the enemy."

Revan: "They are. But the Jedi too can be an enemy. But if you define a Jedi as one who masters himself while trusting the Force, to do what is right and necessary? Then a Jedi you will be, Jaune Arc. Are you willing to delve into these mysteries, Jaune? To truly understand the Force and yourself?"

Jaune: "... I am."

Revan: "Then let us begin..."

Sometimes Ren loves his semblance. The coolness and clarity of mind suppressed emotions brings comes quite in handy sometimes.

Like when mercilessly hunting down his friends.

Ruby and Jaune were first. Too trusting, they were down before they even realized it.

Yang was the second easiest to take down, just had to taunt her a bit and she literally ran face first into his attacks. She even dragged Weiss down with her.

He had to cheat with Blake and Pyrrha, he couldn't catch Blake and there's no way he could beat Pyrrha. So he led them into some tripwire traps and let them do the job for him.

And now was the hardest battle. Nora.

"Please don't do this renny, we can talk this out."

"You know that's not the case."

"But I don't wanna fight!"

"Oh Nora."

He points the barrel at her chest.

"This was never a fight."

And pulls the trigger.

Her clothes are splattered with pink paint.

"Nooooo my sloth shirt."

[Beeeeep]

"The exercise is over. Lie Ren is the victor of the survival exercise. He will be exempt from the next exam. Meanwhile the rest of you will have extra lessons this Saturday because of that frankly embarrassing defeat."

"Aww miss Goodwitch come on!"

"You're the ones who thought you could win a 7 v 1 against the stealth specialist. And miss Valkyrie the next time you don't want to get a shirt ruined perhaps you shouldn't wear it to the paintball maze."

"This was my favorite shirt....."

"Nora you have 9 more."

"silence betrayer! How could you mercilessly gun down your childhood friend."

"There are no friends in paintball. Only targets."

Technical Profile: LRV-22 Dart

• Type: Light Reconnaissance/Support Vehicle
• Manufacturer: Eglin Vehicle Company
• Origin: Vale
• Role: Scout, rapid troop transport, light fire support, anti-Grimm operations, border patrol
• First Deployment: Year 72 Post-Great War
• Cost: Low (designed for mass production with modular components)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 6.2 meters
  • Width: 2.4 meters
  • Height: 2.1 meters
  • Weight: 3,200 kg (combat-ready)
• Crew: 3 (driver, commander/gunner, passenger/gunner); up to 4 additional passengers
• Powerplant: Eglin D-8 Combustion Dust Engine (400 horsepower, augmented with Electric Motor System for silent mode)
• Performance:
  • Top Speed: 90 mph (129 km/h) on roads; 55 mph (89 km/h) off-road
  • Range: 400 miles (extendable to 500 miles with external Dust canisters)
  • Ground Clearance: 0.4 meters
• Armament:
  • Primary (Standard Variant): 1 x Winchester 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (turret-mounted, Gravity Dust-enhanced, 1,200 rounds, crew or remote-operated)
  • Optional Variants:
    • Anti-Grimm Grenade Launcher: 40mm Grenade Launcher
    • Missile Pod: 4 x Redeye Dust Missiles (200 lb capacity, anti-armor or anti-air)
    • Rocket Launcher: 6 x Fire Dust Rockets (150 lb capacity, high-explosive)
• Defenses:
  • Light composite armor (titanium-steel with Ceramic Dust plating, resistant to small arms and Grimm claws)
  • Anti-Grimm Sonic Emitters (30-meter radius, deters lesser Grimm)
  • Smoke Launchers (Ice Dust-based for concealment)
• Avionics:
  • "Deadeye" Sensor Suite (thermal, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 20 targets)
  • AI-Assisted Navigation System (optimizes for Vale's terrain and rapid scouting)
  • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to VDF command, Huntsmen, and air support)
• Special Features:
  • All-Terrain Suspension: Independent four-wheel system for Vale's mountains and forests
  • Hybrid Dust/Electric Mode: Silent electric mode for stealth reconnaissance
  • Modular Weapon Mount: Swappable turret for machine gun, launcher, or missile pod
  • Dust Refueling System: External canisters for extended range
  • Amphibious Kit: Optional sealing for shallow water crossings (up to 1 meter)
• Variants:
  • Dart-S (Scout): Enhanced sensors and improved stealth for reconnaissance
  • Dart-G (Gun): Standard machine gun variant for fire support
  • Dart-M (Missile): Missile pod for anti-armor or anti-air roles
  • Dart-R (Recovery): Equipped for medical evacuation or light towing

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Background and Development: LRV-22 DartEglin Vehicle Company, a Vale-based automotive giant, has a long history of producing reliable vehicles for both the VDF and civilian markets, from rugged transports to civilian cars. Known for durability and affordability, Eglin was tasked with developing a light, fast vehicle to replace outdated VDF scouts, capable of supporting Huntsmen and tanks in Vale's diverse terrain. The LRV-22 Dart was designed to provide rapid reconnaissance, light fire support, and troop mobility at a low cost.

The Dart utilized off-the-shelf Dust systems and modular components from Eglin's motorsport division, reflecting Eglin's expertise in mass production. Its hybrid Dust/electric motor and all-terrain suspension were tailored for Vale's mountains and forests, while its lightweight armor balanced speed with survivability. Tested in Forever Fall and Vale's border regions, the Dart excelled against Beowolf packs and small Grimm swarms, its agility complementing the Chimera's firepower. Its versatility led to civilian adaptations for exploration and emergency response, though some units have been acquired by bandits, prompting VDF concerns.

---

Capabilities in Remnant's Context: LRV-22 Dart

• Scouting and Mobility: The Dart's 80 mph speed and all-terrain suspension make it ideal for rapid reconnaissance in Vale's rugged landscapes, scouting Grimm movements or enemy positions.
• Light Fire Support: The 12.7 mm machine gun and optional missile/rocket variants provide flexible firepower, supporting Huntsmen or Chimeras against mid-tier Grimm like Ursas.
• Troop Transport: Carries up to 7 personnel, enabling quick Huntsmen deployments or civilian evacuations in disaster zones.
• Survivability: Light armor withstand small Grimm attacks, with Ice Dust smoke aiding evasion. Sonic emitters deter lesser Grimm, preserving ammo.

Essentially the Remnant equivalent of the Halo Warthog and real world HUMVEE.

VDF Carrier Battle Group 1: "Banshee Strike Group"

• Unit Type: Airborne Carrier Battle Group
• Parent Formation: VDF Naval Command, Valean Defense Force
• Role: Power projection, anti-Grimm operations, border defense, disaster response, strategic deterrence
• Base of Operations: Port Prendwyn, Vale (primary VDF Naval base in Vale Capital City)
• Strength: Approximately 2,474 personnel, 1 carrier, 3 frigates, 4 corvettes, 2 combat support airships, 77 aircraft (70 carrier-based + 3 frigate-attached Tigertails + 4 attached Dragonets)
• Motto: "Qui Plantavit Curabit" (He who has planted will preserve)
• Commander: Rear Admiral Kael Vortex (a veteran VDF officer with Huntsman training)

Organizational Structure

The Banshee Strike Group is structured like a U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group, comprising the VSS Banshee as the flagship, a carrier air wing, an escort group of three frigates and four corvettes, and attached heavy-lift airships. Each frigate has one AV-47 Tigertail for support. The group maximizes mobility, firepower, and versatility in Remnant's skies, countering Grimm and rival forces.

Flagship: VSS Banshee

• Type: Airborne Aircraft/Command Carrier
• Specifications:
  • Crew: 1,250 (command staff, pilots, gunners, Dust technicians, support personnel)
  • Vehicles: 70 aircraft (detailed below), 180,000 tons cargo, 500 troops
  • Armament: 8 x Winchester M77 30mm CWIS autocannons, 8 x Redspot Small Multirole Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Njord QSA-566 Jammer System
  • Defenses: Reinforced composite hull (titanium-steel with Ceramic Dust plating), Anti-Grimm Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
• Role: Command and control hub, air wing deployment, heavy troop/cargo transport, disaster response, communications relay. The Banshee's modular deck supports hospital, cargo, or troop configurations, with sensors tracking Grimm across 100 miles.

Carrier Air Wing

• Personnel: ~800 (400 pilots, 100 RIOs, 100 gunners, 100 Dust technicians, 200 support crew)
• Aircraft (70 total):
  • 2 x VSF-47 Tempest Viper Squadrons (24 aircraft, 12 per squadron):
    • Type: Multi-role strike fighter
    • Role: Grimm suppression, anti-air superiority, precision strikes
    • Armament: 30mm Twin Dust Cannon (Fire, Ice, Lightning Dust), 16 x Multi-Mode Missile Pods (Fire, Ice Dust), experimental Pulse Emitter (Hardlight Dust, Aura and electronics-based disruption)
    • Details: VTOL-capable with mecha-shift wings, ideal for rapid deployment against Nevermores or Atlasian airships.
    • Squadrons: VFA-11 "Dragon Fangs," VFA-22 "Corsairs."
  • 3 x VSF-42 Viper Squadrons (30 aircraft, 10 per squadron):
    • Type: Multi-role strike fighter
    • Role: Support missions, Grimm suppression, ground force support
    • Armament: Twin 20mm Dust Cannons (Fire, Ice, Lightning Dust), 8 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice Dust munitions)
    • Details: Fixed-wing, runway-dependent, used for cost-effective support against smaller Grimm hordes.
    • Squadrons: VFA-55 "Hard Riders," VFA-66 "Thunder Hawks," VFA-77 "Storm Riders."
  • 2 x AV-47 Tigertail Squadrons (12 aircraft, 6 per squadron):
    • Type: Medium utility VTOL transport/gunship
    • Role: Utility, search and rescue, close air support
    • Armament: 30mm Winchester M77 autocannon, 4 x Hardpoints (5,000 lb, Fire/Ice Dust), 2 x 7.62mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
    • Details: Supports Huntsmen deployments, medevac, and close air support.
    • Squadrons: VAQ-88 "Stingers," VAQ-99 "Swifties."
  • 1 x AV-88 Dragonet C-Variant Squadron (4 aircraft):
    • Type: Heavy-lift/command airship
    • Role: Heavy lift, heavy utility, search and rescue, command coordination
    • Armament: 25mm Winchester M-79 autocannon, 6 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice/Blast Dust), 4 x 14.5mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Details: Configured with enhanced comms and holographic battle maps, capable of transporting M-77 Chimera tanks or 40 personnel. Squadron: VAH-101 "Big Busters."
• Role: The air wing delivers versatile capabilities: Tempest Vipers handle high-threat Grimm and rival airships, Vipers support mass engagements, Tigertails provide utility and close air support, and Dragonet C-Variants offer heavy lift and command support.

Escort Group

• Personnel: ~234 (180 frigate crew, 24 corvette crew, 24 Tigertail crew)
• Vessels:
  • 3 x Rapier-class Frigates: VSS Morrigan, VSS Bellona, VSS Arthur
    • Type: Airborne Guided Missile Frigate
    • Crew: 60 each (total 180)
    • Specifications: 360 mph, 40,000 ft ceiling, 60,000-mile range, 190m length, 20,000 tons
    • Armament: 8 x Cappadocia 155mm Dust Cannons, 10 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 16 x Balor ASM-44 Anti-Ship Missiles, 2 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Njord QSA-566 Jammer
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Support Vehicle: 1 x AV-47 Tigertail per frigate (3 total, 8 crew each, 24 personnel)
    • Role: Heavy escort, anti-Grimm defense, long-range missile strikes. Tigertails provide close air support, reconnaissance, or troop insertion for frigate operations.
  • 4 x Phantom-class Corvettes: VSS Lugh , VSS Mars, VSS Bran, VSS Potter
    • Type: Airborne Corvette
    • Crew: 6 each (total 24)
    • Specifications: 420 mph, 40,000 ft ceiling, 10,000-mile range, 80m length, 1,000 tons
    • Armament: 2 x Cappadocia 155mm Dust Cannons, 2 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 2 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), 4 x Balor ASM-44 Missiles, Njord QSA-568A Jammer
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (100-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Role: Fast, stealthy escort, patrol, and close air support. Corvettes screen for smaller threats and deploy Huntsmen.

Role: Escorts protect the Banshee, with Rapiers providing heavy firepower and Phantoms offering agility and reconnaissance. Frigate-attached Tigertails enhance flexibility for scouting or troop support.

Support Group

• 2 x Nereid-class Heavy Support Airships: VSS Melusine, VSS Lorelei
  • Type: Heavy Support Airship
  • Crew: 300 each (total 600)
  • Specifications: 320 mph, 35,000 ft ceiling, 70,000-mile range, 220m length, 150,000 tons max takeoff
  • Armament: 6 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 4 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Sonic Disruptor Array
  • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (200-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
  • Role: Combat logistics, Dust and munitions resupply, troop transport, medical support, search and rescue. Carries 60,000 tons of cargo and 200 troops, with mid-air resupply capabilities.
• Role: The support group ensures endurance, with Nereids resupplying the fleet and Dragonets delivering heavy assets or serving as command posts.

Attached Heavy-Lift Support

• Squadron: VAH-105 "High Rollers."
• Personnel: 32 (16 pilots, 8 gunners, 8 Dust technicians)
• Vessels:
  • 4 x AV-88 Dragonet C-Variant:
    • Type: Heavy-lift/command airship
    • Crew: 8 each (total 32)
    • Specifications: 200 mph, 18,000 ft ceiling, 800-mile range (1,100 with Dust pods), 30.5m length, 45,000 kg cargo
    • Armament: 25mm Winchester M-79 autocannon, 6 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice/Blast Dust), 4 x 14.5mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Role: Transports M-77 Chimera tanks, supplies, or troops, and provides command coordination with enhanced comms.
• Role: Dragonets deliver heavy assets and serve as mobile command posts, supporting ground forces and disaster relief.

Total Battle Group Composition

• Personnel: ~2,474 (1,250 Banshee, 800 air wing, 234 escorts, 632 support group)
• Vessels/Aircraft: 1 Banshee-class Carrier (VSS Banshee), 3 Rapier-class Frigates (VSS Morrigan, Bellona, Arthur), 4 Phantom-class Corvettes (VSS Lugh, Mars, Bran, Potter), 24 VSF-47 Tempest Vipers, 30 VSF-42 Vipers, 15 AV-47 Tigertails (12 carrier-based, 3 frigate-attached), 4 AV-88 Dragonet C-Variants, 2 Nereid-class Heavy Support Airships (VSS Melusine, Lorelei)

And some military organization for a carrier battle group for the VDF.