Unsurprisingly, the streets of Atlas had been devoid of anyone as I had driven from our home to work, and were it up to me, I would still be in bed like everyone else. But alas, I have been 'invited' to the maiden demonstration Lieutenant Watts' latest project.

Now, in fairness, early mornings are nothing new to me. College and University and work all had me commuting at unreasonable hours of the morning. True, I'll be having words with Royce for thinking that a half five wake up call for a seven year old is even close to acceptable, but I can at least understand that he had very little input as to when I was needed at work.

The main point of irritation right now is the fact I need to be in dress uniform. Thankfully, given my rather unimportant rank, 'Dress Uniform' is just wearing a pristine uniform with rank insignia, shined boots, brown beret and, somewhat worryingly, a standard issue sidearm.

Now, had I been of higher rank, things would be more elaborate, with aiguillettes and epaulettes and medals. Royce would have to wear all of that, and I fully intended to get pictures if I could. I knew I'd be taking pictures of Cinder today, so I could probably sneak one or two of the Captain in.

Speaking of said seven year old, Cinder had grown in the last couple of years. She was still shy, but two years of 'normality' had let her to being a happy and healthy seven year old. She would even walk around the Archive Offices to say hello to my colleagues on occasion (Only into the places she was actually allowed, of course. The Archive's 'Little Lady' was always well behaved in that regard). She had most of them wrapped around her little finger, even if she didn't realise it. Hell, she had most of the Academy student's (that came to ask me about history homework on my breaks) wrapped around her little finger.

She had taken to education like a duck to water, thankfully. Whilst full time education began at seven, it was expected that children would at least know the basics. How to read and how to write. Basic mathematics and how to tell the time.

Cinder, after she had learned how, loved to read. More than once, I had found her reading at some entirely ungodly hour of the morning. But it had led to her being less shy around my colleagues, as they were all too happy to chat to her about whatever it was the little girl had been reading that morning, which had led to her growing in confidence, which had led to her seeking them out again and so on and so forth.

Currently, she was cheerily humming a tune to herself as we made our way out of the parking lot of the Atlesian Military Headquarters on our way to the Archives. Her hair was in bunches now, instead of simply hanging down her back. She was wearing a version of the 'smart' clothes she had been given the day she had come into my life, albeit a few sizes bigger. On the whole, she tended to prefer more smart clothing, at least when she went out of the apartment with me. In the apartment, she often wore her fluffy red dressing gown over whatever it was she was wearing.

All in all, I think I've done at least a decent job of taking care of her so far. Brothers know she's had a better life than she would have done under Salem's care. Not that that is a difficult thing to do. And by this coming weekend, she'll be my daughter and not my ward. A year or so ago, the prospect of fatherhood gave me some hesitation. Now? Now, I am looking forward to it.

Stolen novel; please report.

It's been nearly half a decade since I actually had a family, I'm happy beyond words to be changing that.

___________________________________________________________________________

There were already people milling about as we reached the Archives. Representatives of all of the various branches of the Military were there, all chatting to one another (Although it is noticeable that no one was hanging around the faunus in the black highlighted uniforms.). There were even a few students there, a few of which I even recognised.

As we approached, Captain Glover spotted us and began to make his way over to us. I fought back a smirk at how uncomfortable the old man looks in his uniform, and waited for him to reach me.

"Captain." I greeted Royce with a salute. "Good morning."

"Morning Casper." Royce greeted me with a smile, before turning his gaze to Cinder. "And good morning to you, Little Lady."

"G'Morning Mister Glover!" Cinder beamed, offering a wave. "I like your ropes!"

"Aiguillettes, Cinder." I told her kindly. "They're called aiguillettes."

She blinked up at me, her golden eyes filled with curiosity. "Oh. Okay then, Mister Casper!"

I won't be hearing that for much longer. That was an almost saddening thought, come to think of it. That was how she had addressed me pretty much from day one.

"Schwartz." Royce's voice brought me out of my thoughts. "Go and mingle. Brother's know when you'll get a better chance than this."

"Are you sure, Sir?"

"Aye." He sighed. "I need to speak with a few people before all of this kicks off. You might as well make the most of it while you can."

Saluting him once more, I led Cinder into the crowd. I spotted one of my colleagues in the throng, and started to make my way over.

"..Archivist Schwartz?"

A voice behind me stopped me in my tracks. I turned around, only to be greeted with a familiar face.

"Oh, Captain Ironwood." At his approach, I snapped off a salute. "It is good to see you again."

"Indeed, I am glad to see that you are still well." James inclined his head, and flicked his gaze to Cinder. "I see that Miss Fall is still in your care. I take it she is your ward then?"

"Only for four more days."I replied with a smile "Then she'll be somewhat more than that."

"Say no more." He nodded. "Congratulations are in order then."

"Thank you Sir." I replied with a smile. "I trust all is well with you?"

"For now." He let out a sigh. "Truth be told, I do not wish to be here, Archivist. I am currently assisting with the capture of a criminal of some considerable skill, and this...distraction is..most irritating."

"...Dare I ask how considerable, Sir?"

"Considerable enough to involve the Airfleet in his capture, Archivist Schwartz."

"I see."I paused for a few moments. "Will the Airfleet be requiring any files that the archive might have on this individual?"

Ironwood raised an eyebrow. "Do you actually have the authority to make that offer, Archivist?"

"...Do I need authority to offer aid to another branch of the military with regards to the protection of Atlas and Its citizens, sir?" I asked with a grin.

A small, amused smile crossed the man's face. "A fair point. Clear it with Captain Glover first, but the Airfleet would be most appreciative if the Archives could share any information they might have on the assassin known as Marcus Black."

Well fuck me, that's unexpected.