September, 70AW:
"You're doing well, Sir."
James Ironwood scowled slightly at the doctor as he tested his new prosthetic leg. It frustrated him immensely, having to learn how to walk again. How to pick things up without crushing them again.
He knew it wasn't the doctor's fault, it was probably protocol to be somewhat encouraging. But that didn't stop the Captain feeling a foul mix of frustration and embarrassment and self-disgust.
It was on his slow way back to his hospital bed that he passed a silver-haired boy in a bed that had seemingly just been left in a corridor. This drew his attention immediately. Very few children ever ended up in an exclusively military hospital.
…And then he noticed that the boy's legs were missing below the knee.
"What...happened to the boy?" James asked quietly.
"..That's Mercury Black, Sir." The doctor explained in equally hushed tones. "The son of Marcus Black. His father did that to him when our strike team went in to take him out. We presume as a distraction."
It took James a few moments to mentally digest the new information. "And what happened to Marcus Black himself?"
"Captain Hawthorn employed the Grigori Doctrine." The doctor replied. "If there is anything more than paste left of Black, I'd be surprised."
Good. The man deserved worse. James thought, although he didn't vocalize it. "What is going to happen to the boy?"
The doctor shrugged. "Patched up and sent into the foster system, if I were to guess."
James winced. He had expected something like that. It made sense. No parents. No close relatives. No other real option. But a boy like that, with injuries like that…
He'd been in the Atlesian foster system. Or more precisely, he'd survived the Atlesian foster system. He knew the ins and the outs. He knew the truth of how things worked. He knew that a boy like that wouldn't last a year. Not a chance.
So he said the only acceptable thing he could. He would do the only acceptable thing he could.
"...I will be requiring some paperwork."
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December, 70AW:
Hello Neighbor!
As usual, Epsilon Heights will be hosting a little get together to celebrate Year's End, and to watch the various firework displays. Food and hot drinks will be provided. Also as usual, there is to be no alcohol.
This STILL means you, 9E. You know what you did.
- Winston
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January 71AW:
GENERAL SLEET ANNOUNCES UPCOMING RETIREMENT.
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March 71AW:
IN SHOCK RESULT, CAPTAIN HAWTHORN OF THE AIRFLEET PROMOTED TO GENERAL OF MILITARY. CAPTAIN DRACO STIRLING TO DEMAND INVESTIGATION.
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June 6th 71AW:
Cinder
Wishing you a Happy Eighth Birthday
-Dad.
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December, 71AW:
Hello Neighbour!
As usual, Epsilon Heights will be hosting a little get together to celebrate Year's End, and to watch the various firework displays. Food and hot drinks will be provided. Also as usual, there is to be no alcohol.
- Winston
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May, 72AW:
It was a known fact amongst the Schnee Manor staff that when Jacques Schnee was drinking tea instead of his usual coffee, he was at his most furious. Unlike his wife, who's anger burned hot and fizzled out quickly, snuffed out by alcohol and disinterest, Jacques' anger was as cold as the White Sea.
So it was no surprise that none of them either envied or pitied the poor sod that was currently in his office to explain himself. Mr Samson wore an ill-fitting suit, and frankly looked so pale he looked ill. He'd been led inside by Clark, the goat Faunus that had been Jacques' close friend for decades and had been his personal butler ever since Jacques took control of the SDC. If there was only one person, one friend, in the world Jacques Schnee trusted absolutely, it was Clark.
"Do you know why the Atlesian Ruling Council doesn't step in about how I treat my Faunus employees, Mr Samson?" Jacques began, after five minutes of deliberate, suffocating silence. He sat in his chair, whilst Samson was made to stand.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
When Samson remained silent, Jacques continued. "Because everything the Schnee Dust Company does is legal. We pay our Faunus workers less because it is legal for us to do so. We don't ensure as stringent and high safety standards for our Faunus workers because it is legal for us not to do so. We hire and fire our Faunus workers at a higher rate than our human ones and without severance pay, because it is legal for us to do so.."
The Schnee CEO flipped open the file on his desk, revealing both the picture of a mining Foreman and the face of a child, now marred by three ugly letters burned into his skin. SDC. Samson paled even further at the sight of the file's contents.
"We do not brand our workers like cattle. Because that is illegal."
"Mr Schnee-" Samson made to speak, but Jacques soon cut him off.
"Branding like this is banned by the VPA. That means that, thanks to Foreman Grell's actions, we are in violation of the VPA. It means I am in violation of the VPA." Jacques' tone had grown thunderous. "So tell me, Mr Samson. Why in the name of the Brothers would I even begin to consider protecting yourself and Mr Grell from the consequences of your actions?"
"You wouldn't Sir."
"Exactly." Jacques replied. "There is something missing from this file. What happened to the boy after Mr Grell did this?"
Samson mumbled through his answer, keeping his head down.
"Louder, please." Schnee demanded.
"We dumped him at the roadside about halfway between Mantle and the Mine."
Silence reigned in the office for a full minute.
"Get out of my office, Mr Samson." Jacques snapped. "Now. Before I decide to have you branded yourself."
The man promptly made himself scarce.
"Clark." Jacques addressed his ever faithful butler. "I will require a meeting with the Board in the morning. It appears some people need reminding that this sort of….blatant racist fuckery will not be tolerated."
Clark merely nodded once. "Of course Sir, I will see to it immediately."
"Thank you. At least someone that works for me is dependable." Jacques let out a sigh, and lifted his tea cup to his mouth. "Let us hope the name 'Adam Taurus' does not come back to haunt us."
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June 6th 72AW:
Cinder
Wishing you a Happy Ninth Birthday
-Dad.
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UNKNOWN DATE, 72AW:
Dear valued Customer!
We apologize for the poor selection of merchandise during the last auction. The IACI have sadly been hot on our heels recently. We even had to purge one of our warehouses to cover our tracks. It was wasteful, but it protected your identity and those of your fellow members. On the up side, they were only Faunus, so it was no great loss in the long run.
However, we are proud to announce that the next auction is just weeks away. Details will be sent via the usual means.
We hope to see you there.
-Iron Circle Upper Management.
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December, 72AW:
Hello Neighbour!
As usual, Epsilon Heights will be hosting a little get together to celebrate Year's End, and to watch the various firework displays. Food and hot drinks will be provided. Also as usual, there is to be no alcohol.
- Winston
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March 73AW:
COUNCILOR'S HALEY AND PETRICHOR ANNOUNCE RETIREMENTS.
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June 6th 73AW:
Cinder
Wishing you a Happy Tenth Birthday
-Dad.
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July 73AW:
Mr James Ironwood,
I am delighted to inform you that your ward, Mercury Black, has a confirmed placement at our proud and historic institution. The school year begins on the third of September. Appropriate uniforms can be ordered from 'Stevensons Tailoring'.
Yours,
Cloud Nine
Headteacher of Oakwood Elementary School