[A/N: See any mistakes? Let me know and I'll fix them when I can.]
Oh-ho-ho, it's magic, you know ♪♬
Never believe it's not so ♬♫
Jacques Schnee is a happy man.
It's magic, you know ♫♪
Never believe it's not so ♪♬
Reclining comfortably in a luxurious private Bullhead bearing the Schnee family logo, he gazes out the window at the city of Mantle, letting himself be enveloped by the comfort and gentle swaying of the aircraft. In one hand he holds a lit cigar, in the other a freshly poured glass of champagne, still bubbling.
Everything in his posture conveys satisfaction, even a restrained pleasure.
His gaze locks on the scene below him. More than half of the city remains in darkness, the power grid collapsed, generators and heating systems shut down. One can barely make out a large crowd gathered in the central zone of the city, the only area still illuminated, the only one where heating is still working.
Upon seeing the whole scene, he cannot help but smile. His mustache curves into a satisfied expression. He does not look for long. There are more important things to see than rabble and desperation.
Noticing that his glass is nearly empty, something unacceptable at a time like this, he raises it naturally. Without needing to say a word, a servant immediately approaches, refilling the glass. Without lifting his gaze, the servant bows respectfully before silently stepping away.
Jacques does not feel the slightest trace of empathy.
Where others see chaos and misery, he sees an opportunity. And not just any opportunity. This is, without a doubt, the second most important one of his life. The first, of course, was seducing Willow in order to take over the company. This one, on the other hand, would open the doors of the Atlas Council to him.
The Bullhead begins to descend, slowly approaching Atlas. Jacques takes one last sip from his glass and stands up, almost trembling with excitement, walking through the cabin with firm steps, feeling like a child on his birthday.
"Today is the big day," he thinks while smoothing the front of his coat with a quick gesture.
"Today I will finally obtain my seat on the Council."
After years of trying by every means, joining the Atlas Council is finally within his reach. The situation favors him.
The price? An attack that nearly destroyed Atlas and Mantle completely. Of course, there were losses on his part: several of the SDC's Dust refineries were destroyed in the process... but so what? For him, those losses mean nothing compared to what he is about to gain.
Of course, he has not let that show. In front of the media, he has presented the losses as a multimillion-dollar blow, using them as an argument to demand compensation and justify his interference in Council affairs. And together with the loss of the Atlesian Airship and the growing Dust shortage, it is hard to imagine anyone daring to reject his demands.
As he walks down the corridor, his gaze becomes sharper.
"And if they do... then let all those ungrateful people freeze."
He would not hesitate to let Atlas and Mantle die of cold if it benefited him in the long run. In the end, for Jacques, everything comes down to power, control... and profit.
As soon as the doors of the Bullhead open, Jacques adopts his best smile, almost by reflex. In front of him awaits the main entrance of the Atlas Council Chamber, flanked by several guards who keep the path clear. A line of journalists and cameras greets him immediately, competing to capture his image and get a statement out of him.
"Mr. Schnee!" shouts one, raising his recorder above the others. "Do you plan to help supply Dust to Mantle?"
Another interrupts, pushing his way forward, trying to get ahead. "Is it true you've canceled the transport routes to the city?"
As always, he ignores them completely, beginning to climb the Chamber steps without breaking stride, the smile still fixed on his face. But before crossing the threshold, he slowly turns to the crowd, calmly raising a hand.
The reporters fall silent at once. Jacques loves this feeling of power.
"We know that both Mantle and Atlas are going through difficult times," he declares clearly, modulating each word with precision, "and that is why the Schnee Dust Company is, as always, present and willing to cooperate with the government of Atlas."
He pauses briefly, just enough for the cameras to focus on his face, with that serene expression he has rehearsed so thoroughly.
"My family has served this kingdom for generations, even in... unstable circumstances."
A faint, carefully measured smile forms on his face.
"We trust that its leaders, with the clarity and determination that this situation demands, will know how to make the right decisions... and when they do, the SDC will be ready to support them. Within its capabilities, of course."
He does not wait for questions. As soon as the sentence ends, he turns on his heel and walks in without looking back. Behind him, the reporters surge forward again, but their voices are cut off as the doors close, leaving them with a half-answer.
The guards lead him down a hallway to the deliberation chamber. It is a wide, circular room, already nearly full. In the center sits the Council, and around them are key figures: high-ranking military officers, scientists, representatives from major companies. Some are already murmuring to one another, exchanging tense glances.
Jacques takes his seat without saying a word, but his eyes keep moving, carefully evaluating every face. His gaze passes vaguely over the scientists' section, but to his surprise, it stops.
He had expected to see his daughter Winter, of course. Just another disappointment, having joined the military without even asking him.
But what he absolutely did not expect... was to find Weiss.
And even less to see her seated among the scientists.
"What the hell is she doing here?" he thinks, frowning.
His gaze hardens as he notices the boy next to her, just as out of place as his daughter.
He is surprised by the boy's appearance, who could easily pass for a Schnee: white hair, fair skin, blue eyes. He watches how he speaks to Weiss with confidence, even familiarity.
Jacques narrows his eyes in suspicion.
"Who is that brat? What is that girl planning now?"
He cannot help but snort, hoping she is not involved in another scandal, because the last thing he needs right now are distractions.
He remembers his daughter's first public scandal. He was not upset by what she did, but by how poorly she handled it. The truly disappointing part was her inability to hide it, that lack of skill in managing appearances... unforgivable.
Even so, at this moment, he could not care less.
He watches her for a few more seconds and confirms that Weiss does not even try to meet his eyes. Her gaze carefully avoids the area where he is sitting, obviously evading any eye contact.
"How childish," he thinks with disappointment, but gives it no further importance.
He simply shifts his attention to what truly matters: the emergency session that is about to begin. As long as Weiss does not cause trouble, he can tolerate her being there. He will get answers from her later.
The session begins without delay. Camilla, the head councilor, speaks with a firm and clear voice, projecting her authority from the center of the room.
"The emergency session of the Atlas Council is now in order, called in response to the attack orchestrated in recent days."
Jacques barely pays attention; all of it seems like unnecessary bureaucracy to him. If he had to guess, he would say it was the faunus. It always is. Just thinking about them curls his lips in a grimace of disgust. Those animals... he does not understand how they are still tolerated this much.
Even so, he remains seated, listening as questions begin to surface.
It does not take long.
"How did the Atlas military allow this to happen?" complains an irritated voice from one of the side seats.
He instantly recognizes who is speaking. It is one of his current business partners.
He does not need to say anything. With so many present looking for someone to blame, there is no need for him to push. Others will do it for him.
Camilla yields the floor to General Ironwood, who stands and speaks with his usual cold tone.
"The attack on the communications tower was a planned operation. They reduced surveillance by diverting most of our forces to Mantle before taking control of the tower, the defense systems, and several mechanized units."
The murmuring grows louder. Another attendee stands up, visibly upset.
"What event was so important that more than half of the military force was mobilized, leaving the tower completely exposed?"
The general does not hesitate.
"The reasons behind that mobilization remain classified. The information is kept secured for safety purposes."
As soon as he says it, a wave of complaints and exclamations spreads from various points in the room.
The discontent is evident. People do not like being kept in the dark, especially during a crisis.
Then someone cuts through the murmur.
"Are you referring to the massacre of more than eighty people in the lower districts of Mantle?"
Her words are sharp, leaving the room in silence. All eyes instantly turn toward the source of the voice: Robyn Hill.
Jacques watches her with a mix of irritation. Another figure competing for the seat he wants, always giving her opinion, always involving herself in matters that do not concern her.
Ironwood does not flinch.
"That information is classified, and it will remain that way. Revealing it would cause unnecessary panic among the population."
Robyn lets out a snort, not even bothering to hide her indignation.
"The only thing that causes panic is keeping people in the dark. Hiding information doesn't protect Mantle, it only puts it in more danger."
"At least she's doing something useful... and in the process discrediting the general," Jacques thinks, watching her closely as the voices in the room begin to rise, growing more agitated.
"What about those responsible?!" shouts one of the attendees, clear frustration in his voice.
Jacques leans back in his seat, letting out a sigh. One would think these meetings would be more organized, more serious... but no. Half the time, they are nothing but shouting, complaints, and people looking for someone to blame.
General Ironwood remains firm.
"Those responsible have already been identified, both for the massacre and the infiltration of the tower, and the Atlas forces are currently working to locate and apprehend them."
"And what about security?" asks a woman from the other side of the circle. "Who can guarantee this won't happen again?"
The general raises a hand calmly, trying to reassure her.
"The tower's defenses and Atlas's systems have been reinforced. We can ensure that an attack of this kind will not happen again."
"And the robots? Are they safe?" asks another woman, her tone clearly worried.
"Stupid cow," Jacques thinks, pressing his lips together. "He just said the systems were reinforced... that obviously includes the robots."
He snorts with annoyance while Ironwood responds patiently.
"The robots are not only safe, they've been improved. They now perform additional tasks beyond surveillance and combat. They are also used in rescue operations, construction, patrolling, and risk situation management."
The general directs his gaze straight at the woman.
"And all of this has been made possible thanks to the work of our scientists and some external assistance."
That seems to calm her, at least for now. But it doesn't take long for someone else to stand.
"What about resources? Mantle is on the brink of collapse due to the Dust shortage!" someone shouts urgently.
Another person rises almost at the same time.
"The citizens aren't happy being relocated from their homes and forced to stay in crowded camps either!"
Jacques straightens in his seat, alert.
"Ah... finally" Mentioning Dust is like inviting him to speak.
"Now it really feels like my moment has arrived," he thinks, with a barely contained smile.
Ironwood remains composed, without losing control of the situation.
"The population's relocation is necessary to preserve as much Dust as possible while the energy system is stabilized."
But Robyn Hill stands once again, now with a visibly angry expression.
"Until when?" she demands sharply. "Atlas has not faced any major external changes, but Mantle is freezing."
"That's no lie," Jacques thinks, recalling what he saw from the Bullhead: Mantle's streets covered in ice, entire areas plunged into darkness. It is clearly in far worse condition than Atlas.
The general maintains a neutral tone.
"There is already a plan in place to resolve the energy crisis. In the meantime, an agreement is being negotiated with several Dust suppliers that will guarantee the necessary supply until the system is restored."
Jacques immediately frowns.
"An agreement? What agreement?" he thinks, confused.
He does not recall signing anything or giving his approval. His gaze slowly moves across the room, landing suspiciously on the representatives of other Dust distribution companies.
"Is this what the general meant? Those mediocrities?"
Yes, the Schnee Dust Company is not the only mining corporation... but it is by far the largest. The one that produces the most, the one that exports the most. None of the others have the actual capacity to supply an entire city, not even if they all worked together.
"This is becoming ridiculous," he thinks, crossing his arms as he watches from his seat how the debate drags on without direction. They are deliberately ignoring him.
Another round of complaints, vague questions, and answers that lead nowhere.
"This entire spectacle... unnecessary."
Already tired and without hesitation, he suddenly stands up and slams his hand down on the table.
Bam!
The sound echoes through the room, instantly cutting off all conversations. Most heads turn toward him, including the Council members. Exactly what he wanted.
"Honorable members of the Council..." he says, raising his voice with a firm, projected tone, well rehearsed. Every word is carefully chosen, spoken with confidence.
"Allow me to be direct. Atlas is at a crossroads. An energy crisis, social chaos in Mantle, threats both internal and external..."
His eyes lock directly onto the faces of the Council. His tone remains controlled, but with a more noticeable edge.
"And yet, in the midst of all this, it seems that some still believe they can do without those who have sustained this kingdom for generations."
"Of course, I am speaking of the Schnee Dust Company."
Jacques takes a step forward, keeping his back straight and his voice clear.
"The SDC is not simply a company. It is the energy backbone of Atlas, of Mantle... and in many ways, of all Remnant. Every fragment of Dust that lights our homes, powers our weapons, and maintains our defenses... bears the mark of my family and the work of thousands of people under our leadership."
He pauses deliberately. He lets the silence settle for a few seconds, allowing his words to sink into the room.
"So I cannot help but ask..." he says calmly.
"Why is it that something that literally sustains Atlas does not have a seat on this Council?"
"Why is my voice still treated as a mere consultation, and not as what it truly represents: a structural force within this nation?"
He notices how some Council members harden their expressions. Exactly the reaction he wanted to provoke.
"Make no mistake," he says, placing a hand on his chest in a measured, almost gentle gesture.
"I am not here for personal ambition. I am here for solutions, for action. Because I want to ensure that Atlas not only survives this crisis... but emerges from it stronger than ever."
His gaze slowly scans the entire room, evaluating every reaction.
"But for that to happen, those who sustain this kingdom must not only have a voice. They must have real weight in the decision-making process."
"I am here because the order, security, and continuity of Atlas require more than good intentions. They require resources. They require logistics. They require pragmatic leadership. They require new guidance."
His voice rises in a calculated way, aiming for impact.
"Atlas has almost been destroyed."
The murmuring around him grows. Some people—no doubt his allies—nod strongly, raising their voices from their seats.
"Yes!" someone shouts from the crowd. "He's right!"
Jacques continues without losing pace or control.
"With the resources of the SDC, with my help, we can save Atlas and Mantle. We can prevent citizens from continuing to suffer what they are going through right now."
Applause begins to spread, timid at first, then more confident. The room is no longer entirely against him.
"And if that leadership has no place at this table..." his tone turns colder, more serious, letting each word weigh.
"Then perhaps the time has come for the SDC to reevaluate where and how it focuses its aid."
"After all, every alliance must be reciprocal in order to remain functional."
He delivers the final blow with the same calm with which he began.
"That is why I insist: if we truly want to protect this kingdom, it must be with all its pillars at the table."
"With my voice. With my vote."
"Or without me."
"But I am certain... we will make the right decision. For the good of Atlas, of course."
Without saying another word, he sits back down with the same confident and calm expression he wore when he walked in.
"I couldn't be any clearer," he thinks, watching how the room stirs after his speech. Murmurs, divided reactions, uncomfortable glances. Everything is unfolding exactly as he expected… at least until the general raises his voice firmly, asserting his authority.
"Enough," Ironwood commands. The room falls silent immediately. His tone leaves no room for argument.
"The Council recognizes the importance of the Schnee Dust Company over the years..."
Jacques nods, satisfied, feeling momentarily vindicated.
"...but—" That word makes his eyes widen completely. But...? He was not expecting a "but."
The general looks at him directly, with a calm expression. Jacques thinks he sees a slight smile on his lips. A grimace of irritation forms on his face as he notices that gesture.
"—I would like to present a new project and the future of Atlas."
At that moment, the lights in the chamber dim. A beam of light projects onto the center of the room, creating a three-dimensional image. Jacques tenses, feeling the discomfort in his chest grow. What appears is not a blueprint or a simple technical diagram, but a visual representation of a large-scale machine.
He has no idea what he is looking at, but he does not like it at all.
"Allow me to present Project Jaeger Core."
Applause follows without delay—more specifically, the science division reacts with immediate enthusiasm. Jacques watches, feeling his stomach tighten. To his horror, he also sees his daughter clapping.
"What is that damn thing?" he wants to ask, but someone beats him to it from across the room.
"What exactly is Jaeger Core supposed to be?" asks a voice among the attendees, filled with curiosity.
The general smiles, confident, upon hearing the question.
"Jaeger Core is an advanced and self-sufficient energy source designed to generate large-scale clean electricity."
Jacques immediately notices how Ironwood looks directly at him as he says it.
"Its implementation would put an end to the energy crisis. It would replace Dust as the primary energy source, eliminating our dependence on limited and costly resources."
The words hit Jacques like a bomb. He leans forward, feeling the tension build in his chest, almost making it hard to breathe.
"This can't be..."
"This cannot be happening," he murmurs to himself, as the room fills with murmurs, rushed questions, and surprised reactions. Even some of the Council members appear completely uninformed, just like him.
"No... There's no way that so-called core works. And if it does..."
As the thought forms, his blood runs cold.
If it really works, it means the end of the SDC. More than half of the company's profits come from supplying Dust to Atlas and Mantle for heating and maintenance.
"I can't allow this."
Without another thought, he stands up abruptly.
"STOP!" he shouts loudly, causing the room to fall silent.
For a moment, he slips out of character, aware that his reaction was too impulsive. He quickly clears his throat, trying to regain control.
"Ahem... Excuse me, I got carried away," he says, returning to a calmer, more confident tone.
"But... this Jaeger Core sounds fantastic and all. However, the real question—and the one everyone should be asking right now—is... is it safe? And more importantly: does it actually work?"
The room's eyes shift between Jacques and the general, gauging the rising tension.
"I can assure you that Jaeger Core works—"
"So it's already been tested?" Jacques interrupts, pressing forward as a slow smile begins to form on his face.
The general barely manages to open his mouth. "No..."
"So is it at least already built? And if it is, why is Mantle still freezing during an energy crisis?"
Jacques's smile widens as he feels himself regaining ground. His confidence returns quickly, standing firm before the council.
"The construction of Jaeger Core requires full authorization from the Atlas Council," the general replies, trying to maintain firmness in his tone.
Jacques nods slowly, deliberately projecting skepticism.
"Are you telling me that you want to place Atlas's limited resources… and all its hopes, into a project that has never been tested? Into something you're not even certain will work?"
His tone is not overtly aggressive, but it is sharp enough to plant doubt. The effect is immediate. Gasps, murmurs, discomfort ripple across the room. For many, Jacques's attempt to stir doubt is obvious, but for others... it awakens a genuine concern.
"The core's functionality, though not yet tested, has been carefully evaluated by Atlas's top scientists," the general replies. "Especially by our lead scientist, Pietro Polendina."
"At that moment, Pietro, positioned in the scientists' section, makes his presence known. His voice, kind but resolute, fills the space."
"I can assure you that Project Jaeger Core works. It will be a revolution for Atlas..."
He doesn't get to finish. Jacques interrupts him without hesitation, seizing the momentum, needing to cut off that image of confidence before it grows.
"Sounds very revolutionary and all... but if it's so incredible, where was this project before? Why has no one heard about it until now?" he throws out, looking around, seeking support in the doubts he knows he is stirring.
"And who is the creator of this so-called Jaeger Core?"
Pietro smiles at the question, undisturbed, and with a gesture points to a row of seats nearby, right next to Weiss. The boy Jacques had noticed earlier, the same one who seemed far too close to his daughter, stands up confidently.
"My name is Daniel Hawk, creator of Project Jaeger Core," he declares with a clear and firm voice.
For a moment, the room falls silent. The introduction was as direct as it was unexpected.
Jacques can't help but let out a laugh—restrained, but audible. The boy barely looks older than Weiss.
"They can't seriously be making this this easy for me," he thinks, amused.
"This boy is the creator of the project that's supposed to save Atlas?" he says aloud, each word dripping with mockery. "Is Atlas really so desperate that it's placing its future in the hands of a teenager's project?"
Some people murmur, uncertain. Even within the Council there is movement—microphones pushed aside, people whispering to each other. There is discomfort.
But General Ironwood remains unmoved.
"Age does not measure capability," he replies calmly. "Though young, his achievements and contributions to Atlas are numerous."
He gestures toward Daniel without taking his eyes off Jacques.
"In addition to multiple designs and inventions, he has played a key role in the defense of the Atlas tower, in the improvement of its security systems, and in optimizing the code of our machines. Young Hawk has my full support."
Jacques claps a few times, slow and sarcastic. "Very touching, General."
He pauses briefly.
"But there are still many questions left unanswered. For example... who holds the rights to Jaeger Core?"
To his surprise, it's the boy himself who answers, without hesitation.
"I retain the rights to Jaeger Core, while Atlas holds the rights to its usage."
That draws everyone's attention back to him. Jacques lets out a restrained, disbelieving laugh.
"Atlas doesn't even own the rights to the project? We're... renting it?"
He says it loudly, dragging the last word with exaggerated irony.
Daniel remains composed.
"The fusion core cannot belong solely to Atlas. It is a technology that must reach all the kingdoms."
Voices quickly rise. The tension in the room becomes thick.
"How is this possible?!" someone shouts.
"This is a farce!" exclaims another voice, higher-pitched and visibly upset.
Jacques instantly recognizes the opportunity and does not let it slip by, seeing how the moment is perfect to further fan the flames.
"Are you really going to place Atlas's hopes on this so-called miracle generator?!" he shouts forcefully, projecting his voice above the uproar.
"NO!" several respond, agitated.
"And what if Jaeger Core does work?!" he insists, shifting the angle, pushing fear forward. "That boy is far too young to hold so much power!" More people follow, almost without thinking.
"That invention should belong to Atlas and Atlas alone!" someone yells from the back. "With that much power he could become a dictator if he wanted!"
"No more dictators!" others repeat, without even noticing the irony in their words.
Jacques smiles to himself, barely holding back as he watches these fools fail to realize that what they fear is already happening, under his control. And he hopes it stays that way.
"THIS is why I should be on the Council!" he roars, rising above the chaos, his voice merging with the clamor of those who support him, or are simply fired up by the situation.
"Everyone calm down!" Ironwood tries to intervene, but he no longer holds control. His voice is swallowed by the surging crowd.
"ENOUGH DREAMS!"
"ATLAS NEEDS BETTER LEADERS ON THE COUNCIL!"
"NO MORE DICTATORS—!"
The voices multiply, disorder escalates.
And then... silence.
Not a single scream. Not a murmur. No one commands it, no one raises a hand. It just happens.
And all at once, every gaze turns to a single point.
Daniel.
He says nothing. He doesn't move. He remains standing, motionless, with a firm posture. And yet, the atmosphere changes. A strange pressure spreads through the room, something instinctive, almost predatory. Everyone feels it. Guards tense. Some council members shift in their seats.
Out of nowhere, all the lights go out, except for a single spotlight focused on the boy.
"I'm sorry, but… I don't want to be an emperor."
As soon as he begins to speak, the predatory presence vanishes as quickly as it appeared, replaced by Daniel's voice—melodic and captivating—even surprising Jacques himself.
"That is not my role. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone. I just want to help people, if possible: humans or faunus, white or black."
"We need to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to make each other happy, not miserable. We don't want to hate or despise anyone."
Jacques listens carefully, though it takes effort to pull himself out of his daze. His eyes scan the room, quickly noticing how intently people are listening, especially the women.
"There is room for everyone in this world. The earth is rich; it can feed all living beings. The path of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost it."
"Greed has poisoned our souls. It has raised barriers of hatred. It has driven us into misery and bloodshed."
Many people nod in agreement with his words. Jacques cannot believe this kid is giving an emotional speech at a time like this.
"We have progressed too quickly. But we have shut ourselves away. Machinery, which brings abundance, has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical. Our intelligence has made us hard and unkind."
"We think too much and feel too little."
"More than machinery, we need humanity. More than intelligence, we need kindness and gentleness."
"Without these qualities, life will be violent... and all will be lost."
As he speaks, his hands move in harmony with each word, giving the speech strength and rhythm.
"Bullheads and scrolls make us feel closer. But the true nature of these inventions demands human goodness, demands the universal brotherhood that unites all of us."
Jacques watches, silently admitting that the boy has talent. His speech could captivate anyone… anyone except him.
Without thinking twice, he gets up from his seat and tries to speak into his microphone, only to realize it isn't working.
"Hello?! Are you ignoring me? HELLO!!"
He repeats himself several times, changing his tone, but the device remains silent. He frowns, irritation rising, and starts making gestures to catch the attention of those around him.
For a second, he manages to get a few glances… only to see their eyes shift almost immediately back to Daniel, who continues speaking without missing a beat.
"Right now, my voice is reaching millions of people around the world: millions of desperate men, women, and children, victims of a system that tortures men and imprisons the innocent."
"What the hell is he talking about…?" thinks Jacques, frustrated, noticing that no one else seems to realize "This is a closed meeting, it's not being broadcast!" he says out loud, nearly spitting the words, but no one reacts.
"To those who can hear me, I say: do not despair. The misery we suffer is only the passing greed and bitterness of men who fear the path of human progress."
Jacques freezes when he realizes that, as he says this, Daniel is looking directly at him.
"The hate of men will pass. Dictators will fall, and the power taken from the people will be returned to the people. And so long as man lives, freedom shall not perish."
He clenches his jaw, feeling himself being discredited in front of everyone. And the worst part is… it's working. He sees how the stares begin to shift, how some of his allies lower their gaze, uncomfortable, unable to meet his eyes.
"Do not give yourselves to those who, in truth, despise you. Who enslave you, who regulate your lives and tell you what to do, what to say, and what to feel."
Each phrase hits harder. Jacques watches as even those who were on his side begin to waver, to doubt.
"They poison your minds, they fatten you, they treat you like cattle and as cannon fodder. Do not give yourselves to these inhuman beings: machine men, with machine minds and machine hearts."
Daniel's voice rises, filling the chamber, each word sharper, more direct.
"You are not machines! You are not cattle! YOU ARE MEN! You carry the love of humanity in your hearts, not hatred. Only those who do not love hate, those who do not know how to love… the inhuman."
"Soldiers!"
"Do not fight for slavery, but for freedom. In the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel of Saint Luke it is written: The Kingdom of God is not within one man, nor a group of men, but in all men."
Jacques is confused "What the hell is Saint Luke...?" he thinks, irritated, having no idea what the boy is referring to.
To his surprise, when he looks up and glances around, he can see that some people are crying.
"This can't be real..." he mutters to himself, bringing a hand to his forehead in disbelief. Even more unsettling is that many of those who seem most affected… are his own allies.
"Right now, you—the Council—have the power. The power to build machines. The power to create happiness. The power to make this life free and beautiful, and turn it into a wonderful adventure."
"In the name of democracy, let us use that power by acting together. Let us fight for a new world, decent and noble, one that guarantees work for men, a future for youth, and security for the elderly."
Jacques frowns, watching him speak with an irritating level of confidence.
"But under the promise of those things, the brutes rose to power..." As he says it, he raises a hand, pointing directly at Jacques without the slightest subtlety.
"But they lied; they never kept those promises and they never will. Dictators are free only for themselves, but they enslave the people."
Jacques feels dozens of eyes on him. Eyes filled with hatred, resentment… even from some of his own supposed allies.
"Idiots!" he thinks angrily, holding back the urge to shout. "I pay them! Why the hell do they feel attacked?!"
"Let us now fight to make those promises real. All of us, fight to free the world. To break down national barriers. To eliminate greed, hatred, and intolerance."
"Let us fight for a world of reason…"
"A world where science and progress lead us all to happiness!" He pauses for a second, takes a breath, and raises his hands with theatrical flair.
"Soldiers! In the name of democracy… WE MUST ALL UNITE!"
[Image]
As soon as he finishes, a moment of silence hangs in the air.
Then, a single clap. Followed by another.
And before Jacques can stop it, the entire room—the Council—erupts into applause.
People rise to their feet, faces moved, some with shining eyes. Even those who had previously grumbled now clap with fervor, swept up by the moment.
Jacques remains still, frozen in place, stunned.
"I'm surrounded by idiots…" he mutters through clenched teeth.
It doesn't take long before the Council deliberates. And, just as he feared, they approve the Jaeger Core project.
Jacques rises without looking at anyone, leaving the chamber with heavy steps, his brow furrowed and his jaw clenched so tight it hurts. Irritated. Humiliated.
The moment he crosses the threshold, he's swarmed by cameras like vultures, flashes exploding in his face.
"Mister Schnee! What decision did the Council reach?!" shouts a reporter, trying to get closer.
"Jacques Schnee! Rumors say you were denied a seat on the Council once again! Do you have any comment?!"
Jacques's answer is absolute silence. His lips press even tighter as he walks directly toward the waiting Bullhead. The flashes continue chasing him, but he doesn't turn his head even once.
He doesn't have time for that nonsense. He has more urgent matters to deal with. Like finding out how much his daughter knows about that damned project.
His frustration builds with every step. He also needs to make a couple of quick calls.
Daniel Hawk had become a threat.
"I cannot allow someone like that to keep breathing freely…" he thinks, seething. He represents a risk to everything Jacques has worked for, everything he's built.
"No… I won't let some damn teenager ruin everything." He clenches his fist so tightly that his nails dig into his palm as the Bullhead lifts off.
Jacques Schnee is a very angry man.
-//-
Author's Note:
Chapter uploaded late, but better late than never, right? I don't have much time, so I made this chapter in a single day. I think it turned out well… more or less. Did you catch the references in the chapter? I hope so!
I can't really think of anything else to say… mhmm, we're almost at 6k collections! Crazy, right? Anyway, thanks for reading. We'll see each other when the time comes. Leave a comment with your suggestions, I enjoy reading them.
Anyway, see you around!
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