Broken Machines: Between Shadows
Chapter 6: Corporate, Crime, and Colleagues
Being busy is a normal part of life most people just fall into. Be it because of schoolwork, actual work, chores, or a hobby, things just get backed up and need to be tackled in way too short of a deadline. And unfortunately for the two youngest high-ranking workaholics in the Atlas range, today was one of those days.
Whitley, up early as usual, had just gotten through his backlog of work that morning when Hannah knocked on his door.
Whitley sighs, pockets his scroll and gets up from his desk to open the door for her. But when he sees her itās clear something is very very wrong. Her expression is sour, and her face is slightly green from uneasiness, not something you want to see on your service staff so early in the day.
Whitley: What happened this time, Hannah?
Hannah: W-well, Master had a guest over last night.
Whitley: Yes, Iām aware. And?
Hannah: Well, it seems heās made aā¦little messy in one of the guest rooms, and the cleaning crew is having trouble tidying it up.
Whitley: Are they running low on supplies or was there some property damage they can work around?
Hannah: N-no, itās not that.
Whitley: Then whatās the problem?
Hannah: Itāsā¦not easy to describe. Honestly, it would be easier just to show you. Please follow me.
Whitley sighs again before stepping out into the hallway and letting Hannah led him to the aforementioned guest room. As theyāre approaching Whitley can already tell this was going to be unpleasant to deal with. The cleaning crew was standing outside the room dawned in protective smocks, industrial duty gloves, and masks. They all looked horrified but were completely clean as if they couldnāt even attempt to enter for fear of meeting some horrible fate. A foul snitch permeates through the hall, the only indicator of whatās got them so spooked. The moment Whitley gets a whiff of it his stomach drops, he knows that smell and immediately understands why everyoneās being so cautious. Still, he needs to confirm his hunch before calling in backup.
Whitley: Please God, let it be just a small pile on the bedsheets.
He prays, before opening the doors to the guest's room and peeking in. His eyes go wide in pure horror as he gets a glimpse of the mess inside. The smell hits him at full force causing him to double over and gag, stomach threatening to empty onto the floor. He pulls back slamming the doors shut before turning to Hannah.
Whitley: Where is the guest?
Hannah: In another room down the hall, asleep.
Whitley: Okay, make sure he gets rehydrated when heās awake, and give him soft easily digestible food for the rest of his stay.
Whitley: Thank you. Now Iām going to call the hazmat company to clean this up. When they finish take everything out of that room outside and burn it.
Whitley: Yes, not even the strongest industrial cleaner is going to get that level of snitch out.
Hannah winces and then nods her head in agreement, walking away to inform the other staff members of their new orders. Whitley calls up the cleaning specialist but just as he finishes the call, he gets a message from his father. A demand to summoning him to an in-house conference with some of his business associates. Or more accurately a meeting with a bunch of corks brushing aside the worries of middle management who know good and well that theyāre toeing the line of legality on multiple fronts. And Whitley was going to play rear guard in case someone lost their temper, again.
Whitley: As always, there is no peace in this house.
He muses before walking back to his room to make preparations for the meeting.
Meanwhile, in Mantle, Penny is assisting in another emergency involving the robberies. The military detail for Hemlock Steel was making its way back with the shipment but two small explosions stopped them midway. The first detonated directly under the armored vanās engine causing it to blow up along with the front of the vehicle. This also caused a fire that quickly spread to the interior. The shipment truck stopped immediately after the blast, the soldiers inside leaped out to aid their comrades. Just as they were getting everyone out the second explosive went off. Though this one was just a flashbang, it still managed to temporally blind and deafen the soldiers in range. By the time most had regained their senses, the shipment truck was gone, and they had to call back up for transport back and to tend to the wound.
Which is where Penny came in.
It's hard to keep her anger in check as helps her fellow soldiers into medical vans, carrying a few who couldnāt stand and guiding others whose vision was still impaired by the second blast.
Penny: Okay, just take a few more steps.
She said softly, right hand set steady on the shoulder of a soldier and the other firmly grasped in his hand as they walked carefully on the icy terrain. He was a young man, a newer recruit barely nineteen years old, and already wore heavy prescription glasses. But they had shattered in the first blast, a reflexive blink being the only thing to save his eyes from direct damage. Until the second blast.
Penny: Thatās it, now put your foot up onto the step.
She directs the man as he steps up and into the medic van, shaking while still grasping Pennyās hand tightly. Heās unsure in his steps but thankfully manages to get in safely where military EMTs get to look after him along with the other injured. Penny lingers for a moment to watch as they check his eyes, the meager reactions and dilation as they shine a light into them being clear indications of damage. Penny couldnāt help but be hit with a sharp twinge of pity for him. If it could be healed naturally it would take a while, leaving him somewhat blind for the duration. But if the damage was great enough to necessitate treatment via cybernetic or even complete ocular transplant then he would never be the same again. As one whoād had her whole body replaced aside from a few key organs, Penny knew just how foreign those new parts could feel in both good and bad ways. But she couldnāt dwell on it for long, there were still others in need of help before the cold or their injuries got to them.
Penny: Just focus on getting everyone home safe. Everything else is secondary.
She tells herself, pushing down the heavy emotions swirling around in her head as she returns to the wreckage to grab the next patient.
Back in Atlas, Whitley is sitting in the middle of a corporate battlefield. Accountants, lawyers, and descent-minded middle-upper management begging for clarification on discrepancies in budgets and complaints from both employees and customers while Jaques's team of well-bribed broader members deflected all wrongdoings.
The issue of missing money is the first to send everything into disarray, accountants terrified of possible tax issues demand to know why spending was so high. The most senior of them, Jeffery Hayward was especially vocal, reminding the board of the ācost-cutting measuresā Jacques had put in place and how hard the finance and legal department had worked to make it happen without any of the four kingdomās councils interfering.
Jeffery: We had protests around office buildings for months, White Fang members used it as an insight incident to justify the murder of multiple executives and a few board members! Men who were here when this company came to be and stood beside our founder lost, all for the sake of these policies! Policies that have not only damaged our company image with the masses but provoked multiple lawsuits from workers! Yet The Head of our massive enterprise has allowed spending to get this out of hand! Can someone please explain to me hoe this is remotely feasible?!
He shouted from across the long oak wood boardroom table, red-faced and clearly incensed. The Head himself however seemed unmoved and instituted of responding looks over to his son sitting in the chair to his left. He wasn't going to bother with this. Eyes cold with boredom, he stares Whitley down in a commanding way, giving the boy silent permission to speak. Catching his cue Whitley rises from his seat with papers in hand, ready to rebuke the claims. The forums were doctored to hide the truth, obviously and his selection was simple to act as a buffer between the two sides. Because who would dare question the young well-spoken future head of the company?
Whitley: The additional costs are from new expenses for necessary procedural and equipment overhauls in several departments due to changes brought on by changes in the closing of borders and loss of communication with a portion of our global facilities.
Jefferyās anger calms for a moment as he processes the boyās words. But it soon returned as more questions arose.
Jeffery: But this is simply too much of a discrepancy! An increase this high in over only a year is-
Whitley: Is necessary when the entire of the Atlas shipping fleet had to be switched from manned aircrafts to remote control aircrafts. There was also the cost of production of the new ships, the severance and retirement pay for the long-term pilots who were dismissed. One of whomās family we are still forwarding a monthly salary and providing health insurance coverage due to the pilot going missing during his final delivery. Not to mention the added inflation on all of this due to Valeās current economic and institutional restructuring.
He rebuffs elegantly, cutting off Jeffery and stopping the conversation in its tracks. Bringing up two tragedies, one of which directly relates to the company on a public level and the other on a practical level, gives the high-spirited pause and makes the bloat in cost seem more understandable. But this was just the beginning. Just like before Jeffery comes back with another fallacy in the situation and as the rest of the room looks on Whitley continues to stand his ground. Itās a war of attrition and the young man had more than a talking point and patience to win.
Unfortunately, Penny isn't so lucky. Just as the medics finish patching up the last of the injured the sound of loud stomping breaks through the icy winds. Sensing danger, Penny steps away aside and fires up her boots. She jets up into the air and looks in the direction where the sound is coming from, focusing in with her enhanced vision. What she finds is a horde of Ursai grimm coming their way! Most of the group is made of ursa minor but their numbers are high and the one ursa major among them was massive, towering over the other even from the back of the herd.
Penny: This is bad. At the rate they are traveling, weāll only have five minutes before they reach us and less than fifty before they get to the city if they bypass us. Better cut them off now while weāre still out of sight.
Penny thought, activating her aura and focusing in on the ursa major before descending back down. She doesn't land immediately, instead, she hovers above the area steadily putting herself in a position where everyone can see and hear her.
She shouts, and everyone stops in their tracks to look up at her. Giving of this air of authority Penny quickly briefs everyone on the situation.
Penny: A horde of Ursai is coming in from the east, twenty minor and one major!
The area irrupts into loud murmurs at the announcement, many of the injured looking frightened, and the able-bodied and uninjured quickly pick up their arms as Penny continues.
Penny: All the injured and incapacitated need to retreat, now. Everyone else, stay and prepare to engage. Weāll cut them off before they can reach the main road or city lines.
With no time to complain or even think the trooper replies with a simple āYes, Maāam!ā before going to work. Within moments all the injured had packed into medical vans and were heading back to the city while the active soldiers ready themselves for a fight. As the horde comes into view, the soldiers form a firing line and take aim. Penny, still in the air, signals to those on the ground to hold.
Penny: Iām going to take down the major to break their formation, focusing on minors before they break away from the group.
The soldiers reply again with another āYes, Maāam,ā and retrain their sights to the smaller Ursa minors. Just as they get into firing range Penny flies directly at the Ursa major. Discharging all her swords, Penny sends them flying at all four of the beastās limbs before kicking it directly in its mask-shaped outer skull, hurling it back and onto its stomach. Confusion spreads through the horde as their leader falls to the ground, giving the soldiers a clear shot as they open fire. The ursa major doesnāt get a chance to get back up as its limbs lose all function from the deep cuts Penny slashed into the joints. It only gets a few seconds to flail about before Penny fires an energy blast at it, obliterating the large beastās head in one blow. As the rest of its body crumbles away Penny refocuses onto the ursa minors. Almost half had already been mowed down by the firing line while a few had managed to break away. So, with a quickness like no other, Penny gives chase. Not a single one of these grimm were getting to the city on her watch, even if she had to fight them off by hand!
Busy in battle, Penny unknowingly misses her lunch call with Whitley. Not that he could answer, the meeting running so long that they had to have food brought in. The quality and quantity of which causing another agreement, one Whitley had to agree for while everyone else ate. By the end, the boy was exhausted and in much need of some reprieve but as always things donāt go his way. As his fatherās seeing off his colleagues, promising to go out with the man and his associates for drinks that weekend, Olga approaches him. Her face is strewn as she tries to tell him something, but he just brushes her off. Sensing her disposition Whitley looks over at her and motions for her to wait at the side. She does just as the last man goes out the door and Jacques re-enters the manor.
Jacques: Gods, that was exhausting!
He signed, taking off his clip-on tie and tossing it to one of the maids who catches it on reflex. He stretches his arms as if heās just had the most troublesome day, a low yawn escaping him as he does so.
Jacques: Someone fetch me my cinder box, Iāll be in my study. Donāt disturb me.
He commands, the staff present reply in unison with a respectful but monotone āYes, Master.ā Jacques huffs proudly at the display of obedience and leaves, the tension in the room deflating once heās footsteps can no longer be heard. Now in the clear Olga rushes over to Whitley, the sternness in her eyes now mixed with a hint of anger.
Olga: Young Master! You need to come with me right now!
Whitley: What is it this time Olga?
He says in an aspirated tone, emotionally unwilling to take on any more tasks but unable to refuse. This attitude soon shifts into one of urgency as Olga clarifies her request.
Olga: Something has happened in the Mistressās bedroom!
He exclaims, voice full of shock and worry at the prospect of something happening to his mother. Without any delay, Whitley and Olga head to Willowās wing as quickly as possible. During the walk over Whitleyās mind races with possible scenarios that could have befallen his unfortunate and at times barely coherent mother. Thankfully none of them comes to pass as when they arrive Whitley is greeted by the sight of his mother in her bed asleep. She was dreaming peacefully while on the other side of the room stood, Yuko and Mary. Mary was standing there with her usual uninterested glaze while Yuko was holding down another maid in a tight grip. The young woman had her head down, her long dark blonde hair obscuring her face. Mary is the first to spot them and quietly strides up to them.
Mary: Evening Young Master.
Whitley: Whatās going on Mary?
Mary: Mistress was experiencing more headaches then usual and decided to go to bed early tonight. After I put her down, I called for Olga and Yuko to help me tidy up āthe usual mess.ā
Her gaze falls to the floor, looking pointedly at the stray empty wine and bourbon bottles start on the floor. Whitley scowls at the sight and, not wanting to think about it, presses Mary to move on.
Mary: As we were cleaning that girl over there, I believe her name is Tabitha, came to the door with a basket of fresh laundry. She insisted on putting everything away herself, so I let her come in. But not long after I heard something fall from the closet and when I looked, I found her hiding this behind her back.
Mark holds up a silver brooch with a large red jewel at its center.
He takes the jewelry from her hand and holds it gingerly. He knew this brooch well for it once was pinned to the shirt of a man he deeply admired. The last person to make him feel secure and at peace before Penny. This was his beloved grandfatherās brooch; one he wore often when out of his armor and had been a treasure keepsake for his mother. One that never left her room since his death, store away in a jewelry box she kept at the back of her closet. And yet.
Whitley maintains a neutral face as he takes the jewelry piece and puts it back where it belongs. Pulling the jewelry box off the shelf, he stared at it for a moment. It was an old silver box shaped like a grand piano, a birthday gift for Willow after sheād gained an interest in the instrument all those years ago. It had no lock but why would it need one? No one was foolish enough to touch something so valuable and meaningful to the literal inherent of the estate. At least no one with sense.
Whitley: Yet some people are just so rotten even that doesnāt faze them.
He thought bitterly as he gently placed the brooch back with the other jewels and returned to the box to its hiding place. When he turns back around, thereās a burning anger from him that puts everyone but Mary on alert. Seeing any other Schnees this irritate was cause for concern but seeing the normally calm and courteous Whitley like this? That was almost mythical and completely unpredictable. Without a word, he walks toward the door, stopping at the door front then turning back to pointing out to the hallway. With his blazing gaze, he conveys a simple demand āOutside now,ā which all four maids follow immediately, Yuko carrying Tabitha out by her arms as the attempted thief drags her feet. Whitley gently closes the door behind, eyes trained on his motherās sleeping form to make sure the noise does wake her. On out in the hallway, Whitley marches up to Tabitha and Yuko.
He orders, Yuko complies and lifts the girl up onto her feet.
Addressing the theft, Whitley expected her to look up at him and try to explain herself. However, it seems that despite being shameless enough to steal a beloved keepsake from the person sheād called Mistress she somehow was too ashamed to look at the woman's child as he confronted her.
Whitley: Tabitha, look at me.
His voice was cold and menacing, his tone sending frightened shivers down the blondeās spine. Scared of what could come to pass if she refused, Tabitha slowly raised her head though her gaze stayed on the ground. Annoyed by this Whitley tilts her head up by her chin using his index and middle fingers. He held her face so that her brown eyes have no choice but to stare into his deep blue which now bore terrifying hollowness as they stare back. It was so harsh Tabitha felt like she might cry. For a moment, the vast power difference between them became clear. Despite seeing him near daily most of the staff never fully recognized how much Whitley had grown in the last few years. His dignified demeanor and attitude made it hard to see him as anything more than the proper little young master. But right now, they could see he wasnāt the little boy heād used to be but a young man with far more strength than most would ever realize.
Whitley: Collect your things from the maidās quarters then turn in your resignation. You have one hour to leave this manor and never return.
Whitley: And if you fail to do so I will have you arrested for theft and blacklisted across the kingdom before you can even post bail. Do you understand?
Tabitha nods in the affirmative erratically and Whitley finally lets her go. His gaze doesnāt leave her as Yuko lets her go, causing the blonde to fall to her knees before scrambling back up and running away.
Whitley: Make sure she does as told and drag her out if she doesnāt follow through.
Whitley: Olga, tell the head maid of Tabithaās dismissal and why in detail. Donāt leave her any room to talk her way out of it.
With that, both maids leave to carry out their new orders. This left Mary and Whitley alone, the maid giving the boy a knowing look. It wasnāt often that she got to see the boy bare his fangs in person but when she did it only reminded her that sheād back the right one. The young heir could be just as cruel as he could be kind when needed, itās one of the traits sheād first spotted in him. A testament to the type of leader heād become when the time was right.
Whitley returns her look with a scoff before leaving, his mood utterly soured. He disliked acting harshly but had no mercy when ruthlessness was deserved. Still, the whole situation left a bad taste in his mouth as he wondered what could have happened if his mother had been awake to see such a scene.
Whitley: Sheād wouldāve been in hysterics if sheād seen that. Gods knows how she is about Grandfatherās things.
He muses as he strides back to his room, foreseeing another of work coming his way when arrives he takes the long routine back to prolong the inevitable. In his steps, his mind wanders to happier things, specifically the lovely redhead heād been dying to see.
Down on Mantleās streets, Penny is also taking the long way back as she finally heads home. Taking down the rest of the ursa minors took longer than expected as a pack of beowolves came in behind them. Now after getting back and getting all the reports done Pennyās workday is over and she could some much-needed rest!
Penny: Canāt wait to get home! I need something warm to eat, soft pajamas, and a nice bubble bath.
She mused, a tired yawn escaping her as she turned a corner. Sheās walking past a retail store when she spots a familiar face up ahead. Decked out in her usual bright colors and roller skates in front of a burger shop was Neon Kat, holding a hefty bag on her tail while both her hands rested on her hips as she argued with a man on the street.
Neon: For the last time Mike, I am not interested!
She shouts, looking at the man, Mike, with obvious disgust. Mike doesnāt take this lying down and shouts back.
Mike: Bullshit! I know you want me!
Neon: Like Hell I do! Youāre a piece of shit!
Mike: Ha! Says the slutty cat!
Neon: The fuck did just you call me?!
Mike: You heard me! Everyone knows you rotate through your dickbag teammates on the daily.
Neon: You son of bitch! Donāt you dare bring my team into this!
Their bickering attracts stares and whispers from passersby, but no one moves to intervene. Tired but not wanting her reckless friend to get in trouble, Penny goes to break them up. As sheās approaching Mike raises his hand to strike Neon, the cat faunas too caught up in yelling to notice. But as he brings it down, something grips on his wrist tight. Itās Pennyās hand, holding his wrist with strength that threatened to snap it in two.
Penny: Leave my friend alone.
Mike: Let go of me, you crazy bit-
Penny: Leave now before I make you leave.
She states eyes a glow as she grips him a little tighter. The pressure sends a wave of pain down his arm and Mike's face pales. She lets go when he pulls away, backing up into a wall before taking off in terror. Situation handle Penny turns Neon to check if sheās okay.
But itās unnecessary as Neon quickly latches onto her in a bear hug.
Neon: Whatās up girly! Whatcha doing around here?!
Penny: Walking home, I just clocked out for the night. What about you?
Neon: Gettin dinner for the gang.
She brings her tail around and shakes the bag of food in Pennyās face.
Neon: My period just started, and it gives me mad red meat and cheese cravings. And since itās payday I thought Iād be nice treat my boys too!
Penny: Thatāsā¦more information than I really needed.
Neon: Whateves. Hey, you wanna come back to the barracks with me? Weāre having a jam session to prep for a concert we got coming up.
Penny: Team FNKIās performing again?
Neon: Yeah, Bossman Iron Pants says morale had been tanking all over town and asked us to dish out some of our special brand of funk to peopleās spirits up!
Penny tilts her head, getting the jest of what she means but losing bits of it among the slang.
Penny: Bossman? Do you mean General Ironwood?
Neon: Duh! Who else would I mean?
She chuckles, promoting Penny to roll her eyes and lightly shove her off her shoulders.
Neon: So, you in or what?
Penny: Sorry, Neon but I have to get home soon. My dadās making pasta for dinner, and I need to get there before it gets cold.
Neon: Aw, what! Thatās so lame!
Penny: Maybe to you but itās not to me. Good night Neon.
She waves Neon goodbye before continuing her trek home.
Neon rolls in front of her, blocking Pennyās path.
Neon: Just give a sec! I still owe you for scaring off that douchebag.
Penny: Itās fine, Neon, thatās my job.
Neon: Still! Youāve had me and my crewās backs for a minute now and feels like I owe you something for all the trouble.
Penny: Itās really not a problem, you and the rest of team FNKI are my friends and comrades. Iāll always be there for you if you need me.
Neon: See, thatās what Iām talking about! Youāre just too damn sweet, Penny.
She chirps while pinching Pennyās for her unbelievable cuteness. Penny lets her have her fun for a few seconds before brushing her hand away.
Neon: Sorry, couldnāt help it. All those freckles on your chunky cheeks just makes your face look so squishable!
Penny: Okay? If thatās all then I really should-
Neon: No wait! Just give me a second to think.
Neon takes a moment then comes up with a brilliant stupid idea. She turns around and kneels down in front of Penny, putting her hand behind her back with her palms facing up.
Neon: Get on, Iām gonna blade you home!
Neon: Yeah! Itās the least I can do!
Penny: You do realize my skeletal structure is made of metal, right?
Neon: Yeah, I know. But I also know you donāt weigh half as much as you pretend you do. Now get on!
Penny: (sigh) You are truly infuriating Neon Kat.
Against her better judgment gets on her back. She wraps her arms around Neonās shoulders and neck and puts her feet onto her hips. Once sheās securely on her, Neon asks Penny for directions to her house. She enters her usual route into Neonās scroll, and they set off. Itās a surprisingly quaint ride as they roll the streets at a leisurely pace.
Neon: Having fun back there?
Penny: A little, I havenāt been on someoneās back like this in a while.
Neon: Really? Not a fan of piggybacks?
Penny: No, itās more out of independence. After I started walking, I just preferred to move on my own. Before that, I was mostly sedentary so when I got the chance to move on my own I got overexcited and I didn't really rely on anyone for transportation.
Neon: Cool, walk your own path sister! But donāt forget that thereās always a helping hand there if you need it.
They continue rolling down the streets when Neon gets another bright idea.
Neon: Hey, wanna see something cool?
Neon: Okay, hold on tight!
Penny: Wait, what are you going to-WHOA!
Penny shouts as Neon activates her semblance, propelling them forward at a high speed under a haze of rainbow light. Despite being used to high velocity from flying Penny had never moved like this on the ground. She can feel every bit of wind resistance, every crack and bump on the sidewalk as they glide through town. Itās a bit terrifying but also thrilling! Penny canāt help but smile as they zoom, Neon laughing aloud when she catches her grin. Before she knows it theyāre right in front of her house, Neon taking a few spins around a light post to slow down before coming to a full stop.
Neon: Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our destination, please take all bags and luggage as you depart, and thank you for riding the Neon rails!
She quips while putting Penny down, the girl giggling as she gets her feet on the ground.
Penny: Thanks Neon! That was so much fun!
Neon: Any time girl! Hit me up if youāre ever looking to party, peace!
She waves her goodbye while Neon throws her a peace sigh before rolling away. Home at last, Penny gets out her keys and unlocks the front door. She walks in and is welcomed back by the scent of tomato sauce and garlic bread, her dad hard at work in the kitchen.
She announces, catching her dadās attention as heās pulling the garlic bread out of the oven.
Pietro: Welcome back, Sweetpea! You ready for dinner?
Penny: You know I am! I havenāt eaten since this morning!
Pietro: Well then put your bags down and set the table. I got a whole pot of spaghetti and extra big meatballs!
She chirps, pulling off her backpack and sitting down to take off her boots. Her mood had lifted so much higher from where it was, she couldnāt help but kinda feel lucky.
Penny: Despite everything, today was very eventful and exciting. I got a lot done, protected many, and even had a little fun. Give them circumstances, this is as good as a day like this could get.
She thought while placing her left boot to the side. Before she starts on the other one Penny hears a notification come in on her scroll. She opens and once she reads the words on the screen, she canāt help but jump up in joy! However, her landing falls flat as the height difference between her barefoot and single boot leaves her off balance, making her fall to the floor. But that barely faxes her as her giddiness sends her into a giggling feat, eyes clouded over and absolutely lovestruck as she re-reads the text.
Whitley: [Are you free this weekend?]
