Weiss patiently waiting out the minute left on her holographic clock displayed from her desk in the classroom of Professor Port, whose dialogue is merely background nonsense as Jaune slides up next to Weiss.

Jaune: So, Weiss, y'know, uh, I-I was thinking after this, maybe we could go grab a bite to eat? (Turns to the teacher for a second, then turns back around.) And, uh um, I-I've got two tickets to that new Spruce Willis movie, if you wanna make the trip to Vale. I hear it's awesome. (Pauses as his words have no effect.) Aaaand maybe after that, we could study together? I mean, you're smart and I'm, uh... Y'know.

Finally, the clock in front of Weiss gives a shrill beep as it changes from 3:59 to 4:00, and she dismisses it with a wave of her hand. The professor is temporarily unaware of the alarm.

Port: (Posing as a towering monster about to attack.) And then I- Oh. (Straightens his stance as the students start to leave.) Timed that one wrong, I guess. Well, the stunning conclusion to this story will have to wait. Until next time!

Jaune: (Watching Weiss as she packs up her Scroll.) Weiss? Did you hear me?

Weiss: No, no, no, yes.

Briana: Damn, that was cold.

Rin: Yeah, even for Weiss.

Luke: She knew what he was gonna say.

Upon hearing this, Jaune groans and does a faceplant into his desk.

Rin: Sorry, bud.

Yang: One day.

A closeup of Ruby's hands as she straps the red laces of her shoes. Switch to a closeup of Weiss' hand gripping the handle of Myrtenaster strapped to her side. Switch to a closeup of Yang's Ember Celica over her left forearm as she slides the chamber. Switch to a closeup of Blake tightening the black ribbons around her arms.

Blake: (Approaching her bunk as she tightens her wraps.) I thought that class would never end.

Ruby: (From her position sitting on the hanging bed) Alright, guys, today's the day! The investigation begins!

Happily leaps off her mattress and onto the floor, arms raised excitedly. She almost lands on Weiss, who is on the bottom bunk.

Weiss: (sarcastically) I'm glad to see we're taking this so seriously.

Yang: Hey, we've got a plan! That's... moderately serious.

Rin: It might be better if we go into groups.

Briana: Smart play.

Ruby: Right! Everyone remember their roles?

Weiss: You, Elena, Rex, and I will head to the CCT and check the Schnee records for any other Dust robberies or inconsistencies. Seeing as I'm in the family, it shouldn't be a problem.

Blake: The White Fang has regular faction meetings to hand out orders and recruit new members. If Luke and I can get in, we can hopefully find out what they're planning.

Luke: If things go south, we're gonna need Briana's help.

Yang: I have an old friend on the shady side of town that typically knows everything going on in Vale. Getting information out of him shouldn't be too hard...

Rin: So, I guess it's just you and me, Yang.

Rex: Then it's a go!

Ruby: Great! We'll meet up tonight near Yang and Rin to go over what we found. (pumping her fist) Let's do this!

Sun: (off-screen) Yeah!

Luke: (Shrieks)

Blake: (surprised and alarmed) Sun!

Rex: Ah! You scared the hell out of me!

Yang: How did you get up there?

Sun: Ah, it's easy; I do it all the time.

Weiss: You do what?!

Sun: I climb trees all the time! So, are we finally getting back at that Torchwick guy?

Blake: We are going to investigate the situation... as a team.

Ruby: Sorry, Sun. We don't want to get friends involved if we don't have to.

Rex: Sorry, dude, the club's already full.

Sun: Psh! That's dumb! We should always get friends involved! That's why I brought Neptune! (gesturing out the window)

The boys and girls lean out the window on top of one another cartoon-style to see the aforementioned teammate of Sun's standing outside, cool as can be.

Neptune: 'Sup?

Ruby: How did you even get up here?

Neptune: I have my ways.

Neptune: (nervously) Seriously, though, can I come in? We're like, really high up right now.

Elena: You ever heard of stairs?

Inside the dorm room, the group are standing in a circle as Ruby lays down the new plan.

Ruby: Alright, I'll go with Rex, Weiss, and Elena; Sun, you can go with Blake, Luke, and Briana. And Neptune, you can go with Rin and Yang since she doesn't have a partner. Everyone good?

Weiss: Actually, Ruby, why don't you go with Yang? After all, she is your sister.

Elena: Yeah, you too, Rex. Rin's your sister, too.

Ruby pushed Neptune, who is stiff as a board, up next to yang. When she is done pushing him, he rocks back and fourth looking nervous. Yang put her hand on his shoulder to stop him from rocking.

Ruby: But, Weiss, who would go with you, then?

Rex: Yeah, who else would be your backup?

Weiss: Well... I guess Neptune could come with me.

Rex: What?

Ruby: Hahaha, nah!

Weiss is obviously less than amused, yet is powerless to stop Ruby from pulling her by the back out the door.

Weiss: But! But!

Rex: Sorry, Weiss. No cuts, no buts, no coconuts.

Briana: Hey, be careful with them.

Elena: Bri, I'm always careful. (Went out with Rex, Ruby, and Weiss)

Briana: (Mutters) Yeah, almost careful.

Elena: (outside) I heard that!

Briana: Damn it!

(With Rex's group)

Ruby: (off-screen) Woooow! I forget how big the Transmit tower looks up close!

Rex: (off-screen) Yup! Sure does!

Weiss: (off-screen) You should see the one in Atlas!

Elena: (off-screen) Is it the first one?

Weiss: Correct.

Rex, Ruby, Weiss, and Elena were seen walking down the path towards the building.

Weiss: Atlas developed the Cross Continental Transmit System to allow the four kingdoms to communicate with one another. It was their gift to the world after the Great War.

Rex: Wow.

Ruby: (acting high and mighty) Oooh, look at me! My name's Weiss! I know facts! I'm rich! (snorts into her hands at Weiss' frown)

Rex: (points at Weiss) That's you.

Weiss: Quiet you! Don't be a pest! Besides, the only reason we're here is because you like the tower so much! We could have just as easily made a call from the library!

Ruby: I know, but it's so coool! Ooh, I'm going to take a picture!

She grabs her Scroll from a pocket on her clothes, but in her excitement, the device is launched from her hands, bouncing along the pavement until it lands at Penny's feet.

Penny: Oh! (Picks up the Scroll and extends towards the clumsy teen) You dropped this.

Ruby and Rex: (shocked) Penny?!

Penny: (similarly surprised) Uuuh...

Ruby: Where have you been? We haven't seen you since that night at the docks!

Rex: Yeah, where did you even go the other night?

Penny: S-Sorry. I think you're confused.

Penny: (hiccups) Uh... I've got to go! (She turns quickly and walks away.)

Weiss: What was that about?

Elena: No clue.

Rex: She never behaves like that, right?

Ruby: I don't know, but I'm going to find out. You go make your call! I'll meet up with you later!

Rex: Hey, wait up, Rubes!

Weiss: (reaching toward Ruby and Rex) Wait! (sighs angrily)

Elena: Don't worry, Weiss, let's go make that call.

(With Rex, Ruby, and Penny)

Ruby: Penny! Where have you been? It's been weeks!

Penny: There seems to be a... misunderstanding.

Ruby: What?!

Rex: Misunderstanding? Penny, wait. (Gets on the rail and grind next to her and jumps off) What misunderstanding?

Ruby: Penny... Is everything okay? (Penny continues forward without reaction.)

Rex: Come on, don't ignore us!

Ruby: Penny, please stop! Look, I don't know what's wrong, but you have to listen to us! Those guys we fought at the docks, we think they're up to something big, something bad! We need you to tell me what happened to you that night! Please... As a friend.

Rex: Come on, Pen, you can always talk to us.

Penny: (sighs) It isn't safe to talk here.

(With Weiss and Elena)

Weiss and Elena walk through the grand, glowing lobby of the tower with pride, avoiding the central terminal and heading straight for the elevator doors, which slide open automatically and close when they were inside. The voice of the CCT AI is projected from a panel near the door.

CCT AI: Hello. Welcome to the CCT. How may I help you?

Weiss: I'd like to go to the communications room, please.

CCT AI: Absolutely. Could you please place your Scroll on the terminal to verify your identity? (Weiss retrieves her Scroll and places it as directed.) Perfect! Thank you, Miss Schnee.

Upon the elevator's ascent, Weiss' expressions shifts from pleasant to serious. Upon entering the room, Elena and Weiss walks up to the front desk where a holographic secretary appears in the seat.

CCT AI: (beeps are heard before the projection speaks in a polite manner) Welcome to the Beacon Cross Continental Transmit center. How may I help you?

Weiss: I need to make a call to Schnee Company World Headquarters in Atlas.

CCT AI: Absolutely. (more beeping) If you could head over to Terminal 3, I'll patch you through.

Weiss: Thank you!

She sits at her own display, taking a deep, unhappy breath to prepare for the call ahead. The face of a short-haired brunette appears on the monitor with the Schnee snowflake rotating behind her. She does not realize who she is talking to until she looks up.

Schnee Corp Operator: Thank you for calling the Atlas- Oh! Miss Schnee! Good afternoon! Would you like me to patch you through to your father? I think your sister Winter might be here as well.

Weiss: (pleasantly) No, thank you! I was actually wondering if you could find some files for me. I've compiled a short list.

Weiss produces her Scroll, placing it into a slot on the keyboard, creating a series of noises as the Operator looks at the data from her side of the screen.

Operator: I see. If you don't mind... what may I ask is this for?

Weiss: School project.

Operator: (nervously) Um... There are some sensitive documents on this list, ma'am.

Weiss: Well, then, I'll be sure to treat them with care.

Operator: (still nervous) Right... Very well. (more noises) The data is being transferred to your Scroll now.

Weiss: Wonderful! That will be all, then.

Operator: Are you sure you wouldn't like me to patch you through to your father before you go?

Weiss loses her smile, but quickly replaces it.

Weiss: Yes, I'm sure.

Operator: Well, then... Have a nice day!

The call is dropped, and so too is Weiss' happy act, seen in the screen's reflection.

Elena: Now we got all we need, let's head out.

(With Rex and Penny)

Rex and Penny were standing alone together near a two-story building with patio furniture and she is looking around nervously while Rex taps his foot on the floor when a hand grabs her shoulder, causing her to jump. She turns to see Ruby grinning. She smiles in return. The scene moves to the three strolling down the street.

Penny: I wish I could help you, guys, but I don't know anything about those men.

Ruby: Well, what happened to you that night? We were all together, and then you just disappeared! Were you kidnapped?

Penny: Oh, no! Nothing like that!

Rex: Then where did you go?

Penny: I've never been to another kingdom before. My father asked me not to venture out too far, but... You have to understand, my father loves me very much; he just worries a lot.

Ruby: Believe me, I know the feeling.

Rex: Me too. My mom can be a worrywart whenever I'm injured or hurt.

Ruby: But why not let us know you were okay?

Penny: I... was asked not to talk to you. Or Rex. Or Weiss. Or Briana. Or Luke. Or Elena. Or Blake. Or Rin. Or Yang. Anybody, really.

Ruby: Was your dad that upset?

Penny: No, it wasn't my father...

Before she can continue, she, Rex, and Ruby hear the sound of megaphones announcing something, turning around the corner to look at the platform in the center of a plaza where the holographic image of James Ironwood is seen before six AK-130 Androids, who are in turn standing in front of two large metal storage cases with the spear-and-shield emblem on their doors.

Ironwood: The AK-130 has been a standard security model of Remnant for several years, and they have done a fine job. Wouldn't you agree? Wouldn't you agree?

Rex: General Ironwood? Wait, that's a hologram. Nevermind.

Ironwood: But... the kingdom of Atlas is a kingdom of innovation, and 'fine'... Well, that's just not good enough, is it? Presenting... the Atlesian Knight-200!

Rex: He actually has more of his toys. How many Atlas robots does a guy need?

Ironwood: Smarter, sleeker, and admittedly, a little less scary. These models will become active later this year, but they won't be alone! Now, the Atlesian Military has always supported the idea of removing men from the dangers of the battlefield. However, there are still many situations that will undoubtedly require... a human touch.

Penny: (nervously) Ruby..? Rex..?

Ironwood: So, our kingdom's greatest minds, in cooperation with the Schnee Dust Company, are proud to introduce... the Atlesian Paladin!

Ironwood: (voice only) Now, we couldn't have them here for you today, but these mechanized battle suits will be seen defending the borders of our kingdom within the year!

Ruby: (hunched in awe) Whoa...

Penny: (concerned) Rex? Ruby? Maybe we should go somewhere else.

Rex: Huh? Why not?

At the side of the stage, two armored soldiers see Penny, pointing her out and calling in backup.

Rex: Oh, that's why.

Penny backs away and then breaks into a dead run, which snaps Ruby out of her weapon-awe-induced stupor.

Ruby: Penny! Wait! Where are you going?

Ruby turns to look back at the soldiers chasing after her friend, and realizing Penny's situation, swiftly follows her in an attempt to catch up down the winding alley.

Rex: (Catches up with them) Hey, wait for me!! (Uses his speed)

Atlas Soldier: (gesturing to his partner) Down here! She went this way!

Penny, Ruby, and Rex run across the street with the soldiers following them, though a honking car nearly runs one over. He manages to brace his hands against the hood, which somehow stops the vehicle, and his partner runs along after Rex and the girls.

Rex: For a girl, she sure is fast!

Ruby is still trying to catch up with Penny, but a high stack of crates on a flimsy support is easily cut down by Crescent Rose, causing a wooden avalanche of boxes to block the path. Rex wall jumps across the building. Seeing Penny right ahead of her, Ruby leaps into the air and lands on the alley wall, ricocheting off to grab Penny around the middle.

Ruby: This way! Rex!

Rex: Right!

Rex grabbed both Ruby and Penny and boosted through the alleyway and then, suddenly he tripped on a rock and made him crash to the ground and dropped Penny and Ruby falled all the way to the streets. The large truck coming up from behind her until the honking is too late of a warning.

Rex: RUBY!!!!

She stands up just as she's about to be hit, but from out of nowhere, Penny pushes Ruby out of the way and holds her palms out.

She puts it down, and the Shopkeep stares in awe at the crumples in his hood, just like the Huntress who got saved.

Rex: Holy crap...

Ruby: Penny..?

Penny: (to the shopkeep) Are you okay?

Shopkeep: (nodding, obviously scared) Uh-huh...

Penny backs away, looking at Ruby's and Rex's frightened expression, then at the bystanders murmuring to each other in an attempt to understand what just happened. In her panic, she runs from the Atlas soldiers still chasing her down and bumps into Ruby, knocking the poor girl out of her stupor as her friend tries to get away again.

Rex: Hey! Hold on!

Ruby: Penny! Come back! (she starts going after Penny as the people look at the destruction Penny caused with her bare hands and the soldiers find they lost their target)

Penny: (coming to a stop once she gets out of the alleyway, looking around for where to run next) Um... Uh...

Ruby: (coming up to Penny, exasperated) Penny! Please!

Rex: (Runs up to her face) Could you slow down, already?! What the hell is going on?!

Ruby: Why are you running? How did you do that?!

Penny: (nervous again) I-I can't! Everything's fine! (she starts to hiccup with each lie) I-I don't want to talk about it! (*hiccup*)

Ruby: Penny, if you can just tell us what's wrong, we can help you!

Penny: (retreating from her friends) No! No, no! You wouldn't understand...

Rex: Then let us try! You have to trust us. Please, Pen. You could trust us.

Penny: You're my friends, right? You promise you're my friends?!

Ruby: (softly) I promise.

Rex: Cross our hearts.

Penny: (silent for a second, then, looking down at her hands) Rex... Ruby...

Penny: I'm not a real girl.

Penny shows them the toll of stopping the truck that would have killed her: Parts of her palm's skin have ripped away, revealing the gray metal underneath.

Ruby: Oh.

Rex: That explains a lot.

END OF PART 19