Welcome back to another chapter... well, those few who actually still read this story. Like I promised now a few more chapters will follow that play closer together, after all before now they were in the right order but obviously months or weeks in between them. Also, as becomes obvious in this chapter I decided that Ren lives in the Mansion as well, why? Pretty simple, seeing how I killed off most of the cast Nora is dead as well, meaning that Jaune is literally the only family Ren has left, so it would make sense if neither Jaune nor Ren would be all that interested in Ren being too isolated from him. And it's not like there isn't enough space.

Also, I apologize for the short length of this chapter but it is mostly setup and I didn't want to draw that out too much.

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It had already been close to ten in the evening when Ironwood had decided to visit. It wasn't as if Jaune wasn't happy about Ironwoods visit but he was not used to him showing up so suddenly and without any prior notice. It had been quite the shock when he had suddenly appeared, well, as sudden as he could with all the protection around the Mansion. The important part was the question of why Ironwood felt the need to appear so suddenly.

When greeting and leading him into the meeting room, Ironwood had given no indication as to the reason of his visit. But he had assured Jaune that the topic was not so urgent that they couldn't take the time for Weiss and Ren to join them. Both had been just as confused as him about Ironwoods arrival, at least he wasn't alone.

''If you don't mind me asking, why exactly are you here so late sir?''

A stone fell from his heart when he saw Ironwoods smile, it seemed it was good news, probably very good if he hadn't thought it could wait until tomorrow.

''A very good question my friend. Let me first counter your question by one of my own. What is our goal and who are we fighting against?''

Okay, where was he going with this?

''To protect the world from the Grimm and those that control them. For that, we continue to spread our influence across remnant.''

Ironwood nodded once.

''Correct and who exactly controls the Grim?''

This time it was Weiss who answered.

''Salem of course. But why is that important now?''

At her question Ironwoods grin widened.

''Because our spies in the remains of the White Fang just informed me of something very interesting.''

Weiss raised an eyebrow.

''Interesting?''

Ironwood gave another nod.

''Indeed. It seems that there is still a rather large base of them left in Vacuo.''

Now Ren raised his voice.

''But how does that relate to Salem? Don't get me wrong, knowing that those White Fang scum still have such large bases left is important information but surely they are not important enough for Salem to receive important Information?''

But Ironwoods smile stayed on his face.

''No, they aren't but they have something even better.''

Better then information on Salem?

''What could the White Fang have that is even better than that?''

''An old friend.''

These three words managed to shock all three of them, all of their friends were dead, except... Jaune had to know.

''You don't mean?''

''I do. The White Fang have managed to capture Ozpins new host.''

''But how? Even in a new body, Ozpin should be skilled enough to evade those terrorists, they are only a shell of what they once were.''

''Normally he would have been. But it seems as if his new host was very young this time, which also explains why we have not heard of him until now.''

He almost couldn't believe it, they had found Ozpin again, this was great. But still, if that was the case then why were they wasting time now? Before he could ask Weiss had already done so.

''Then what are we waiting for? Salem could already send her subordinates to take him to her?''

But Ironwoods smile did not fade.

''I do not doubt that, they won't be more welcome then us though.''

Did he mean what Jaune thought he was meaning?

''Are you saying that they have gone against Salem?''

''That is exactly what I am saying, they were demanding her to promise to leave Menagerie alone in exchange for him.'

''Are they crazy? She will just send her subordinates to kill them and take Ozpin.''

Ironwood shrugged his shoulders.

''Probably, they are after all pretty much all that is left of the White Fang. Zealots the whole lot of them. They are probably arrogant enough to think that Salem would not want to take them on. What is important that we absolutely can't allow Ozpin to fall into her hands. I already gave orders to prepare as many ships and troops as possible until tomorrow evening.''

Ren once again raised his voice.

''Is that soon enough.''

Jaune decided to answer his brother in all but blood instead of Ironwood.

''It should be. Whoever she sends has to bypass our troops already in Vacuo. Our presence there is the biggest by account of Vacuos rather... limited government.''

Ironwood confirmed his evaluation with another nod.

''That is correct. I came to the decision that it is more important to have enough troops prepared then to rush it and possibly be unable to take the base quick enough or at all. I will personally take command of the Fleet.''

This surprised Jaune.

''But what about me sir? You are needed here in Atlas.''

''This is too important to allow anything to go wrong. Which means we need to bring everything we can. You cannot take command of the Fleet and lead the ground invasion at the same time. I need you three and Winter in there to make sure that we get Ozpin, that is if you are ready to fight?''

And with those words, he shot a concerned look at Weiss who waved his concern off.

''No need to worry about me. It has been 2 months already since Jade's birth, it would be embarrassing if I wasn't able to fight again as of now.''

No one wanted to point out to her that it would have been entirely reasonable, her standard for things had always been higher than most. Not to mention that they all would feel much better with both Schnee sisters taking part in the operation.

Finally, Ironwood gave her a thankful nod before addressing them again.

''In that case, there should be nothing that can stop us. We will get back Ozpin and with him, we will finally be able to take down this wretched woman.''

He raised the glass that was standing before him.

''For Atlas.''

Ren raised his glass as well.

''For our friends.''

Weiss followed.

''For the world.''

Finally, he himself raised his own glass.

''For the future.''

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Well, that was it already for this time. I didn't want to draw it out too much because it really is pretty much just setup and a bit of exposition. And different from my ''Dawn of a new age'' fic it wouldn't feel right to put a bunch of jokes in here like I did in the setup chapter in that one. As you probably guessed the next chapters will deal with rescuing Ozpin and introducing him to the situation.

As always every review is welcome. And of course any tip as well, I am aware that my writing is not the best to say it nicely, so any tip on how to improve is welcome.

And always remember, Atlas protects.