Previously on the Jedi and the Mandalorian...
"Its here!" she cried out, "The base, we know where it is!"
"The data is encrypted. This is some top notch security, even for the Separatists. I'm downloading the data now."
"My squad has worked with Atlas before. General Ironwood? He's unstable, any major news can make him go over the edge. Imagine what would happen if he discovered the greater galaxy, or even contacted the Empire."
"We were sent by the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious…"
"You know I'm not good when it comes to feelings...I can say how I feel."
"So...how do we figure...this...out…?" she then asked
"I don't know…" Ezra replied, "If I were younger me, I would be happier than Chopper getting away with messing up my room. But now…"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Maul's voice echoed out in the hall, "How much is she worth to you!? How much!?"
"Together..."
Reaching towards her neck, Sabine pulled on a black cord that held onto a silver pendant with a clear crystal inside. She remembered what her father said about it, and how she was meant to have it.
"Ezra…"
RWBY: The Jedi and the Mandalorian
Chapter 14 - The General
Premise: As the Rebels prepare for an important mission, Ezra and Sabine confront one another.
Breath…
Breath…
Kanan sat quietly in his quarters, he breathed in and out, slowly and quietly. He let the Force flow through him, hoping to find something, anything, that could help in finding Ezra and Sabine.
He had been doing this for weeks on end. While Hera, Rex, and even Kallus were using Alliance Intelligence to the best of their ability, Kanan had been meditating to stay calm and at peace. He could feel Ezra's presence through the Force, it was like a dimly lit candle, but one that burned strong.
Sabine's was no different, as it burned strong too. However it felt different only slightly, as Sabine, unlike Ezra, was not a Jedi. Both felt strong, determined, and most of all, together like one. Without a doubt, it was their bond.
But one day, while meditating, Kanan felt something new amongst them. Their presence was there and strong, but something felt off, almost out of balance.
Tension.
Kanan opened his eyes and stood up, donning his mask before exiting his room. He made his way to the common room, as he did so he heard several voices coming from the other side of the door separating the hall and the common room.
"The council can't do this!" Hera cried from the other side
"My sister is out there!"
"I know! Senator Mothma has managed to convince them to extend the search for two days longer!"
The door then opened as Kanan walked in. Hera was standing up out of her seat by the holo chess board, while Zeb and Tristan were standing nearby, with the former folding his arms. Fenn Rau was leaning against the side of the wall next to Hera, arms folded as well. All four were glaring at Kallus, who looked stoic, yet disappointed.
"What's going on?" Kanan asked calmly as he entered
Kallus turned to face the Jedi, "The Alliance Council has voted to cease all search on Commander Bridger and Sabine Wren."
Kanan remained calm, but didn't refuse to hide the frown that was forming on his face.
"Your Council has no right." Rau exclaimed, "The Countess will not be pleased with this decision."
"How could Senator Mothma agree to this?" Tristan asked
"She didn't." Kallus answered, "She voted against it, she said she owes General Syndulla and both Bridger and Wren. Bridger and Syndulla assisted her on her mission to Dantooine, while Clan Wren assisted in the evacuation of Attollon. But the rest of the Council believes the use of scarce resources to find two rebel agents is not beneficial to the Rebellion."
Hera, while utterly worried for the two teens she considered her surrogate own, did kinda understand where the Council was coming from. The Rebellion, while gaining support and more cells from all across the galaxy, was still small in size, and still not enough to face off directly against the Empire.
"However, Senator Mothma and I have managed to convince them to extend the search for two more days, after that, they'll shut it down." Kallus added, "I'm sorry, it's the best we could do."
Hera placed a hand on Kallus' shoulder, "It's alright, you did everything you could."
Kallus smiled a bit, "Thank you, as for you Wren, I suggest you inform your Countess of the news. The Rebellion may end the search, but I highly doubt Clan Wren will cease."
"Understood." Tristan replied as Kallus then left the Ghost. Rex then entered, nodding at Kallus firmly before addressing everyone else.
"I heard what happened." the old clone said to them, "I'm sorry to hear."
"Ugh, two more days, then the Council ends the search." Zeb muttered, "What are we supposed to find in that amount of time?"
"I might have found something." Kanan said, which immediately got everyone's attention
"What? What is it?" Tristan asked, intrigued
"I felt something…" Kanan muttered as he sat down, "Something between Ezra and Sabine. They're fine and safe, but there's…"
Kanan trailed off as Hera sat next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder
"What?"
"Tension." Kanan continued, "There's something going on between them."
Never had Ozpin ever believed this day would come. The day his students, the future of Remnant, would have to fight a war, yet here it was.
Beacon Academy was in a state of calamity as students, teachers and other huntsmen were hustling to prepare for battle. Their fight was against the youngest and most powerful force on the planet: the Kingdom of Atlas. Unknown to the rest of the world, the Atlas Military had been uncovering mysterious extraterrestrial robots and were reverse engineering them with the help of the Schnee Dust Company. This cooperation has led to them enslaving Faunus, both for mining for dust and those who were tech savvy. But all of this was exposed by two individuals, two rebels to be exact.
Ozpin frowned as he stood addressing the members of Vale's Council. He thought he could trust General Ironwood, one of his closest friends and allies. Sure, they disagreed on a lot of things, whether it be how to engage the enemy or gain intelligence, but they respected one another.
"...The huntsmen are preparing to move into the city as we speak." Ozpin said professionally, "Several have been deployed to the Emerald Forest and Forever Fall to engage any Grimm in the area."
"Understood Ozpin." one of the councilors replied, "The tension in the air has resulted in several Grimm spikes in the area. As for us, we're stalling the Atlas air fleet over the city for as long as we can. If you can get-"
"Don't worry, we'll get there as soon as we can." Ozpin assured them before ending the call. He then exited his office via his elevator before arriving in the main hall. Huntsmen, ranging from students to experienced warriors, were preparing.
A loudspeaker went off overhead, "Attention all students and staff. The academy has been placed under lockdown. All huntsmen are to arm themselves, speak with the staff to discuss we're your team will be deployed. This is not a drill! Repeat! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!"
"I guess this is what they refer to as 'the calm before the storm'." Qrow muttered as he and Glynda joined up with Ozpin.
"How's the evacuation?" Ozpin asked
"Almost ready." Glynda replied, "Just a few more team are preparing."
"Good. Once I want all the huntsmen to be deployed to Vale, along with half of the fourth and third-year students. The other half will assist in Emerald Forest and Forever Fall to protect any villages from the Grimm. All first and second-year students will remain to defend Beacon if need be."
"Sounds like a plan." Qrow muttered as he reached for a flask in his pocket. He opened it and proceeded to down whatever contents were in it. Glynda glared at him as he did so.
"Hey, we're all a little on edge." he said to her, "Especially after what that bastard has done."
"I'll admit, you're right Qrow." Ozpin agreed with him, "I can let your drinking slide by for now."
Qrow tipped his flask in approval before taking another sip, screwed the cap back on, and placed back in his pocket, "So of what my nieces and her friends? What will they be doing?"
"I believe you should ask their new leaders…" Ozpin said as Ezra, Sabine, Yang, and Ruby approached them
"Headmaster." Ezra greeted him
"Master Jedi, My Lady." Ozpin greeted the Jedi and Mando, "Anything new?"
"Ship's preparing for departure." Sabine answered, "Omega and Weiss are restocking it as we speak. The others are standing by as well."
"Good to hear." the headmaster nodded in approval, "I guess that means Ms. and her team will be joining you then?"
"Yes sir!" Ruby replied while saluting
"They've been with us all the way." Ezra added on, "They'll see the mission till the end."
"So what's your plan?" Glynda asked them, out of all of them, was still skeptical of the two rebels.
"We've sent the data we recovered in Vacuo to the Bad Batch." Sabine explained, "Tech is currently deciphering it as we speak. They'll meet us here and we'll depart for the location of the base. Once we're there we'll use whatever tech they have to repair the Gauntlet before scuttling the entire base."
"And what happens afterwards?" Qrow asked, "I highly doubt Jimmy will give up afterwards."
"Then we return to our base in the Yavin system." Sabine added, "And show our case the Rebellion."
"You're gonna try and get their help?" Glynda asked
"Its the best we can do." Ezra replied, "Besides, we have Hera to help us out."
Qrow nodded in approval, "Alright, it's a decent plan I'll give ya that. But I wanna make one small change."
Sabine looked at him with a stern look, "And that is…?"
"That I come with you." he said, "I wanna make sure my nieces come back in one piece. Either that or they're dad is gonna kill me."
The two teens looked at one another before Ezra spoke, "Deal."
"Alright then, I'm gonna get ready." Qrow said as he left them. Ozpin and Glynda took this as they're cue to leave as well. The four teens then looked at one another.
"...This is it…" Ruby muttered
"This is gonna be one hell of a story to tell, when this is all over." Yang said
"I can't wait to go home…or…the Ghost I mean." Ezra stated, "Everything will be normal."
Sabine looked at him, eyebrow raised, "What do you mean by normal?"
"I mean normal." Ezra said to her, "As in: 'back to fight the Empire'. I'll be up close and personal."
Sabine rolled her eyes, "Cause you like to keep everything at a distance…"
"Excellent-What. What?"
Ezra turned to face Sabine, both glared at one another as Ruby and Yang looked at them in confusion.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh nothing." Sabine replied as she looked away
"Do you really wanna do this now?"
Sabine huffed and spun back around, "Yeah Bridger! I do!"
This resulted in several people stopping what they're doing as they looked at the two. But Yang then intervened.
"Alright children break it up!" she exclaimed everyone went back to what they were doing. She then addressed the two teens, "If you have anything to say to each other, I suggest you take it outside."
Ezra and Sabine looked at her before looking at one another. Sabine was the one who answered
"Fine, come on Ezra." she huffed as they walked off. Yang the took out her scroll.
"Weiss, it's Yang, tell Omega if anything comes up to contact me. Ezra and Sabine have to…talk about something…"
The two teens now found themselves on Beacon's rooftop overlooking the tower that was Ozpin's office. It was almost midnight as they argued.
"Now's not the time, Sabine!" Ezra exclaimed
"Then when will we talk? When all this is over? Or are you gonna forget about that?" she retorted
Ezra scoffed, "Of course not! We all just need to be ready for what's to come. Atlas. The SDC. Maybe even the Empire!"
"This isn't about the crew! Or our friends! Or our families! This is about us!" Sabine stated, "You and me!"
Ezra sighed quietly as he placed his hands on his hips, paced around slightly. Sabine however continued, "Ever since we got here, I've opened up to you! Told you I missed you when I stayed with my family. The fear of not being able to come home, you comforted me. Then you told me about our bond, I told you it was ok, and I held you close to me. That was the best night of my life! We held each other for the next few nights. Then, you run off to that temple you found and come back injured. I…I told you how I felt…Ezra I've never felt like this before, and I felt it ever since we got here! But you turn your back on me. You say you're unsure, but refuse to elaborate. You said: we'll find out together. And nothing has turned up! So tell me Ezra! Why are you holding back!?"
"BECAUSE I'M AFRAID!"
Sabine was startled at the sudden outburst. Ezra looked right at her, and she could see the fear in his eyes.
"I'm afraid…!" Ezra said to her, "Sabine…Not a day goes by, when I don't think about you. I…I thought I moved on, I thought I did. But my…my thoughts, my feelings changed. I got to know you, what you like, what you don't like. What makes you laugh, and so on. But at the same time, I changed. Kanan taught me to be a Jedi, everything he knew and learned…Do you remember the holocron…"
"...The one Kanan had?" Sabine muttered quietly, but loud enough for Ezra to hear
"The other one that I found on Malachor…" Ezra explained to her, "The Sith holocron…You remember what I told you? What did I do with it? I was a mess, I tampered with darkness. Because I was afraid. I would never let my friends get hurt again. I let my emotions, my feelings, get the best of me, and it nearly got me killed on Recklam Station. I even drove you away from me…In the temple, I didn't just see Maul…you were there…dead…in my arms…because of me!"
Sabine's eyes widened at what he just said. The thought of herself dead in his arms was rather disturbing. She pictured herself in that scenario and could only look at him in sympathy. This was eating away at him completely.
"I'm afraid of my emotions getting the best of me." Ezra continued, "What if I get you hurt? What if you, or Hera, Kanan, Zeb, or Chopper died because of me!? I'll never be able to forgive myself Sabine! I won't! I…I…"
Ezra then began shedding tears as Sabine embraced him in a hug, which he accepted with no hesitation. The two held each other close, as both calmed down.
"I'm sorry…" he muttered
"Don't be." Sabine told him gently, "We're both unsure, we've never felt this way before. I didn't know this was eating away at you. I-I thought I was the one who had trouble with feeling feelings."
That last part she laughed a bit, which Ezra found amusing as well. He then smiled a bit, "Who's more Mandalorian now?"
That joke got Sabine to laugh a bit louder, "Lothrat!"
The two then noticed how close they were. As in, inches away from each other, and holding each other close.
"So…where do we go from here?" she asked
Ezra was about to answer when he noticed a cord around Sabine's neck. He gently took it with two fingers and pulled what it was holding out from underneath her chestplate. Connected to it was a clear crystal.
"A kyber crystal…" he muttered
"What?" Sabine questioned, "My father gave this to me when I was younger. He said when he found it, knew I should have it…I never knew it was a kyber crystal. Maybe it means something, like I was meant to meet you…"
Ezra smiled as he examined the crystal before speaking, "I don't know…where to go on from here…But I can tell you this: I promise you, that I will find a way. A way to overcome my fear."
Sabine smiled back and gently put her forehead on his. That feeling they both felt returning once more…
…was suddenly interrupted by Ezra breathing heavily.
Sabine looked at him, his face was filled with dread, with a worried expression, "What's wrong? Is this too much?"
Her question was answered by the sound of a loud hum. The two turned to notice white and gray aircraft flying overhead. Three Atlas airships were flying towards Beacon, while several dropships were already circling the academy.
"Oh no…" Ezra muttered, the two separated and looked at one another with a knowing look
"Ozpin." Sabine said, which Ezra nodded in response. Both then bolted back towards the door and back toward Ozpin.
In the area the Gauntlet was docked, Weiss and Omega noticed the dropships flying overhead. The two were working with Jaune and Pyrrha in stocking the ship. All four felt nervous at the sight.
Omega then took out a comlink, "Hunter, we have a problem…"
Ezra and Sabine ran back into the main hall as Atlas drop ships continued to circle Beacon. Huntsmen of all ages and skills were looking around frantically with their weapons at the ready. Some cleared a path for the tow to make it to Ozpin, while others, who still looked down on them, either completely ignored them or tried to harass them. Some even sneered or insulted them, but both teens ignored them as they continued towards the main, eventually meeting up with Ozpin, Glynda, Qrow, Ruby, and Weiss.
"Ruby!" Ezra shouted as they approached
"We have to get out of here!" Sabine added
"We saw the ships." Glynda said to them, "The Council is no longer responding, Ms. Wren is correct, you have to go!"
Yang however protested, "We're not leaving, Professor, you have to evacuate!"
Qrow looked to Ozpin for guidance, "Oz, what do we do?"
Ozpin was silent for a moment. His time to speak was abruptly cut short by the sound of metal rolling on the ground. Several white-colored droids rolled up, and deployed onto three legs and blasters for arms and hands. Red lights donned its nose and torso, all while they were covered by some sort of shield.
"Destroyers…" Sabine muttered, "Modified by Atlas…"
"Be ready for anything…" Ezra added as he ignited his lightsaber. With everyone else getting out their own weapons. The destroyers were then joined by Atlesian Battle Droids, AK-200s, and standard soldiers. The situation was tense, huntsmen aimed their weapons at the military forces and vice versa.
"All units, stand down." a voice ordered the units
Then, in the utter silence of the standoff, footsteps were heard coming from the academy's entrance. Gray military boots moved slowly but at a decent pace. A man clad in a white uniform with his hands behind his back. Glynda and Qrow sneered, while Ozpin and Ezra remained neutral, Ruby and Yang looked a little fearful.
"Ozpin." General Ironwood greeted his former ally in a slightly cold demeanor. Winter was at his side, a neutral expression on her face. But she seemed to falter slightly upon recognizing Ezra.
"...General." Ozpin said back, slightly louder than a whisper. Ironwood approached him, he had a look of sadness on his face.
"...Let me be clear, in saying, that I wished I didn't have to come to this." he began to say
"Bullshit!" Qrow sneered, "You have any idea what you've done!? You've turned your back on everything you've stood for!"
Ironwood looked at the man, "Nice to see you too, Qrow."
The general then finally took the sound of a low hum he was hearing into considering and turned in the direction of its source. He noticed Ezra and Sabine, with the former holding his lightsaber up in defense.
"So…" he said as he approached them, "You must be the rebels I've heard about. You certainly match your description."
"Hmm." Sabine muttered, "So do you, General."
"Indeed, and I assume you have also heard many things about me." he continued, "So have I, Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren."
The two were a little surprised at the fact he knew their names. But honestly, it was bound to happen sooner or later.
"Rather, interesting names, given that are not adhering to the color-naming rule." Ironwood muttered, "But, it's nothing compared to your backgrounds."
"Backgrounds?" Ezra questioned, "What are you talking about?"
"I know who you are, not just your names, but your pasts." the general stated, "A Jedi, apprentice to one Kanan Jarrus, son of Mira and Ephraim Bridger, the voices of Lothal freedom, the boy who sparked a rebellion. A Mandalorian, once a proud warrior of her clan, a servant of the Galactic Empire, turned a traitor when she spoke out, the daughter who lost her family, now reduced to an artist who prefers to blow up everything that stands in her way…"
Their eyes widened along with everyone else that knew them. Sabine then glared furiously at Ironwood as she took out the Darksaber and pointed it at his throat. Its black blade stopped just inches from it.
"How do you know all this!?" she demanded
Ironwood remained calm as he spoke, "The CCT Network is one Remnant's most technological innovations. But many people forget that it was Atlas who created it, Atlas who controls it. Anything connected to it is connected to all of Remnant."
Ezra and Sabine let the general's comment process in their heads. Ezra didn't understand, but Sabine knew almost immediately. She lowered the Darksaber as she gasped a bit.
"Chopper…" she muttered, "When he connected to the tower in Feldspar-"
"My technicians were lucky enough to copy most of your robotic companion's files." Ironwood explained, "Not a lot if you ask me, but enough to get some intel on who's been causing me trouble. Along with the fact that you've begun working with Ozpin."
"Why are you doing this!?" Ruby suddenly shouted, "Working in secret, enslaving Faunus with Weiss' family's help! Why!?"
Ironwood looked at her briefly before continuing, "Remnant, even in its name, is a shell of its former self. Dark, dangerous, and on the brink of collapse. The huntsmen were created to fix that, but where has that gotten us? Nowhere. Even now, the Grimm overrun towns and settlements from Sanus to Anima. Bandits pillage anyone that crosses with them! The White Fang is growing in scale!"
Ironwood paced around in front of them as he continued, "But then, we found the solution: These machines. Weapons built for war, security, and above all; protection. Imagine what Atlas can do with them. We can provide the safety and protection Remnant desperately needs."
"General, you don't know what you're talking about." Ezra said to him, "The Separatists were here for a reason."
"Don't bother lecturing me boy." Ironwood retorted, "I am fully aware of where they came from, the so-called Galactic Empire was their supplier after their dummy masters were disbanded. I learned this information from the scattered droid units and databases received by my men. A fascinating discovery, a galaxy-wide government, and they are the final solution to Remnant's problem."
A modified destroyer droid then approached the general's side. Its top portion folded back to reveal a hologram of three individuals standing on an oval-shaped pedestal. The first figure had blue skin and had horns on his head and appendages. Many assumed that he was a Faunus of some kind. The other was a female humanoid with pale white skin that was gray around the eyes. The figure in the center was clad in a blood-red robe, but the most disturbing thing about him was his demore, pale white face.
"This that-"
"Yeah." Ezra muttered, "Ruby, that's the Emperor."
'The attempt on my life has left me scarred, and deformed.' the hologram of Sidious stated in a cold and rather menacing tone, 'But I assure you, my resolve, has never been stronger! The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the First! Galactic! Empire! For a safe and secure society!'
"A safe and secure society." Ironwood repeated what the Emperor stated, "That is my dream for Remnant. The Empire, is the answer to Remnant's destruction."
Yang then gasped quietly at the realization of what he was talking about, "You want them here!"
Ironwood looked at her, "Yes, I do."
Ozpin shook his head in disdain, "James, you're not well. You're wrong-"
"Enough!" he snapped, "Your way! The old way no longer works! Look where your ideas have gotten us! You are too cautious and afraid to act on anything Oz! You never had the guts to stand up, and fight! But I do! I am fully aware that the Empire is unorthodox! But they are a necessary evil! I will don't whatever it takes to protect all of Remnant!"
Ezra then intervened, still pointing his lightsaber at him, "You're wrong. The Empire won't come to help you. The Emperor abandoned the planet-"
"Oh I'm fully aware of why the Empire abandoned these droids." Ironwood cut him off, "I learned from the units and intel we recovered. But now I have what I need to ensure Remnant's future."
"And what might that be?" Sabine questioned him
Ironwood glared at both Ezra and Sabine, both of them still pointed their lightsabers at the general, "I know everything about you; your occupation, your talents, your strengths, and most of all your actions. As two of the Empire's most wanted criminals. All in part thanks to your droid accessing the CCT. When my military hacked your droid, we found many secrets that put together the puzzle that was our problem. Your Rebellion, a movement to bring the end of the Empire, a noble effort that I do respect. But your droid carries coordinates to a certain…base in the Yavin System."
The teens eyes widened at what he was saying, which Ironwood noticed, "Now you see, with the location of the Empire's enemy, and the two of their members, I have all the leverage I need to gain the Emperor's favor. But I only need one more thing: the location of the Separatist base of operations. They hold the technology I need to bolster the CCT's communication systems. Speaking of which, Atlas created the CCT as a gift to the kingdoms, a symbol of unity and global communication. But what many don't know is that it also provides Atlas with a back door to all the kingdoms. Ever since discovering the Separatists, I've had the main towers in all the kingdoms modified and prepared to broadcast a message deep into space."
Everyone was shocked. It was obvious that Ironwood thought this through many times. He quietly and carefully planned it out. But he was insane.
Ezra then looked over at Winter, "And how do you feel about this Winter? You know what the general has done?"
Winter straightened herself, "He told what he was doing. How he started working with my father. But General Ironwood promised me that it was for the greater good. My father would be kept away from me and Weiss."
"Jacques has been nothing but a tool, both himself and his company." Ironwood added, "When I realized that Winter may be compromised, I took precautions to make sure that she didn't hesitate to see the bigger picture."
"I'm sorry Bridger, please don't make this harder for yourself." Winter said to Ezra, "Maybe we work something out."
Ezra looked at her coldly, "I'm sorry to…"
"But enough of this." Ironwood declared, "You're going to tell me the location of the Separatist base now!"
"We don't know." Sabine said to him as she lowered the Darksaber, "We gave it away."
"What!?" the general muttered, "To who!?"
"When you hacked Chopper, did it mention anything about the defects?"
Ironwood looked confused, "Defects? What defects!?"
As if on cue, the roof of the hall was obliterated by an explosion. Ironwood and his men stumbled back a bit as three figures jumped down from the hole. The droids opened fire as the three fried back, proving they had better accuracy than Atlas' forces. Ezra then used the Force to push back Ironwood and his forces. The huntsmen and huntresses then fight back as well.
"TALLY-HO!" Wrecker shouted as he landed on the ground and began to crush the droids surrounding him while firing at the human forces with his blaster.
"Wrecker!?" both Ezra and Ruby muttered in astonishment as the defect clone went on a rampage.
"Ezra!" Hunter shouted as he and Echo approached them, "You good?"
"We're fine." Ezra answered, "How'd you know we were in trouble?"
"You can thank Omega." Hunter replied, "She contacted us when Atlas began approaching Beacon."
Echo then intervened, "Now's not the time, we need to move."
"He's right." Ruby agreed with him, "We have to go now!"
"This way!" Sabine shouted as the rebels, clones, and huntsmen all followed them
Nearby, Ironwood got back up and got a look at his surroundings. Ozpin and his allies had just left. The huntsman of Beacon was fighting back, and there was a large figure in gray armor in front of him.
Ironwood sneered upon recognizing him, "You…"
"How ya doing Jimmy?" Wrecker retorted before charging at him. The clone managed to deck the general in the face. Ironwood then blocked several other swings from Wrecker before drawing out on of his pistols and fired a shot that sent Wrecker flying backwards. Ironwood was about to continue when a sniper round landed on the ground next to him, which was followed by another. He rolled behind some cover, where Winter happened to be at the movement. Ironwood looked out to see Crosshair on the roof aiming his rifle at them. Wrecker then got off the ground and ran off as Crosshair kept the general occupied.
"We need to find Oz and the others and secure the academy." Ironwood told the Specialist
"Understood."
The others ran out of the hall and towards the bullhead docking area. Ozpin could only look around in horror: the skies and grounds of Beacon Academy were turned into a warzone. Atlas dropships flew overhead, while Atlas soldiers, both man and droid, were engaging his students and warriors. It was a one-sided battle, as the soldiers either were defeating or capturing them. He saw Velvet Scarlatina, a second-year, being overwhelmed by several battle droids. Team CRDL was cowering in the rubble as commando droids approached their position. Ezra noticed this as well, and gave Ozpin a look of sympathy.
Sabine then got on comms, "Omega, bring the ship over docking area."
"On it!" Omega replied
"This is Tech, I just picked up Wrecker and Crosshair, waiting for your departure."
The group noticed the Gauntlet fly overhead and hover just above the landing pad. The ship's ramp lowered as Pyrrha and Ren stood, providing covering fire.
"Come on, let's get out of here!" Pyrrha shouted as she blew off the head of a battle droid. Ezra and the others began to board. But for some reason, Ozpin, Qrow, and Glynda refused.
Ruby then noticed, "Uncle Qrow!"
"Professor!" Ezra shouted, "What are you doing!?"
"I'm sorry Ezra." Ozpin said to them, "But I won't be joining you."
"Neither will we." Glynda added, "This is our academy, and its our duty to protect it and Vale."
"But you'll be captured!" Yang said to them, "Qrow, please!"
Qrow smirked, "Don't worry, Firecracker. I've had worse luck before."
He then noticed that Ruby was beginning to cry a bit, he smiled at her, "Kiddo, don't worry. I'm gonna be alright."
Ruby knew that she couldn't change his mind and just nodded a bit.
"We'll come back for you, we promise." Ezra said to them
"I know." Ozpin said back, "Good luck."
Ozpin was about to turn around when Ezra stopped him, "Professor…May the Force be with you."
Oz smiled, "Same to you, Master Jedi."
Suddenly, a blast shook the Gauntlet as Omega stabilized the ship. Oz and his allies noticed Ironwood on the roof, his pistol drawn.
"Go! Now!" Glynda ordered them
Ezra nodded as he and the others boarded the ship. The ramp then closed and the Gauntlet took off. The Marauder then joined them as they flew away from Vale.
Ruby fell to her knees in shock. Ezra then knelt beside her, "Hey, we'll save them. I promise."
"Ezra." Hunter called out to him, "We got the coordinates."
"Good, punch them into the ship." Ezra ordered, "Get as far from Vale. We don't want Atlas tracking us."
Sabine watched Ezra head towards the cockpit. He turned and looked back at her, they stared at each other, thinking back at what they talked about before all this went down. He then turned and went after Hunter.
Yang, who noticed this, went up to Sabine, "Did you guys talk?"
"Yeah…" Sabine muttered, not even bothering to turn around
"And…?"
Sabine remained quiet before she rubbed the kyber crystal around her neck. Eventually, the words found her, "He…I just need him to know…"
"How do you plan on doing that?" Yang asked
"...I don't know…"
The Gauntlet and Marauder then flew away past Vale as Atlas ships flew overhead. The military began to subjugate both the city and Beacon. At the latter, Ironwood watched as his ships occupied Vale. He then turned to see his troops, both human and droid rallying up all the huntsmen captured. He then noticed three of them: Ozpin, Qrow, and Glynda. He looked at them with a hint of sadness, but he shrugged it off. What's done is done, and he had to see his plan through. All he needed now was the location of the Separatist base.
Winter then approached him, "Sir, what now?"
"Have the tactical droid head recovered from Vacuo prepped." Ironwood ordered her, "We're moving out."
Winter raised an eyebrow, "Sir?"
"I just need two airships, the rest I can handle." he explained, "I have the rebels tied to a string."
Winter saluted, "Yes sir."
The Specialist then walked away, a hint of unease swept over her. Everything she knew, what Ironwood told her. Would it be worth it? She knew she had to do something, but right now had to keep quiet until she had thought it all out.
As for Ironwood, he looked back out towards Vale. To him, the Empire will be here soon, and then, Remnant will be safe…
Next on the Jedi and the Mandalorian...
Chapter 15 - The Lost and Broken