General Ironwood stood patiently with his entourage as they ascended an elevator in his flagship: The Olympus. Despite them conversing amongst themselves, they then offered their reports as they came in.
"All quiet down in Vale, General," said Caption Frost, his security adviser, in a deep voice. A large polar bear Faunus with a white mutton chop beard, tinged with light blue. "Just small-scale protests in the south of Vale but nothing that can't be handled."
"Coordinate with Vale Security: so long as it does not jeopardize the Vytal Festival, protests are Vale's responsibility, not ours; no matter how severe," General Ironwood replied.
"Shouldn't we show them the might of Atlas, General?" Frost asked.
"You can't go anywhere in Vale without seeing Atlesian ships, Captain," Ironwood replied confidently, as his back faced Frost. "I assure you; they know our might and its precisely why it's staying small-scale."
"Understood, General," Frost concluded.
"Provisions from Atlas will be arriving in the next week right on schedule, General," said Corporal Hail, his quartermaster, a rather short and stockier human. "I still don't understand why we can't just ask the Council of Vale for help with our supplies."
"Despite being made head of security, we are still guests in Vale," General Ironwood replied. "They are hosting all of the Kingdoms for the festival so most of their supplies and resources are being forwarded to the festival grounds. Besides, we can show that the Atlesian Military can still be self-reliant so far from home."
"Understood, General," Corporal Hail replied.
"Any updates from Winter?" General asked, not turning to face the next member of his entourage.
"We are still trying to hail Operative Schnee, General. No word from her just yet," his purple-haired Spec-Ops coordinator, Operative Amethyst, reported.
"Any word from Ace-Ops?" General Ironwood asked, his back still facing his coordinator.
"They have just turned in their scheduled report, and are on their way back to Atlas as we speak," the coordinator replied as she walked over to his side and handed her tablet over to General Ironwood.
He took a moment to review the data sent in from Ace-Ops from their mission to Vacuo. Some information about a string of murders but what else is to be expected from The Lawless Kingdom, where chaos reigns and order is tossed out the window. Then, something else about a thief who is making his way up the metaphorical food chain of Vacuo's underworld.
While some info is better than none, none the less, this report shows nothing out of the ordinary in a kingdom as independent and, albeit, chaotic as Vacuo; but it's precisely that which worried him the most.
What is Umbra planning? Why leave Vacuo alone for so long? Are they not needed in his plans? Or is there something that he is missing?
And with what has happened recently in Vale, the strain on Ironwood has grown immensely as he sent out more and more operatives to the other kingdoms to find any trace of Umbra. The attack on Vale couldn't have been just a random attack from the White Fang, but he couldn't prove anything otherwise. All he has to go on now, is HAVC's testimony and their latest prisoner…
And with a loud hiss, the sliding metal doors that led to the Command Bridge of the Olympus, opened. Ironwood turned to his coordinator and handed back her tablet.
"Forward the report to my office, I will examine it more thoroughly there," Ironwood ordered and with a nod followed by a quick bow, Amethyst inputted some commands into her tablet before standing behind Ironwood.
Ironwood stepping into the Command Bridge, reminded himself of the glory of Atlas. The pristine and orderly uniforms, the well organized and spaced out monitors showing all footage across the Olympus. Ironwood looked over his handpicked staff, composed of the best of both human and Faunus, working together efficiently.
"Command on deck!" A voice exclaimed and very quickly stood the soldiers, the technicians, and the airmen from their posts and saluted the general.
"At ease," General Ironwood dismissed, and like that, the Command Bridge staff returned to their stations.
"Amethyst, any luck with extracting any information from our prisoner?" Ironwood asked as he made his way to a catwalk overlooking the bridge, his hands behind his back as he looked over the various monitors.
"Nothing of note, sir," Operative Amethyst replied.
"I would like to see the Prisoner personally, once more," Ironwood said but then took in a deep breath. "But first…"
"Sir, the Council of Vale is ready and waiting for you on the line!" a technician said, as if right on cue.
While Ironwood took pride in his rank of General, a title that he had worked hard to earn, there was one of the responsibilities that he loathed the most: the politics.
"Positions everyone," General Ironwood commanded, and any remaining nonessential personnel stepped aside, as the windows that allowed the bridge a view of Vale, began to dim.
One by one, images of the Council members appeared all save one.
"General Ironwood, we thank you for answering our request to speak with you," One council member said, judging by the sound of his voice, the General thought him to be the eldest of the Council.
"And I thank you for forwarding any information regarding Roman Torchwick," General Ironwood said with a polite nod. "Especially those that you would rather not come to light."
"We trust that once you are done with those documents, that they are properly destroyed," the eldest councilor said. "Now, to the matter at hand…"
"Of course. In your message you had wanted an update on the investigation on the breach," General Ironwood replied, remaining stoic. "I regretfully report that I have nothing substantial to give you, aside from the obvious: The White Fang mounted an attack on Vale itself, using Mt. Glenn's initially presumed defunct train system."
"We know that much, General," another council member responded, unlike the elder, this one sounded much younger and much more impatient. "But do we have a motive?"
"Are you really asking for a motive from the White Fang?" Ironwood asked, doing his best to hide his incredulous tone. He was met with a stern silence from the Council.
"At best, from the White Fang members we managed to arrest, all we got was rhetoric and dogma," Ironwood continued. "Then we thought about casualties and calculated that they were mostly human. So, we hypothesis that the attack on this specific part of Vale was to hurt as many humans as possible."
"So, you expect us to believe that this is just a wanton attack on Vale, is that it, General?" A female Council member reiterated.
"It seems as much, yes." General Ironwood replied, "However if it means anything to the Council, there would have been far more casualties were it not from the on-site intervention of Team RWBY followed by the quick response from the Huntsmen-in-training from Beacon. As such, I would like to commend Team RWBY for outstanding service in the protection of Civilians." )
"We will not deny the importance of their intervention during the breach," the eldest councilor agreed. "However, it is no longer a secret at this point that the White Fang was behind the attack, so no point in trying to hide that now. So, it is best that their names be kept hidden from the public for their own protection. In the end, their line of work doesn't require recognition."
General Ironwood simply nodded.
"Speaking of Beacon and Team RWBY…" The female Councilor. "What of the other team that went into Mt. Glenn? Last I heard, they were in your custody and that you had released them. Why?"
"It was not my responsibility at the time to discipline the students, Councilors. I was not made head of security at the time and thought it best to allow Headmaster Ozpin to deal out any punishment," the General replied.
"I heard that a Ghost was leading them, is that right?" the youngest councilor asked.
"Yes, his name is-" General Ironwood began.
"Do not! Speak that name, General!" the eldest councilor interrupted. "That is the punishment placed upon their mother and father."
"Last I heard, he had done well in his duties as a Huntsmen," General Ironwood countered. "That at least deserves some recognition."
"He has been nothing but a nuisance," the youngest councilor hissed and General Ironwood heard an audible bang as the silhouette slammed his fist on his desk. "He disobeyed our commands to leave Clementine in Glendale and now undertakes unsanctioned missions on a whim. Control must be maintained for the good of the kingdom and he undoes all of that!"
"Calm yourself, councilor," the eldest commanded.
"I don't disagree," General Ironwood replied sternly but after a moment's silence, he relaxed. "However, I understand their desire to do good."
"It is precisely that mentality that started the Huntsmen Civil War, General," the eldest councilor said.
"Yes, but the only victims, in this case, would have been team HAVC, councilors," General Ironwood countered.
"Well I hope you were able to get some useful information out of them before you let criminals go free," the youngest councilor spat.
"Nothing important, Councilor," General Ironwood lied. "They were merely concerned for their schoolmates and went in after them."
"It is precisely that reason that we will hold off any judgment for this boy. However, considering his status as a Ghost and the history of his parents, we will keep a close eye on him," the female councilor replied.
"Are we going to forget that they stole school property?" the youngest Councilor asked with a scoff.
"I would use the word commandeering," General Ironwood replied.
"This is no time for jests, General!" The eldest Councilor snapped.
"I am not joking," General Ironwood replied.
"There is a reason why there are these rules in place in these institutions, General!" The eldest councilor continued. "Mistakes were made in the past that put the kingdom in jeopardy. These drastic measures for controlling and maintaining the Huntsmen Academies have been made necessary."
"Headmaster Ozpin has overstepped his boundaries," the female Councilor added. "Imagine the scandal if the children had died. All because Ozpin had a lapse in judgement to send first years to a mission intended for more senior students."
"Is this why you chose not to include him in our meeting?" General Ironwood asked. "Easier to talk about him behind closed doors than allow him to defend himself? He has always done well as Headmaster, despite his recent mistakes."
"Calling them mistakes would be an understatement," the youngest Councilor hissed.
"In all fairness, the children were the ones who managed to uncover the White Fang plot in Mt. Glenn, as well as being the ones to hold the line at the breach," General Ironwood countered. "Perhaps this blunder is a blessing in disguise."
"That is our decision to make," the eldest councilor replied.
"And is none of your concern!" The youngest councilor added.
"We thank you for your time, General," the female councilor continued. "We will take your input into consideration as we deliberate on how to deal with Headmaster Ozpin, and his position in the Council."
"If that is all, then I will take my leave then," General Ironwood replied and despite most of their features being blacked out, Ironwood could still notice a slight nod from the silhouettes as the connection was cut with a silent blink from the monitors.
Once again, light filled the command deck of the Olympus and allowed the crew a view of Vale once more.
"I admire your patience, General," Captain Frost commented as he stepped forward. "You would think that they would show more respect not only because they asked you for aid, but also because you hold a majority of power within the Council of Atlas."
"You would think that," General Ironwood repeated but then turned to face Captain Frost. "But then again, we are a guest in Vale. You would also do well to show respect to their governing body, just as you do me. No point in fighting with our allies when we have a greater enemy to deal with."
"Forgive me, General," Captain Frost lowered his head.
Ironwood dismissed him with a wave.
"Don't be, I understand the frustration. I dislike the politicking as much as you do but sometimes it is necessary," General Ironwood replied.
"Of course; you are a man of action," Captain Frost praised.
"And it's important to know when to take action," General Ironwood said, dismissing Frost but then beckoning Amethyst over to him. "With me, Operative Amethyst."
"Yes, General," the spec-ops coordinator replied as she followed behind him.
Without a word uttered between them, they both walked down the catwalk and descended the stairs to the floor with the Olympus' control monitors. At the end of the Olympus' bridge, was a set of doors that let them outside onto the deck of the ship. As usual, the soldiers would perform their duties ranging from the cleaning of the deck as well as their daily drills.
VTOLs and fighters were likewise kept here for servicing, with mechanics speaking with their pilots about the intricacies of their machinery.
Beside Ironwood, Amethyst then began to jot down a few commands onto her tablet.
"Calling for a Bullhead now, General," Amethyst said. "Destination: Cruiser Athens."
General Ironwood nodded his approval and as if the utterance had summoned it, a Bullhead flew overhead before landing right in front of the duo. The doors slid open, and General Ironwood sat in the cabin, followed by Amethyst and a pair of security personnel.
Aside from the initial start-up hiss of the engines before it exploded into a loud roar, the ride was quiet as they flew off.
"Amethyst, your tablet please," General Ironwood requested and Amethyst silently obliged as she handed it over for Ironwood to take.
Ironwood then looked over Ace-Ops' report once more in case he had missed something. Despite the quick scan of it earlier, he had managed to take in all of the relevant information. Indeed, there was nothing of importance in the kingdom of Vacuo as of right now.
Ironwood then shook his head, and accessed more files on Amethysts tablet, as he began to look over other reports he had read, in detail, in the past. Perhaps there was some sort of pattern he was missing in regards to Umbra and how his cabal operated. Those that work under him were carefully chosen by Umbra, and were those that Ironwood and his own allies had worked with in the past. Despite their prior knowledge of them, they knew how to hide their tracks well.
The only lead he had to go on was HAVC's testimony of what they saw in Mt. Glenn. The only thing that had saved them from arrest and expulsion from Beacon was a single name: Ash; but even then, it was not much to go on.
With a frustrated sigh, Ironwood handed the tablet back to Amethyst and crossed his arms as he began to ponder possible plans from Umbra. However, General Ironwood then noticed Operative Amethyst staring at him.
"Something the matter, Amethyst?" Ironwood asked.
"I was going to ask you the same thing," she replied. "You seem to have a lot on your mind."
"That tends to happen when you not only control the largest military force in the four kingdoms, but are tasked with safeguarding a festival meant to celebrate our peace," General Ironwood replied sternly.
"Sounds almost contradictory," Amethyst quipped.
"It is not," General Ironwood replied. "What's the old saying? 'Speak softly, and make sure you have plenty of Dust'?"
"Close enough, General," Amethyst said with a nod.
"Same concept," General Ironwood replied. "There is peace because we show our strength."
"As a warning?" Amethyst asked.
"As a way to show the people, not only of Atlas, but of the other Kingdoms that we are well protected against the tides of the Grimm." Replied General Ironwood, as he looked out towards Vale. There was a momentary pause before he addressed Amethyst again.
"But of course, I will admit, there is merit for displaying Atlesian strength as a warning to others," General Ironwood conceded.
"Are you referring specifically to the Mantle Restoration movement?" Amethyst asked.
General Ironwood took in a deep breath before replying.
"I didn't want to say it outright, but yes; I do not wish to see Atlas regress and repeat the same mistakes that Mantle had," General Ironwood continued as he furrowed his brow while he looked Amethyst in the eye.
"Mantle thought that they could free the world by stripping free will and originality. 'Talk like us; act like us; think like us,' was their philosophy. For everyone to follow one standard at all times. While I understand that the movement doesn't fully subscribe to Mantle's mantra, I feel their insistence on holding onto tradition holds us back," General Ironwood continued.
"I am sure you are aware of the other kingdoms' and Huntsmen Academies' criticism of your work and how you operate?" Amethyst asked, rhetorically.
"I simply give people the chance to prove themselves in their own way," General Ironwood answered. "I would say that is the opposite of Mantle mantra. Do you remember your life before I found you?"
"Forgive my choice of colorful words but I remember it like a bad dream," Amethyst said sternly, her eyes locked on Ironwood. "I can never fully convey my gratitude for the chance and the trust you gave me, General."
"Thank you for sticking by me, Amethyst," General Ironwood bowed his head. "I am grateful for your trust and strive to show that I am worthy of it."
"I know, General," Amethyst smiled. "However, I must ask: how do you plan to convince your detractors and critics? How do you plan to show the kingdoms and the Huntsmen academies the best way forward?"
"With one step forward at a time, Amethyst. Of course, the stubbornness of the other kingdoms is a bit of a hindrance but our alliance has so far yielded fruit, so I won't dwell too much on how the other kingdoms are operated," General Ironwood replied.
"Just as I think this push towards a more militaristic and industrial Atlas is best, they do what they think is best for their kingdoms. One of the many reasons why I admire Headmaster Ozpin and Headmaster Lionheart so much: their insistence on tradition. However, it wouldn't hurt to try and push them to a more optimal direction."
"Of course, General," Amethyst said and peered out the window. "Seems like we are almost there."
"Seems like it," General Ironwood said as he peered out the window a moment and took in a deep breath. "And Amethyst?"
She looked over at General Ironwood.
"While I enjoy our discussions, and your constant probing, I will have to ask that this particular topic be kept off the records," General Ironwood said, his gaze practically pierced her soul and while his words conveyed a request, Amethyst knew full well that it wasn't.
"Yes, General," Amethyst replied without hesitation. "Our conversation will not leave this cabin."
"Good," General Ironwood said, the cabin rocked as it touched down on the deck of the Athens and he swung open the cabin door as the security that was assigned to him was just about to. He was the first to step off the Bullhead but waited for Amethyst to likewise disembark before they both headed into the Athens.
"Are you sure you want me here for this, General?" Amethyst asked. "I will admit, I was not able to get anything out of the prisoner. He kind of got to me."
"Neither have I but we can't just stop," General Ironwood replied as he stretched out his hand, his palm open. "I assume you have received the requested information about Roman?"
Without uttering a word, Amethyst handed her tablet to the General with an affirming nod. Ironwood then opened the different files regarding Roman Torchwick and began to read over them as they walked over to the Athens' brig.
He found it interesting and also strange that the Council of Vale would go so far as to unofficially ghost Roman Torchwick, despite the fact that the news would still mention his name and image. Perhaps because he was never caught and therefor never given a proper trial. All that would change soon, however, but Ironwood wanted to try and wring any information out of him before handing him over to Valean authorities.
While looking at the provided files, it seems at first glance there is nothing noteworthy about Roman. His history suggested an early life of crime after his family fell on hard times after whatever wealth they had was lost in the failed project that was Mt. Glenn.
His earlier crimes ranged from petty theft and coercion and only grew as the years went on. Arson, grand theft, and even murder and most of it seemed to be committed on a whim.
Mentioned further in his files was mention of an accomplice that goes by the name of 'Neo Politan' but aside from her name, there were no other records of her. Could she be a ghost as well or someone born from the other kingdoms?
Then came the more gruesome details of their past crimes and it was one of the few times that Ironwood was grateful for his past combat experience. The descriptions of some of the murders committed would make most ordinary people's stomachs churn.
However, as he continued to read, he noticed a bit of a pattern with Roman's behavior.
"Hmmm," General Ironwood hummed.
"What is it?" Amethyst asked.
"Just the MO of the prisoner. After reading how he operates and how impulsive he can be, I believe I have a hunch," General Ironwood replied as he handed Amethyst her tablet back.
"Is it as bad as some people say?" Amethyst asked.
"About what you'd expect from any crook," General Ironwood said.
"And what about this hunch of yours?" Amethyst asked.
"I will tell you about it later, but first, I need to speak with him to confirm it. I don't believe he is the mastermind of the breach," General Ironwood finished.
Once inside the Athens, staff would salute one by one as General Ironwood passed by but once they reached the doors to the brig, he stopped.
"I want special arrangements for this meeting, Amethyst," General Ironwood said.
"It's your ship, we follow your command," Amethyst said with an affirming nod.
"Yes, and you know I want to do everything by the book but sometimes even I have to go against protocol," General Ironwood said, leaning towards Amethyst, his voice hushed.
Amethyst silently nodded and raised her tablet, ready to input any commands.
"I want everyone stationed in the brig to vacate. Leave only the knights but I want their ability to record their surroundings turned off," General Ironwood said, much to Amethyst's surprise as she hesitated before silently inputting the orders.
"You and I will be the only souls to enter until our business is concluded," General Ironwood finished and he stepped in front of the heavily monitored sliding doors, which was flanked by two armed guards.
With a salute, they both turned and reached into a pocket on their vests and pulled out security cards. With a swipe of each card, a loud thunk can be heard as the magnetic locks slid out of place, allowing the doors to slide open.
"Nobody goes in until the General is finished," Amethyst ordered.
"Yes, Ma'am!" The two guards replied.
The duo then entered the brig silently as any remaining human and Faunus staff quickly vacated, leaving only the knights. The inmates, mostly the White Fang members that were captured during the breached, stared at Amethyst and Ironwood, and he could feel the hatred burning in their eyes.
"You scared, Operative?" Ironwood joked.
"Not at all, General," Amethyst replied confidently. "If they really wanted to have a go at me, I am happy to oblige but it will only land them in the infirmary."
General Ironwood flashed a smile but it quickly disappeared as he began to count down the numbered cells, one by one, they got closer before they finally stopped in front of Torchwick's.
Amethyst signaled for two nearby Atlesian knights to come over and they both followed her orders and flanked the cell.
"General!" Roman said, with feigned glee. "So good to see you again! I thought you were never going to come by again! Oh, I do so miss our last discussion…"
"Business as usual, Roman," General Ironwood replied but then turned to Amethyst. "Open it."
"Sir?" Amethyst said, almost dumbfounded.
"Open it," General Ironwood repeated.
"But sir-" Amethyst protested but was stopped as she noticed Ironwood's intense tone. She then took out a keycard from her uniform and slid it over a control panel. It flashed green and the magnetic locks opened.
"I will be fine, Operative," General Ironwood said, his usual calm yet stern demeanor resurfaced as he reached forward and opened the barred metal door and stepped inside. Once inside, Ironwood slammed the door shut behind him, and the locks automatically slid closed behind him.
Behind him, Amethyst glared at Roman, her body coiled in preparation should Roman attempt anything hostile towards Ironwood. Almost forgetting the size of the General as he stood a head over Roman and practically took up most of the space in the cell.
"Wow! I did not expect this now!" Roman said with a smirk as he stepped back to give the General some room. "I guess this makes us friends, then! In that case, I would like to ask for a better cell with some access to natural sunlight. These dull bulbs in here really hurt my eyes…"
Ironwood stepped in front of Roman and towered over him, his arms crossed in front of his chest as he stood silently. All the while, Roman kept his smirk and then extended his hand.
"So, do we have an agreement?" Roman asked.
"I can make you a different one," General Ironwood replied.
"Oh? What can be better than what I am asking for?" Roman asked. "Really, the only thing that would be better is freedom. But I have a sneaking suspicion that you won't let me just walk out of here."
"I can protect you from whoever it was that hired you," General Ironwood said, to which Roman threw up his arms.
"Come now, General, this again?" Roman said as he sat back down casually on the bench in his cell. "Do you want me to write some affidavit for you?"
"I don't believe that you were the mastermind behind the breach," General Ironwood said, unflinching.
"Well, the way I see it, you really have no way of proving otherwise," Roman replied.
"I believe I can," General Ironwood continued as he clasped his hands behind his back and Roman sat quietly. "Based on your history, there was a certain pattern behind your crimes."
Roman sat back and brought up a leg over his knee, his arms rested on the lip of the backrest of the bench, his smile faded as he glared at Ironwood.
"Come on now, General," Roman mocked. "Tell me how much you know me."
"When you move forward to enact your crimes, you do so with force, oftentimes with brutal efficiency," Ironwood remarked as he paced the back and forth in the cell, not once breaking eye contact and all the while, curling his hand into a fist to accentuate his point.
"Sounds like you are giving me a compliment," Roman joked.
"Not quite," General Ironwood countered, his hands clasped behind his back once more. "I have come to realize that you are not the meticulous sort. Your crimes are done at random, seemingly on a whim; you don't plan your crimes and that much is clear from based on your MO."
"What can I say? I get bored and want to spice things up a bit," Roman dismissed with a shrug.
"You are an agent of chaos, Roman," General Ironwood pointed out. "Monetary gain is not your only motivating factor, it's just a bonus to go in to cause as much damage as possible."
"Well, you know what they say: 'find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life'," Roman quipped.
"Yes, but it was your decision to work with the White Fang is what continues to puzzle me," Ironwood continued. "You are not the freedom fighter type nor do you seem to really conform with their beliefs. Your treatment of them is obvious of that. Furthermore, after some in-depth investigating, you have been robbing a lot of Dust from anywhere you can get it. A lot of recent robberies of stores and shipments eventually lead back to you."
"Duh," Roman said as he rolled his eyes. "Blowing a hole that big into Vale requires a lot of firepower. Oh, and don't forget the Paladin I stole!"
"And I'm sure doing all of that was dull as hell for you, wasn't it?" General Ironwood said, dismissing Roman's attempts at humor. "Non-stop Dust robberies, helping a radical terrorist group and all the while, no freedom to perform your work or act on your base desires for chaos. It doesn't sound like you to go soft like that, especially for a man of your talents."
"Soft?" Roman exclaimed, tensing up as he leaned forward in his seat. "This is was, at best, a close call! If it weren't for those pesky kids, this attack would have gone on without a hitch, and Vale would have become the next Mt. Glenn! My name would have been everywhere!"
"Be thankful it wasn't or you would have been hanged by now!" Amethyst shouted, gripping at her tablet with one hand while she banged on the cell door with the other.
"Amethyst!" General Ironwood boomed, which cause her to flinch and she immediately lowered her head and stepped away from the cell.
"Eh, I guess you are right. Probably best that the plan did fail or else I would be Grimm chow by now," Roman said as he ignored Amethyst's comment. "So, I admit, I got sloppy in my job but I gotta count my blessings."
"That is precisely my point though," General Ironwood continued. "This isn't just your usual MO of causing chaos, this would have been the end for Vale. Why destroy the one thing that gives you purpose in life, your raison d'etre?"
Roman simply glared at Ironwood, and he knew that he must have gotten to him in one way, or another.
"Don't pretend like you know anything about me," Roman said.
"I am simply going by your MO, Roman," General Ironwood replied. "Aside from your history and mannerisms helping me in my investigation, I couldn't care any less about you or what reasons you have for doing what you do."
"So that's it then?" Roman asked, his calm and dismissive behavior surfacing again. "Just a list of my past deeds is all you have to go with?"
Roman couldn't help but shake his head and tsk at the General.
"I think this is an open-and-shut case, General! If anything, you might have just implicated me even more," Roman said with a chuckle.
"It's all I need," General Ironwood said, and just as Roman's calm demeanor resurfaced, Ironwood's faded as he stalked towards Roman, the mechanical cogs and gears whirred as he pulled his right arm back… Before letting loose a punch so quick, Amethyst didn't notice until she saw his fist, embedded into the wall down past his wrist right next to Torchwick's head.
All the while Roman sat calmly, unflinching, as Ironwood leaned forward until their faces were just inches from each other.
"Let's just say, my investigation has nothing to do with the breach and is kept off the record," General Ironwood said in a hushed tone, each syllable followed by an almost guttural growl; but all this only made Roman cock his brow at Ironwood.
"What do you want from me, General?" Roman asked. "I told you I was behind the breach. Most prosecutors would kill for a confession like that."
"It's no doubt that you were behind the breach, but you were not the mastermind and neither was the White Fang," General Ironwood replied. "You were nothing but a pawn in a much larger game. Put in place carefully to obscure the real planner of all of this and I know, that you know this. You are scared that if you didn't play along with their plans, they would kill you and I bet that if you were to be released, they would find you and kill you to get rid of loose ends."
Roman didn't answer.
"Here is my deal: I can offer you protection," General Ironwood continued. "All I want, Roman, is a name."
Roman leaned forward and whispered into General Ironwood's ear.
"Roman," Roman replied. "Torchwick."
General Ironwood took in a deep breath before standing straight once more, drawing his arm back and exposing the extent of the damage done to the wall. Pulling out and distorting the metal as he pulled out his fist, revealing the fist-sized hole and the few sparks of exposed wiring.
General Ironwood then turned to leave the cell, the cell door already unlocked and opened by Amethyst as he stepped up to it, closing behind him as he exited.
"So, what now?" Roman joked.
"The council of Vale has insisted that I hand you over to them after my investigation," General Ironwood replied as he fixed his gloves. "Seems like you have made quite a few enemies. Let them figure out what to do with you. However, knowing their history of punishments, they will most likely ghost you."
"Ah yes, the almost sadistic way of execution," Roman remarked. "They erase my existence and wash their hands of putting me to death themselves by sending me out to have the Grimm do it instead. Are you sure I am the bad guy here?"
"I would prefer to hang you for all the people to see," General Ironwood said as he gave Roman a glance before he shrugged and turned to Amethyst. "However, I am a guest in Vale, after all. So, it's not my decision to make on what to do with Valean citizens. Goodbye, Roman."
"With any luck, General, we will see each other again if they do indeed decide to ghost me," Roman laughed. "The slums of Vale are filled with them; I will fit in perfectly there."
"I believe you are right," General Ironwood quipped. "Trash like you does indeed belong there."
"Oh, general," Roman said as he shook his head. "You really haven't been to the slums, have you? Or maybe you don't want to see the other side of 'Vale's perfect reputation'?"
"We are done here, Amethyst," General Ironwood said, ignoring Roman's passing comment but then noticed something strange about one of the knights. He could have sworn he saw a red light blink on its visor, indicating that it was recording but once he got a closer look, its face was blank.
"Are you sure you had shut off all of the knights' abilities to record our conversation?" General Ironwood asked.
"I am certain of it," Amethyst replied.
"Not that I don't believe you, but just in case, I want you to recall all of the units present to have their memory banks checked," General Ironwood ordered.
"Yes, General," Amethyst replied. "Once the non-autonomous security return to their posts, I will recall them at once."
"Thank you," Ironwood said, still staring at the unit before walking back to the brigs entrance.
"You don't mind if I ask, sir: what this was all about?" Amethyst inquired in a hushed voice. "I believe I understand what you were trying to do, but all you did was further prove that Roman is guilty of terrorism, and even worse, treason."
General Ironwood took a moment to look around the brig. With no one, not even a knight within earshot, Ironwood took this opportunity to explain himself.
"Me, simply putting my hunch to the test," General Ironwood replied as he turned to face Amethyst. "I thought if I said it out loud, that it would make a lot more sense and now that I have, I believe that my hunch was correct. Do you remember the list of reports I had you, ace-ops, and Winter read?"
"Of course, I do," Amethyst replied. "A cabal of former Huntsmen who suddenly went rogue shortly after the Faunus Wars, burning down villages in Vale and Mistral, all led by a man named Umbra."
"I believe the mastermind behind the breach was one of the members by the name of Ash," General Ironwood confessed.
"Is this based on Team HAVC's eye witness account?" Amethyst asked in disbelief. "Forgive me General, but unless we actually managed to capture Ash, going off eye witness accounts is not enough."
"I know but this would fit Ash's MO," General Ironwood replied to which Amethyst brought her hand up to her chin and hummed.
"It could be possible, especially with his ability to manipulate others," Amethyst thought out loud.
"I understand your doubt, Operative," General Ironwood said as he placed a hand on Amethyst's shoulder. "I agree that it's not enough to go on, but after speaking with Roman, I am positive it is Umbra and his cabal that is behind this. I ask that you continue to put your trust in me."
"So far, I believe I can see where you are going with this," Amethyst replied, her voice tinged with doubt but she steeled herself, clicking her heels and saluting. "Thank you for confiding in me, General. Use me and the spec-ops however you want. We will get to the bottom of this."
"We will indeed," General Ironwood concluded as he went for the exit. "So, what is next on the agenda?"
"You don't want to take a break first, General?" Amethyst asked out of concern causing General Ironwood to stop in the middle of the doorway. "I can take over some of your duties if you want."
"In our line of work, Operative, there are no breaks," General Ironwood said as he turned to face her and flashed a smile.
Amethyst then replied with a nod and followed close behind.
0-RWBY-0
Sitting on the edge of her bed, Cinder was silently watching a live feed on her scroll. Thanks to Lisle's bug, she had managed to listen in on Ironwood's interrogation of Roman. Even she knew that his reasoning was faulty and would never hold water in a real investigation.
The failure at the breach was indeed a setback, but at least with Roman's silence, Cinder and her cohorts managed to get out of this undetected.
However, as their discussion ended, she noticed Ironwood peer into the visor of the knight she was controlling, and before he can get a good look, she shut off her remote access.
"Gotta hand it to Roman, when it matters most, he does not budge," Mercury commented, almost impressed by Roman's will.
"Simply because he knows what will happen if he talks," Cinder replied as she glared out the window and at the cruiser, Athens. "He is right in that he would have a better chance as a ghost than if he crosses us."
"So, what now?" Emerald asked, cringing at the plain black shirt and checkered skirt of Haven's uniform that she was forced to wear. "Just play as 'high school' students until the White Fang is ready to move?"
"We!" Cinder ordered as she approached Emerald, who turned and stood still, as Cinder examined her. "We will continue to do fulfill our part of the plan, and gather as much information as we can to assist the White Fang."
"Like what? Nothing here but soft kids all wanting to play the hero," Mercury countered, to which Cinder grinned and handed him his uniform and the sight caused Mercury to wince in pain. "Please, don't make me wear that."
"We have to play the part," Cinder replied.
Mercury shuttered and couldn't help but stare at the atrocity that was Haven's uniform.
"So, what kind of information do you want us to gather, Miss Cinder?" Emerald asked.
"Patrol patterns and the highest concentration of Atlesian security, for one," Cinder counted down as she likewise grabbed her own uniform. "Second, gather whatever information on Team RWBY as you can."
"Why them?" Emerald asked.
"While their meddling at first was nothing but a nuisance and could have been easily dismissed, their hand in stopping our plans for the breach has made them a problem," Cinder replied her eyes lit up fire-red.
"Why not just kill them and get it over with?" Mercury suggested.
"And draw attention to us?" Cinder hissed, her eyes beginning to flare. "I would sooner burn you alive, first."
Mercury then nodded and backed off.
"I think I know what you are going for, Cinder," Emerald replied, having finally fixed up her uniform so that it fits tightly. "You want us to get close to them."
"Exactly," Cinder replied, having finally calmed down but then took a moment to think. "Who was the girl again? The short one with black and red hair?"
"I think it was Ruby Rose," Emerald replied. "Why?"
"I remember a mention of her in Ash's journal," Cinder said and she extended her hand, beckoning Mercury to hand the journal that was lying next to him. Once he had given it to her, Cinder began flipping through the pages before stopping on a particular passage about a woman by the name of Summer Rose.
"I know what you are talking about," Emerald commented and peered over Cinder's shoulder to read the passage. "Something about a Ruby Rose being the daughter of a huntress he had killed. He had this weird fixation with her for some reason and something about a man named Qrow. Strange, unlike his other targets, he seemed to target them out of hate. Look, right there."
Emerald pointed at a particular sentence within the passage.
"Says here that he had killed Ruby Rose with the help of one of his underlings at Signal Academy, burning her alive…" Emerald read out loud, almost unable to finish.
"I swear something is not right with that guy," Mercury commented.
"This is what makes your stomach churn, Mercury?" Cinder asked, incredulously.
"Nah not really," Mercury said with a dismissive shrug. "You said we are here to change the world. What's one more dead kid in a world already filled with 'em?"
"Except this child is not dead," Cinder replied as she kept re-reading the passage. "Either coincidentally, there is another Ruby Rose, or Ash missed his mark."
"With someone as crazy as Ash, I really do wonder what his fixation with her was…" Emerald said.
Cinder ignored her, however, the voices of Emerald and Mercury eventually trailed off as she continued to read.
Summer Rose.
She had remembered Umbra once mentioning that name to her. About a woman that he and Ash had known long ago before setting out on their crusade to save the world.
"Hmm," Cinder hummed and slammed the journal shut.