Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Shadows of the Force. Enjoy the 2000-word chapter. I don't own RWBY and Star Wars. Monty Oum, Lucas Films, and Rooster Teeth do.
(Vale Embassy, Vale, Remnant 12:40 PM)
Drifter greeted both Lerek and Blake as the gunship soared off to join the republic forces. Several clones pulled battle droids behind them, delivering them to the 'Atlesians' to see what they were up against.
"I thought they said they didn't need me," Lerek stated as the trio passed dozens of clones and Vale police.
"I guess they're curious about the fight right on their shores." Lerek heard from Drifter as he brought a hand up to his temples.
"Politicians have a harder job than either of us, commander," Lerek muttered as they passed inside.
"Are those clankers?" Lerek heard from his clones as they walked inside. "So, the people we're talking with have an army of droids?" One of the clones asked as Blake went to speak.
"Clones hate droids a LOT, I'm guessing?" Blake questioned as both Lerek and Drifter nodded.
"Not all droids, just combat models, ma'am." Drifter stated while Lerek smirked. "What, sir? She's one of the few people able to keep you on track. Anyone who can fight clankers as well as us? Their part of the 307th in my book." Drifter said and watched Lerek rub at his temples.
He looked at what looked similar to a battle droid, it held a blue screen-like face instead of any facial features. They looked more humanoid than B1s and held a blaster-like weapon. If these were the soldiers of Atlas? Then he had a feeling their militaries were going to be at odds if a battle occurred.
"And now we have android-like forces on Vale's shores?" Lerek heard as both Blake and Lerek entered the room. "Hmm…" He heard before the Arkanian Jedi crossed his arms.
"You must be General Zun." Lerek heard from the human on the far end of the table. "I believe both you and General Kenobi are commanders of these 'Republic' soldiers around here? I'm General Ironwood of the Atlesian military and part of the Atlesian Council." The man stated as Lerek nodded.
He and General Ironwood stared at each other, both military officers seeming to analyze the other. He looked at the human who wore a white overcoat which he guessed was part of the officer uniform along with a black sweater, a white glove over his right hand. Lerek noticed a metal strip on his head which Lerek questioned if it was from a battle. The man's white and sliver pants and boots all made him guess white was a VERY common color in the kingdom.
The similarly dressed woman next to General Ironwood told him as much. She looked like a high-ranking official just like Drifter.
"Yes, I am General Lerek, commander of the republic's 307th legion," Lerek said as he and Blake took their seats. "I couldn't help but overhear you discussing the separatist forces me and my troops along with Ms. Belladonna here engaged," Lerek said while he tented his fingers under his hands.
"These 'Separatists', are droids similar to the Atlesian military, yes?" Professor Ozpin questioned which got a nod from Bail, Lerek, and Drifter.
"The majority of their forces are made up of combat droids, just like our military employs cloned soldiers." Bail stated as Obi-Wan decided to speak up.
"Master Zun, I heard from Commander Cody you recently recovered a tactical droid commanding their forces?" Obi-Wan asked which got a nod.
"Indeed, I'm currently having it decoded by our technicians, Master Kenobi," Lerek responded as he turned to Blake. "Ms. Belladonna could confirm that…" Lerek added while placing his head in his hands.
"I'm going to hope that you plan on sharing this information after this," Ironwood said as both Lerek and Obi-Wan shared a look. "These separatists seem to pose a threat to the rest of the Remnant," Ironwood said which got a hum from the duo.
"Yes, they are. I don't suppose Atlas has spaceworthy warships, however?" Lerek asked, raising his eyebrow. "We've been engaging them dozens of times where we come from," Lerek stated as he hummed to himself.
"Your military is capable of transporting soldiers across space?" Ironwood questioned as both Lerek and Obi-Wan shared a nod which got him to blink. "And the separatists also have this capability. That gives them access to any part of the planet, you must be aware of this, yes?" Ironwood asked before Obi-Wan spoke up.
"We are aware of the dangers of letting the separatist army roam across Remnant, general," Obi-Wan stated as Lerek nodded in response. "And that is up to the senate. We may share information as I am aware Ms. Belladonna and Master Zun here have done. But I must tell you? As both Jedi and generals? We ultimately do not have the political standing to choose outside of military actions." Obi-Wan added while Lerek tented his fingers under him.
"With all due respect, General?" Lerek asked towards Ironwood and sighed. "I still have soldiers to bury and a eulogy to give to several soldiers who just held off a droid battalion… What exactly requires my direct need to be present here? I am NOT the overall commander of republic forces, only the 307th, and its support and reserve units." Lerek added as he sighed and laid back in his chair, curious as to what was going to occur.
While Lerek was NOT a very good politician? He was good at military warfare and reading people. He watched Ironwood lean forward, heavily suggesting that he intended to deploy military units if he had to…. Considering Vale was its kingdom, however? The act of deploying troops to here? It would come off as an invasion at worst.
"I request a copy of the data when this is over with, general." Lerek heard from Ironwood. "I do NOT wish to be an enemy with the Republic, but the kingdom of Atlas will defend itself if it has to," Ironwood stated as Lerek hummed before rolling his eyes a moment later.
"General? If I was here to conquer Remnant? I'd have used the fleet to reduce Vale to ash." Lerek said and leaned back in his chair. "The only reason I remain on Remnant currently? Is both to direct the 307th's efforts in keeping the city of Vale protected currently. It is that, and both because of this meeting." Lerek stated as Ozpin cleared his throat.
"Ms. Belladonna, how has Lerek's company been so far?" Ozpin questioned as Blake was silent a minute. "I imagine both of you have had quite an adventure to tell at the end of the day, yes?" Ozpin asked before the Arkanian and Faunus shared a look.
"He's a very compassionate person… Who cracks jokes during battles?" Blake questioned with a smirk as Drifter chuckled.
"Jedi have a peculiar sense of humor, ma'am." Drifter said as Lerek paused to look at her.
"Your pretty good for someone who cracks jokes just as much," Lerek said before he turned to Ozpin. "I rather enjoy Blake's company if I can be informal… She's a good friend to have if you were told to have her talk to me? Then I think that was a choice I'm good with." Lerek stated while he slowly started to think about what happens next at the moment.
Ozpin looked between both Lerek and Blake. He could see the buds of a bond starting to bloom at the time. Both were starting to think about what would occur doing this meeting. It wasn't like they didn't have business here.
"Drifter? I think you should go sweep the area with the rest of the men. There should still be droids for you to scrap." Lerek stated to Drifter who turned to leave.
"Winter? Take a unit and sweep the area, show me what these droids are like." Ironwood ordered Winter before Winter nodded and moved towards the door.
Lerek slowly turned back to Ironwood and the rest of the council. Bail decided to speak up, acknowledging that both Atlas and the Republic would have more work to get through.
"What are your terms for us to work with, General?" Bail questioned as he tented his fingers. "I believe considering General Zun was the one to contact Headmaster Ozpin and Ozpin is part of the Vale council?" Bail asked while looking towards the Vale council.
"Yes, I believe it would be better if Mr. Zun focused on Vale's affairs," Ozpin said, tapping his cane on the ground. "While Mr. Organa will handle the primary negotiations? I believe due to Mr. Zun's involvement in the affairs of Vale? Along with his growing bond with Ms. Belladonna? He has more involvement in our kingdom than the entirety of Vale at the moment." Ozpin added while he slowly sat up.
"Then may I please be excused for today?" Lerek asked as he turned to General Ironwood. "As a show of trust? With Senator Organa's permission? I will transfer a copy of the data to both Vale and Atla's custody. If the separatists spread outside Vale? That data could be vital." Lerek said and turned to Bail who gave a nod.
"I believe it would be best if we retire for today," Ozpin suggested and turned towards Bail. "I suggest focusing upon the battle currently, that droid army is a FAR more dangerous threat. We all have much to reflect upon." Ozpin added as he tapped on the ground once again.
"Fine, we have more pressing concerns anyway," Ironwood stated as he sat up and began his walk toward the door.
"Well, now I have to get ahead of the curve." Lerek joked with a hum as he slowly pushed himself to his feet a moment later.
"I look forward to what tales you and Ms. Belladonna share next, Mr. Zun," Ozpin said with a smile before vanishing.
"I swear I hear 'Mr. Zun' again?" Lerek asked as he closed his eyes and crossed his arms. "I'm going to scream. I'm 17, not 120." Lerek said as Blake giggled.
"Yes, Mr. Zun." Blake joked and watched the Arkanian sigh.
"You're a horrible friend," Lerek said before both started towards the courtyard.
"I'm your ONLY friend outside your army." Blake snarked as Lerek rolled his eyes.
"This coming from the reclusive bookworm I've heard your team mention?" Lerek questioned and got an elbow to the ribs from the Faunus which caused him to chuckle.
"Do you intend to give them that data?" Blake asked while Lerek shrugged.
"I don't know what's on it," Lerek responded and watched a LAAT begin to descend towards them. "Their commander is a lot of things, but she's not stupid. I have to figure out if it's not a trap, or false info meant to throw me off." Lerek said, wiping off his cloak.
"Everything is military work in your book, huh?" Lerek heard Blake's question which got a shrug a moment later.
"No, but right now? I kinda have to have it be like that." Lerek pointed out and shook his head.
Today had been exhausting, Lerek was sure tonight would be nothing but military meetings, constant calls from his squads out in the field. Lerek was well aware of what today would demand from him.
He turned to Blake who was wrapped up in her world and thoughts. The Arkanian was going to talk with her later.
"Hey, Blake?" Lerek asked with a smirk. "How about a spar for some training?" Lerek questioned.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! I want to point out that action scenes will exceed 900-6500 words. If Grammar Nazi reads this? I am trying to improve; I thank you for the advice. The next chapter will be 2-10 months later and will show a duel between Blake and Lerek and more bonding along with setting up another battle and conflict with Roman and the White Fang. Until then,