As they approached, Winter nodded. "Your timing is excellent. We've just confirmed that we're prepared for takeoff. I trust you each are ready to depart immediately?" When they nodded, she turned and strode confidently forward, ascending the ramp of the Dropship on the landing pad.

"So...this is what we're flying, huh? Never seen one this close." Yang swept her eyes around the passenger hold, her gaze briefly lingering on where Ironwood and Penny were already seated, cracking a small smile as Penny waved at them.

"The Atlesian Dropship isn't typically seen outside of military use," Weiss explained, trying to match her sister's stride as they moved deeper into the ship. Winter took a seat to Ironwood's right, leaving the girls to sit across from them both.

"Atlesian Dropship? Not the most...creative name I've ever heard..."

Ironwood chuckled once. "You should have seen some of the names the design team submitted. Trust me, this one actually was the best."

The intercom crackled. "All passengers secured. Prepping for takeoff." Weiss shifted her weight as the ship began to ascend, adjusting herself to the tilting of the craft and concealing a smile at the way Yang nearly overbalanced. After a few seconds, the ship leveled out and the hum of the engines quieted somewhat. "We're locked in."

"Confirmed. We'll be going dark here, Sylvan. If something comes up, you know what to do."

"Yes, General."

Ironwood nodded and flicked a switch before turning back to the girls. "There. This is my personal Dropship; it's equipped with privacy sufficient for our needs."

Blake's eyebrow rose. "Do we need privacy, General?"

He nodded. "I'd like to clarify the details of our arrangement. And this seems like an excellent time to do so, unless you have other pressing matters during our flight." The fact that the comment could be serious made Weiss confront how strange her life had become. It was, theoretically, possible that they might have Dreamed during the flight...and General Ironwood was willing to concede the importance of those Dreams. She swallowed once.

"What did you have in mind, General?" Ruby idly played with the hem of her skirt. She, like the rest of them, had upgraded her wardrobe a bit on Weiss' suggestion; Atlas was cold, after all, and while Aura mitigated the discomfort it didn't eliminate it. It was only more important since they intended to head into the wastes; thus, the heavier clothing.

Ironwood drummed his fingers thoughtfully against his knee. "Originally I'd intended to employ you directly similar to another team, only you'd specialize against Salem and the Grimm. Obviously, that isn't the case any longer...but even so. Would I be wrong in assuming you're committed to fighting against Cinder and her allies?"

"Yes. She won't get away with what she's done." Belladonna's answer was immediate, but a single glance at the others' faces told the General everything he needed to know about their conviction.

"Good." He nodded. "Now, in my experience, negotiations are best served by determining what both parties need, followed by what they want. So, let me start: I need someone that can match Cinder and those like her. Someone capable of operating on the small scale, of being an ace to counter the enemy's own elite. Someone that can deploy anywhere, depending on where the enemy is weak or strong."

The girls before him glanced at each other. Then, Weiss spoke. "Very well. I think I can safely say that what we need...is information on the enemy's movements. As well as the resources to pursue them and the freedom to do so."

Ironwood felt himself smile slightly. "Then it seems our needs complement each other quite well."

Blake leaned back slightly, the slight turbulence of the flight not phasing her. "And our wants? What do you want out of this, General?"

"An apt question. To tell you the truth, there are a lot of things I wish. The opportunity to work more closely with Obsidian, to study the Frozen Flame further now that we understand its function..." He noted the way the girls tensed, and a glance to his left showed even Penny's face showing apprehension. Well. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. "However, circumstances being what they are...I can't afford not to have you in the field as much as possible. What I will ask for is your magical expertise." At their looks of confusion, he sighed. "Ozpin...was the only one of us who truly understood magic. At the time, we believed only the Maidens possessed it – and while that is obviously no longer the case, that fact only makes it more critical that we have someone capable of analyzing it."

Ruby looked thoughtful. "I wouldn't call any of us experts...except Obsidian. But between Blake and I, we could probably puzzle out most questions you have even if Obsidian couldn't answer for some reason."

"That's what I'd need. The better we understand the Maidens and how their abilities work, the better equipped we are to combat the enemy."

"We're getting ahead of ourselves. We haven't answered the question of what we want out of this yet." Weiss tapped her chin. "To be honest, it isn't something I'd considered."

"You may not be working for me directly, but the fact remains that you represent a powerful opponent for several of Salem's minions. Cinder most especially."

Yang shook her head. "I don't think we're fighting them to get paid, exactly."

He smiled thinly. "Of course. But I'm quite sure there are things you want that would make this significantly easier on you."

"Well..." Ruby chewed her lip. "I've been tinkering with some designs, lately, but the materials I'd need were too rare to be stocked at Beacon even before...everything that happened. If you were willing to supply me with a workshop and what I need, I could definitely do some upgrades..."

He nodded. "That's exactly the sort of thing I mean. Get me a list, Miss Rose, and I'll see what I can do. My ability to appropriate funds isn't unlimited, obviously...but there are many things a man in my position is capable of. Is there anything else?" Slowly, they considered the question. Only after they'd shaken their heads did he continue. "Then...to return to my original question. What do you make of the Maidens? What can you determine about them, from your own knowledge?"

Ironwood seeks information on the Maidens and their Mantles. You eagerly devoured information during your brief battle with Cinder Fall, and you spent much time in Ciel studying the nature of Soul Magic. Doubtless, your mortals will ask for your input, but how much information do you wish to share with Ironwood?