Jaune Arc stood in the familiar setting of Ozpin's office, his gaze drawn to the airships outside, each one an imposing silhouette in the overcast sky. The fleet of Atlas ships had been arriving steadily throughout the morning, their cold metal bodies cutting through the clouds like an unwelcome harbinger. The distant hum of their engines seemed to vibrate the very air around Beacon Academy. Jaune could almost feel the tension in the room as he stood beside Headmaster Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch, both of them just as focused on the arrival of the fleet as he was.

"General Ironwood doesn't exactly know how to keep his work separate from his public persona," Ozpin said, his voice calm as he adjusted his glasses, peering at the airships below. "You'd think, after all these years, he'd learn."

Glynda crossed her arms tightly, her jaw set in frustration. "He has a military fleet on standby outside my school, Ozpin. I can't say I'm thrilled by the thought of it."

Jaune shifted uneasily, trying to gauge the tension between the two. He had seen both sides of the coin with Ironwood—one as a respected general, and the other as a man whose cautious nature sometimes bordered on paranoia. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, and Jaune, though he had a certain admiration for Ironwood, knew how out of place a military presence at Beacon felt, especially with the upcoming Vytal Festival.

"You both know that Ironwood's tactics come from a place of concern," Jaune remarked, speaking up for the first time since entering the office. "He's trying to keep us safe, even if his methods are a bit… intense."

Ozpin's gaze shifted to Jaune, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That's true, Jaune. His concern is never misplaced. But even the best intentions can have unforeseen consequences."

Before Glynda could respond, the door to the office opened with a loud creak, and in walked General James Ironwood. His presence immediately filled the room—a towering figure clad in his customary overcoat, gray undercoat, and silver boots. His right hand glinted with the white glove he wore, an iconic feature of the man that Jaune had come to recognize in their interactions over the years.

"Good to see you, Ozpin," Ironwood said with a warm but professional tone, stepping forward with a firm handshake. "And Jaune, I wasn't expecting you to be here. Still working alongside Ozpin, I take it?"

Jaune nodded respectfully. "That's right, General."

Ironwood's eyes crinkled with the hint of a smile as he clapped Jaune on the back, his presence as commanding as ever. "You know, the offer to join the Ace Ops is still on the table, Jaune. You've proven yourself time and time again, and I could use someone like you on the team."

Jaune's face tightened slightly. "I appreciate the offer, General, but I've got my own mission to see through right now."

Ironwood's smile faltered for just a moment, but he didn't press the matter. Instead, he turned toward Ozpin, his expression serious as he addressed the situation at hand.

"The fleet's here for a reason, Ozpin," Ironwood said. "You know the state of the world. I couldn't sit idly by while tensions rise. We may be living in a time of peace, but I don't trust that peace will last. I had to bring the fleet to Vale—it's the only way to ensure our protection."

Ozpin's expression softened as he listened to Ironwood's concerns. "I understand your reasoning, Ironwood, but Beacon Academy is a school, not a military base. The presence of your fleet, while well-intentioned, sends the wrong message, especially with the Vytal Festival just around the corner. A celebration of peace among the kingdoms… A military presence is at odds with that sentiment."

Ironwood's jaw tightened, his hand resting on the back of a nearby chair. "I don't disagree with you, Ozpin. But there are things happening in the world that we can't ignore. Qrow Branwen's warning is not something we can brush off. There's danger on the horizon, and I need to be prepared."

Ozpin's gaze turned steely as he interrupted, "If what Qrow said is true, then we must handle it with caution, Ironwood. We can't simply resort to displays of force without understanding the full picture. We've seen where that leads, haven't we?"

The tension in the room thickened, and Jaune could feel the weight of their words bearing down on him. The situation was more complicated than it seemed, and the growing sense of unease among them all was palpable. Jaune was no stranger to war, but the implications of what Ironwood was suggesting weighed heavily on him. War was never something they could afford to take lightly, and Ozpin was right to advocate for a more measured approach.

Ironwood's gaze grew somber as he stood at the window, looking out at the fleet below. "I know you're right, Ozpin. But I've seen what's coming. I can't afford to wait until it's too late. The world is changing, and I need to be ready."

Ozpin nodded slowly, his tone grave. "And so do we, Ironwood. But let's hope it never comes to that."

Ironwood gave a tight nod and moved toward the door, his posture still as rigid as ever. Before he exited, he paused, casting one last glance back at the two men in the room. "Do you truly believe that your students can win a war, Ozpin?"

Ozpin's eyes softened as he leaned back in his chair, contemplating Ironwood's question. "I hope we never have to find out, Ironwood. But if the time comes, we'll face it together."

Ironwood's lips pressed into a thin line, then he exited, leaving Ozpin and Jaune alone in the office once more. The room felt quieter after Ironwood's departure, as if the weight of his words had lingered in the air like smoke.

Jaune sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Things are definitely heating up, aren't they?"

Ozpin's gaze was distant, his thoughts obviously turned inward. "Indeed, Jaune. We must be vigilant, but we must also protect the peace we've fought so hard to preserve."

Jaune nodded, though his thoughts were far from peaceful. He was no stranger to the dark side of the world, but what was coming seemed different—more dangerous, more widespread. The weight of his mission felt heavier with each passing day, but for now, all he could do was continue forward, one step at a time.

"I'll go meet up with my team in the library," Jaune said, his voice quieter than usual.

Ozpin nodded. "That's a good idea. Let your teammates help you focus on the present, Jaune. It will be a difficult road ahead, but you're not alone in it."

Jaune gave a small smile, though it was more of a reflex than a true expression of confidence. He turned and walked out of Ozpin's office, his thoughts clouded with uncertainty. The world felt like it was on the edge of something—something he wasn't sure he was ready for.

But he didn't have a choice. He had to keep moving forward.