The Kybuck Clan Volume VII (RWBY X Star Wars)

Chapter Eight - Sparks

As the Kybuck Clan adjusts to being licensed Huntsmen, they become increasingly concerned with Ironwood's plan. They feared it would bring the kind of chaos that Darth Jadus desired. Lord Scourge was very vocal in his opposition to Ironwood, making the Atlesian General distrustful of the Sith Lord. The Kybuck Clan took the opportunity to train both their Lightsaber combat skills and their Force abilities. Professor Huyang and Lord Scourge monitor their training. 

Scourge: It seems that Jedi training has not changed much at all. 

Huyang: Perhaps. But it has served them well. 

Scourge: If they are to face Darth Jadus, then they must be prepared for anything, especially Katooni. 

Huyang: I can assure you that they will be prepared for when the time comes. I have instructed younglings for over a thousand generations, and these are among the best I have ever seen.

Scourge: Let us hope your right. There is much at stake. 

Huyang and Scourge looked on as the Kybuck Clan trained. Katooni was working on honing her abilities with Force Judgement while Petro continued to hone his skills in Ataru. Zatt sparred with Ganodi while Gungi sparred with Byph. As the Kybuck Clan continued to train, Ironwood approaches them. Everyone stops as they stand attention. 

Ironwood: I must say, your skills are quite formidable. Not even the Ace-Ops could perform at your level. You have have the potential to be exemplary Special Operatives. 

Katooni: We were trained to be keepers of the peace, not soldiers.

Ironwood: In times like these, peace keepers and soldiers are one and the same. They all work for the same goal. 

Zatt: But where does one end and the other begin? Is this occupation a peacekeeping mission? 

Ironwood: I don't like it as much as everyone else, but it's necessary. People are scared now, but they'll soon realize the good in what we're doing. 

Ganodi: But what about Mantle? The people down there are suffering!

Ironwood paused for a moment. He showed no sign of emotion on his face. He simply sighed. 

Ironwood: Everything we do here is essential in our fight against Salem. Once she is destroyed, we will rebuild. 

The Jedi of the Kybuck Clan didn't like Ironwood's answer. It seemed as if he saw the suffering as a necessity. It was a cold and calculated move that ignored the suffering of the people in Mantle. 

Ironwood: This is war. In war, sometimes you must do....unpleasant things in order to achieve victory. Both Salem and Darth Jadus will show no such kindness or compassion. Neither must we. 

Katooni: Our teachers taught us that when fighting monsters, we must take care to not become one. 

Ironwood: I shall leave you to your training. Keep up the good work. 

As Ironwood left, the Kybuck Clan were left disturbed by Ironwood's willingness to allow people to suffer in the name of victory. 

Petro: I think this fight is getting to him. 

Gungi: <This...this is wrong! We can't allow the people of Mantle to suffer!>

Zatt: This could put us in a very dangerous situation. If this conflict escalates, who knows what General Ironwood will resort to. 

Byph: Do you really think General Ironwood would resort to....killing innocent people?

Zatt: I honestly don't know. There's no way of really knowing. But if does go bad, Darth Jadus will no doubt benefit from this. 

As Zatt said this, a sense of uneasiness falls on the Kybuck Clan. Ironwood's cold and callous tactics deeply troubled them. It wasn't long before Scourge and Huyang approached them. 

Huyang: Is something troubling you? We saw General Ironwood. 

Katooni: We....we're not sure if we can trust him. 

Scourge: A reasonable line of thinking. General Ironwood is a fool. 

Petro: It's worse than that. He's doesn't seem bothered about Mantle's suffering. He knows people are suffering down there and he's not doing anything about it. 

Scourge: Under normal circumstances, these tactics would be acceptable. But in this situation, this level of suffering and misery is exactly what Darth Jadus wants. His madness will be Atlas's downfall. 

Katooni quickly realized just how dangerous the situation was. As a Jedi, she couldn't stand behind Ironwood's tactics which was causing suffering to the people of Mantle. She also knew that this suffering and fear was exactly what Darth Jadus wants. 

Katooni: This situation takes us to a dark place. We must take great care. 

Scourge: Ironwood is exactly the kind of fool Darth Jadus benefits from. While I am certain Ironwood is no agent of Jadus, Ironwood does Jadus's bidding through his actions.

The idea of Ironwood inadvertently serving Darth Jadus was a troubling aspect for the Kybuck Clan. 

Scourge: Continue your training. I would like a word with Ironwood. 

The Kybuck Clan continued to train under the supervision of Huyang while Lord Scourge walked into Ironwood's office. 

Ironwood: Scourge. Is there something you need?

Scourge: You and I both know of what Darth Jadus is capable of. Your actions here will only make him stronger. 

Ironwood: I'd best watch my tone if I were you. I know what you are, Sith. 

Scourge showed no sign of concern in the face of Ironwood's threats. He clutched his fist and one of the windows in his office began to crack. 

Ironwood: Is there a point to this tantrum?

Scourge: You would be wise to alter your course. Otherwise, Darth Jadus will burn Atlas with ease. 

As Scourge left Ironwood's office, Ironwood grew more and more distrustful of the Sith Lord. That distrust was soon extended to the Kybuck Clan as the threat of both Salem and Darth Jadus loomed ever so large on Atlas.