Everything Stays: Frederic Scorch X Yang Xiao Long

Regrouping

Southern Sanus

Skove Region of Vale

67 Days since Atlas Fell

The Second Fleet of Atlas moves around the city of Sten. Vale and Atlas soldiers patrol the walls of the city, armaments in position to fire at the surrounding airspace and ground. A few more troopers in position out and around different locations as trenches and spikes align the city for what looks like miles. On a massive carrier, Ironwood, Qrow, Mason, Glynda, Isaac, Winter and Clover are all with one another.

Ironwood: What are our standings?

Isaac: Bazaar is currently helming Mistral's response fleet along with the third and fourth attack fleets.

Mason: Evie is with him. Ignis PI and Mistral Council are doing what they can to prepare a swift launch.

Clover: An attack like that may not be the best option.

Mason: You tell that to them.

Ironwood: We don't have a choice. The Coalition failed. We'll be lucky if we can even gather more support for continued war. Which is most likely out of the question.

Glynda: While I don't want to be in agreement, James is right. The Vale Council is already shattered from Beacon, now the entire kingdom is under threat from Salem and her armies, not just the capital.

Qrow: What about the outside towns? We can gather support from there.

Isaac: Local militias won't be too keen to join up with the kingdoms. Especially after a failed defense of Atlas and the attack on Vytal. That much damage all done within two months isn't going to be giving anyone favors of hope.

Clover: Still, we have to try something.

Winter: What is there to try out? Her mobile fortress is gone. The lamp in her possession with a single question left, her forces still free, her army just as strong.

Clover: We have two things she doesn't. Three technically.

Mason: And those are?

Isaac: A maiden, a relic, and a magic-user.

Clover: It's just a matter of figuring out all the abilities of the staff.

Qrow: And making sure Fria has her successor ready.

Qrow turns over to Winter. As does Isaac, Ironwood, Glynda, and Clover. Winter takes a half step back and raises her arms a little.

Winter: I...I'm not-

Qrow: Winter.

Winter stops herself and looks over to Qrow.

Qrow: It's time. Choices don't matter anymore. Not when life or death is on the line.

Winter slowly took a deep breath. There is fear and worry all over her face. She takes another deep breath and stands up straight. She nods at Qrow and the two turn to face Ironwood. Ironwood nods back to them and Qrow, Winter and Isaac walk out of the ship's grand office. Ironwood walks over to a window and looks out.

Mason: What about Vacuo? What about Menagerie? You know the chieftain will want us to enact a response to defend his people.

Ironwood: I'm aware. But we don't have the sizable fleet to defend the whole island.

Glynda: So, what are we going to do about it?

Ironwood: I...I don't know. I really don't know at this point.