Professor Arc

Chapter 55

"I did what had to be done." General Ironwood slammed his hands down on the table. "I did what was required!"

"Yes, and all of Vale now knows it," Ozpin said, letting his newspaper fall atop the desk. The headline was stark, the words 'Atlas arrests Arc' written across the top. It also included a lovely little piece from Lisa Lavender pointing out that the action, particularly since it was carried out by the Atlas military, could be considered an aggressive move between Kingdoms. "Congratulations, James. You've caused an international incident."

"I have done nothing of the such. I have invoked some much-needed order on the chaos you allow."

"Truly?" Ozpin rose and strolled to the window, looking out of it. "It's interesting to see that your definition of 'order' forces us to postpone the festival for another day, or that your definition of it involves my students in a standoff with your military." Ozpin turned around to face his old friend. "Is this how you do it in Atlas? I really must take lessons."

Ironwood's teeth clenched together, enough so that a faint grinding sound could be heard. "That is not my fault," he said. "My men are doing what they are required to do. Your students on the other hand are acting completely out of line. I've had to order mine back to their ships, just to avoid any kind of altercation!"

"What did you expect, James? Mr Arc was popular among the students and staff alike. You can't possibly think attacking and arresting him would have gone down well."

"He's a criminal!"

"Allegedly," Ozpin countered. "There has yet to be a trial, and I have yet to see any evidence from you." His eyes narrowed. "There will be a trial, will there not?"

"Of course there will. What do you take me for?"

"An impetuous man," Ozpin said, "but not a cruel one. I trust it will be a trial held on Valean soil as well. After all, with this debacle here, I'm sure the last thing you need are further accusations of meddling with our people."

"It won't be held until after the festival. There's not the time for it and the situation is too politically charged."

Ozpin's eyes narrowed. "Is that your goal, James? Keep him locked away until such a time you feel it safe to release him?"

"If he's innocent, he has nothing to fear. He will be released after the festival, with but a few weeks lost. If he is guilty, however, then I save thousands of lives by not allowing his plan to come to fruition when we are distracted by this event." Ironwood crossed his arms and scowled down at the headmaster. "Don't tell me you're not even concerned, Ozpin? The boy arrived conveniently close to the arrival of the maiden – and then quickly aligned himself with Nikos, to the point where he has influence over her. This could have all been a ploy to take control of the maiden's powers."

"Or," Ozpin said, "it could be paranoia. Perhaps he was simply doing his job, the job I gave him."

"You won't say that when-"

Whatever Ironwood was to say never left his mouth, for the door slammed open and both men winced as the most terrifying woman in the Academy stormed into the room. Ozpin quickly looked between Glynda, eyes alight with fire, and his old friend. He sat down and pointed to Ironwood, instantly throwing him under the bus.

"James," she snapped. "I woke up this morning to find an interesting mistake written in the newspaper. I thought I'd come see you in person to ensure you iron this out." The look in her eye said a non-answer would be met with immediately fatal force. Ironwood, General of Atlas, winced and wished he could be anywhere else.

"It's not a mistake."

"As I thought." Glynda scowled at the General. "What nonsense is this then, James? What have you arrested my colleague for?"