Screw It, I'm Going Out to Find It!

Chapter XII: Planning

Ironwood was, for lack of a better term, furious. There were, of course, various reasons for this — the majority stemming from recent events. First and foremost was the entire part of the goddamn word he was unaware of. While he would never use such phrasing to the public, he felt nothing else was more fitting for such. He, an esteemed general and political figure in his country, studied in foreign affairs for years, was completely oblivious to a section of the world that, according to Ozpin, might dwarf the rest of remnant.

Initially he demanded why Ozpin had not told him sooner. You would think that a section of the planet with a populace to rival any given kingdom would be vital information — and compared to everything else Ozpin had divulged, he felt this wasn't much to ask for. He had delivered these points and many more, almost preparing a presentation for the man out of pure spite. Then came Ozpin's response. That he had forgotten and felt it was trivial — and there was that. He added something about little communication with that side of the world — an explanation as to why he was ignorant of Qrow. That did nothing to quell Ironwood's anger. According to Ozpin, when it came to world changing geography, it was trivial; when it came to a few students going rogue, it was worthy of leaving his position at Beacon.

Let it be known that James Ironwood was not of that mindset. Another, smaller, ire was how Ozpin tried to drag him into this grand chase. He had responsibilities, dammit! Hell would freeze over before a bunch of delinquent students forced his hand into a goose chase around the globe. Yet Winter had agreed.

That was his second greatest anger at the moment. Two of his most reliable specialists were now vacant from their duties. Winter had claimed to have a responsibility to the marines and needed to watch over her sister. He could at least empathize with that. It still vexed him, and he did not see their ultimate goal as worth it, but he could understand. On the other hand, Specialist Clover had disappeared with the suspicious students he was supposed to be watching. Now, Ironwood wasn't one to be overly suspicious, especially of those he trusted. But while Clover had been loyal for years, he had just learned that Qrow betrayed Ozpin. The implications weighed on his mind, but he prayed he was wrong.

Next came the politics. Just like everything concerning his friend, they were always a hassle to deal with, but now he was presented with relations to a new government. While others might have seen it differently, the general would say it had been a shit show. His first meeting with one of their highest ranking men was about recruiting four girls, only one of which was related to his own kingdom. Not to mention the embarrassment of one being missing at the time. Even then, he felt more like a trophy on display than a member of that meeting. It was just a way for Ozpin to show his connections and that Atlas was an ally.

Due to this, he had made the decision to send over blueprints for a CCT tower. Atlas had kept that secret close to them for a long time, insisting on building the towers themselves in the other kingdoms. That seemed hardly possible with the distance and geography of the Grand Line. It would be far too expensive to transport the materials and the men. From there, asking them to provide their own felt rude, so he reluctantly parted with the plans as a means to let them build one on their own terms. Then they had been stolen.

Added to the White Fang, he did not feel ashamed when he pulled the whiskey bottle out of the bottom of his desk. Not for the first time, he dreamed of wishing his troubles away.

There was a knock on his door. After calling them in, Ironwood was met with one of his lieutenants saluting him. "Sir, Adam Taurus is dead." His glass was set gently down on the table. Now, what else should he wish for?

***

Dove felt like crying. This was more than cruel, torture beyond what should be allowed. Sky was openly weeping and Russel looked numb. Coco, for one, was getting fed up with it all. When one of Sky's louder wails started up again, she smacked the back of his head.