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Chapter 17: Pacific Rim, Part 2

"The Kaiju are learning our defenses." Ozpin's disembodied voice said, "They're adapting. Evolving. And we're losing Jaegers faster than we can build them. Kuroyuri, Kuo Kuana, Mantle. Category 4 Kaijus are now coming through the Breach. I think even you can see, General, this is no longer the most sound strategy." Ironwood stood before a wall of monitors, each one bearing the face of a diplomat. He was flanked by Taiyang on one side, and Nora on the other.

5 YEARS LATER

WESTERN SOLITAS BASE- CLOSING DAY

"The frequency of the attacks has increased." Ozpin continued, "The Jaegers are not the most viable line of defense anymore."

"Pfft, not the most cost effective he means." Winter scoffed. "This is why I can't stand politicians."

"What do you mean?" Weiss asked her.

"The war isn't going their way, and they don't want to pay for something that can't be guaranteed."

"They'll give up instead of taking the risk." Blake finished. She understood the reasoning, not just from her novels, but from her time in the White Fang.

"I am aware." Ironwood spoke up. "Those are my Rangers that die every time a Jaeger falls, which is why I'm asking you for one last chance, one last assault with everything we've got- "

"Listen to me!" Lionheart said, "The Jaeger program is dead, General. On the other hand, the Coastal Wall program is a promising option."

"They think a wall will keep out gigantic monsters from what might as well be the very depths of hell?" Sun laughed. "I think I agree with Big Sister Schnee. These guys are pansies."

"The world appreciates everything you and your men have done, but it's over." Ozpin said, "We will authorize you to take all remaining Jaegers to the last battle station: Atlas. We're prepared to fund you for the next eight months, while the Coastal Wall is completed. After that, you'll receive no further support."

"You have your answer, General." Glynda said. One by one, the screens winked out, leaving the trio alone with their thoughts.

"So, what? That's it? We're done?" Nora asked, rage evident in her voice.

"Suits and ties and flashy smiles. That's all they are, Jimmy." Taiyang said, knowing what his old friend was thinking. Ironwood took a pill from a small metal case and swallowed it.

"We don't need 'em." He said with determination.

"This is a side of James I can like." Glynda commented.

"I should hope so, you've only ever seen him as an administrator and a politician." Winter said, "You've yet to see why he became a general of the Atlas military."

A whistle blew over a construction site in a frozen tundra.

'WALL OF LIFE'

SITKA, SOLITAS- 50 MILES WEST OF MANTLE.

A nearby sign read "Solitan East-West Anti-Kaiju Wall". The estimated time of completion was graffitied over with the word 'NEVER'.

"Ration cards, guys!" a foreman called out, gathering the men and women, human and faunus alike, around him. Jaune was among them. He looked much the same, save for the slight stubble of a beard on his face and the muted glint in his eyes.

"Ration cards?" Ruby asked.

"During times of war," Winter explained, "All things must be rationed in order to avoid a crippling shortage. Food, water, fuel, everything is strictly managed by the state."