The Cold Protocol (Male Sith Reader X Union Academy x Star Wars)

Chapter 112: One Step Closer

Henry and the Ace Ops had returned to Unity City and Union Academy but there was less celebration. Clover's body was recovered by recovery teams, and the bunker was destroyed under Henry's orders. When he had returned, the headmasters had congratulated him on the victory against Khan. Ironwood wasn't happy that Henry once again gained the favor of Ozpin and Sirzechs but there was nothing he could do. Henry was now in his office as the mission had ended five hours ago. As he sat at his desk, he was deep in thought about what Michael said to him. His wife still loves him despite all he's done. Despite everything he had done, everything he had damaged, all the lives he ruined, all the atrocities he hid, all the cover ups he made. She still cared about him. This shocked him. He always assumed she wouldn't want anything to do with him given all he's done, but it seems like he was wrong. She also wanted him to see redemption, but Henry doubts that it will be possible now. He is going to Hell and he knows that. There is no avoiding it with all that he's done. He then hears a knock on his office door, and it snapped him out of his thoughts.

The door soon opens, and Benjamin enters the room, but he isn't alone. Jacques Schnee is with him.

"You brought a businessman to my office?" Henry asked.

"He was rather insistent." Benjamin said.

Jacques then stormed over to Henry, his anger clear for all to see.

"Let me get this straight." Jacques starts. "You're phasing out my company?"

"Dust has little to no value these days and that's all your company is good for." Henry said bluntly.

"What about the Military contracts my business has!? Without my company you wouldn't have..."

"Huntsmen weapons and equipment is being replaced by Apex Security & Research technology. Not to mention Spearhead Industries, Higgins Armory and Ultra-Frame Enterprise have already met our demands for military gear. The Schnee Dust Company has simply become obsolete." Henry explained.

"Obsolete!?" Jacques asked furiously. "Union wouldn't be where it is today without my company!"

"Actually, it would." Benjamin said. "All the SDC did was supply us with Dust in those early days, but eventually we found alternatives. So, Union would've been just fine without you."

Jacques didn't like that. He was about to give him a piece of his mind, but he thought of something else. He can play the same cards he played against Ironwood. He gains a smug look and turns to Henry.

"I can ruin you." Jacques said. "I can leak all the information regarding Union's slave operations, including a few shady business dealings you've made."

Henry shifts his eyes to Benjamin then back to Jacques.

"You can certainly try." Henry said, without a care in the world.

This reaction surprised Jacques. If this was Ironwood, he would fall back and fall in line. It does irritate him that he couldn't manipulate Henry. Jacques then heard someone pulling back the hammer on a pistol and was about to turn but a gunshot rung out and a bullet ripped through his head killing him instantly. Jacques hit the floor lifelessly as Benjamin then holsters his pistol. Henry felt better that Jacques was gone, he knew he would either be arrested once Union fell or killed so this just makes things easier for the new world that will rise if the CRS wins. Though, now he has to explain why Benjamin killed Jacques, but he's sure he can come up with a convincing story.

[Kuo Kuana, Menagerie]

(Y/n) and the other leaders of the CRS had gathered in Ghira's office to speak to Twilight and inform him about the death of Khan Alcyon. They were hoping that this would be the last step needed to sway the minds of the Separatist leaders. Vader wasn't with them as he got word that Palpatine was trying to reach him. (Y/n) hated to hear this but knew Vader needed to keep in touch with Palpatine. So, with him gone, the CRS Council gathered in Ghira's office. Soon a hologram of Twilight and another person appeared. Jackson is the only one who recognizes him.