Save the world? Fuck that, I want to make money! (RWBY SI) ch 37

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It did not take long for them to heal. Aura itself was a miraculous thing that allowed Huntsmen to heal grevious wounds. Assistance at a hospital and not having to fear Grimm trying to attack her helped in getting her back to normal health. By the third day, she was already capable of walking around albeit with some assistance. The Atlesians were kind enough to allow for a full faunus staff to look after her, some coming from the Atlesian branch of the Fang helped in giving off the image that she wasn't a prisoner but a guest unfortunately made the victim of an attack.

Kali sighed, sitting down next to her comatose husband's body. She reached out, squeezing his hand and felt the warmth of his flesh. Equipment monitored his heart rate and other vitals, making sure she could see if there was anything wrong that would happen to him. According to the staff, Ghira's aura was already healing him well. The sheer trauma of the bombing however had scarred his soul meaning that he would have to be asleep for a little longer for his spirit to recover. Physically wise, he would be carrying a burn wound on his chest till the end of his days. Blake too would be carrying scars from the bombing, her aura protecting her from the worst of the blast. Kali felt worried however. Ever since Blake had woken up, she had been different.

Like the light in her eyes had vanished.

It hurt seeing that. She was so young and already she was scarred. Kali understood that Ghira and her were legitimate targets since they themselves held positions in the White Fang and in the government for Menagerie but their Blake, she was twelve years old. What sort of value would she have as a target?

No wonder then that her fellow faunus had been enraged. Kali had been updated on the state of the Fang since they were targeted and frustrating was an understatement. Sienna had carved for herself a kingdom in Mistral and refused her requests to disarm. While many in the Fang were satiated with her husbands way of things, they had after all secured an important political victory with the shattering of the SDC and a important social one with Atlas mobilizing to rescue the thirty-three miners, there were those who were also dissatisfied too. Already, chapters of the Fang which had harboured extremist views were slowly distancing themselves from the mainstream White Fang, opting to fly the flag of Khan.

Then there was Brown who had jumped the gun, attacked the Atlesian military escorting Jacques for his trial and decided to be his judge and executioner.

Kali was savvy enough to recognize that this move would make Brown popular with her people, particularly those whose family members had been hurt and exploited by the SDC. She would be fooling herself if she said she did not feel some level of satisfaction of Jacque Schnee getting attacked and killed. However, that was not the way. Atlas had already demonstrated that it had found sense by shattering the SDC and Jacques Schnee would have gotten a trial that cemented its authority as well as its commitment to justice. But no, Brown had to be impatient and ruin all the progress they had made in the past weeks.

She sighed again as she let her face rest against her husband's bed-side. The dramatic rescue at the mine seemed like ancient history now. She had been ecstatic at the world coming out in full force to rescue her fellow faunus and had donated much to the Wayland donation fund for the victims. And now, thing were different. The world seemed like it was gearing up for a second Great War or even a second Faunus Rights Revolution. In this turbulent world, Kali knew that the choices the White Fang would be making was to ensure that conflict would not break out between Atlas and its wayward Mistrali branch. War would not benefit anyone but the Grimm and so much blood has been spent already, what with more zealous members of the Fang assaulting Atlesian outposts outside of Solitas.

Hopefully, General Ironwood would be amenable to a ceasefire.

She pulled back, smiling at her husband's sleeping form. She squeezed his hand again. "I am going to meet General Ironwood, my love. For our people, I promise to you, I will do whatever it takes for peace."

To her delight, her husband's fingers tapped her palms.

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His office was quiet and empty save for him and a hologram of fellow Huntsman Academy Headmaster and fulltime immortal Ozpin looking defeated and hunched over his chair. There was only once question in Ironwood's mind.

"Ozpin," he began quietly. "How did Rouge get the Council vote?"

It was a surprise for Ironwood when news broke out about Vale voting to restore its Armed Forces. Analysts of his burgeoning Intelligence service were already scrambling over themselves trying to plan for contingencies against the restored Valean Army. It was mostly hearsay and speculation in the meantime for details about the restoration was still scarce.

A tired sigh left Ozpin's lips. He looked haggard, like a man that had not slept for a whole day. "I was outmanoeuvred, James. Rouge argued that Huntsmen were insufficient for the defense of the Kingdom. In the face of a militant White Fang, he emphasized that if we pulled Huntsmen from their Grimm hunting duties and let them deal with the militant Fang, it would only weaken the Kingdom's defenses. By restoring the army, Vale would have itself the means to secure its borders and deal with threats Huntsmen could not deal with themselves."

The logic was sound, Ironwood felt. Vale mostly relied on huntsmen keeping its borders clean of Grimm with a modest police force to perform basic security services inside the city. Sending city policemen against heavily armed militants would only be a death sentence for the officers. However...

"If the Cardinal's concern was militant faunus, why not strengthen and expand the Valean Police instead? Atlas itself has pledged to be Vale's protector as well," Ironwood asked. That was an option to take within the limits of Vale's politics and Atlas did possess a military capable enough to protect Vale should the need arise.

"I did point that out. However, Rouge commented that sort of expansion of the police force would be redundant. A police force's duty is to serve and protect the citizens, not go and hunt militia," Ozpin said, rubbing his temples as he fought the migraine tearing at his head. "As for Atlas...well...I hope it does not offend you James but the Cardinal scoffed and mentioned why Vale ought to entrust its protection to a country it has beaten in a war?"

His fingers threatened to snap his desk.

He took a breath.

"His comments aside...I need details, Ozpin. How is the restoration going? Is Vale truly going to commit soldiers to Southern Mistral?" Ironwood asked, those two important details at the forefront of his mind. As a military man fighting the Grimm, Ironwood did have to admit he welcomed Vale's decision to restore its military. It meant that Vale could look after its own borders now and allow Atlas much legroom to focus its assets in other places. His enthusiasm however was tempered with the fact that Rouge and his Fleur de Lis were knowing or unknowing agents of a creature hellbent on Remnant's destruction.

"Firstly, the Mistrali Question," Ozpin cleared his throat. "My former Minister of State will find that the Army's restoration shall be his only victory. I have convinced my allies there not to approve an expedition into Southern Mistral. It would be an expensive and unpopular decision to send Valean men and women abroad to fight for Mistral. As far as the public here is concerned, Valeans mustn't die simply because Mistral is unable to govern its people."

It had taken much persuading, cajoling, and even unsubtle threats for Ozpin to stop that vote to take place but he had managed it.

"This is a close call, Ozpin," Ironwood warned him. "The Queen now possesses a potent force that she can use publicly. We have linked the Fleur as the ones responsible for the attack on the Belladonnas but I cannot accuse them now when they've been legitimized. Now, about the restoration?"

"Those details are not available to me, James," Ozpin admitted truthfully. "We are still arguing on budget, on its organization, and other political matters regarding the restoration. I will do my hardest to frustrate the details however."

Even despite Vale voting to return its army, Atlas still possessed advantages. Firstly, air power. Atlas possessed the largest and only aerial navy on Remnant. Vale had none. Secondly, the CCT system which allowed for quick cross continental transmission was at Beacon. As respected Rouge might be, he still wouldn't be able to have influence at Beacon. The details escaped him but Ironwood felt Ozpin could bog Rouge down with the whole new set of problems and questions the cardinal had set for himself.

Still...

"Our enemies are gaining traction, Ozpin. We need a victory, we've been reacting far too much. We need a win," Ironwood sighed. He was getting weary of this and he was relatively new to Ozpin's circle. He could only imagine what Ozpin was feeling.

"Sometimes, we win. Sometimes, we lose. Let us get our victories where we can get them," Ozpin muttered, millenia's exhaustion leaking from him. He glanced up, his gaze hardening. "Anything that can deny Salem her chaos, anything that will bring our peoples closer than apart, that is a victory."

"Anything that can bring our people's closer..." Ironwood repeated. He glanced outside his window. With Atlas returned to the ground momentarily, he could see the sprawl of Mantle in the distance. There was a good practical reason why Atlas was sent into the sky, to ensure that the Grimm would be unable to reach humanity ever again. The Staff of Creation hidden in the Heart of Atlas not just gave the city infinite energy but was the device responsible for keeping the city afloat. There too was that philosophical reason that Ozpin had championed, to let Atlas be a symbol of hope for Solitas, a shining crown in the sky.

An idea formed in his mind. He would have to speak to certain people about it however. Perhaps gaining the support of the businessmen would be prudent.

"I will see to warming relations with the faunus. War is not the interest of anyone," Ironwood swore. One would think Ironwood would be all for war, he was a soldier after all. But it was because of that Ironwood did not want war. As a soldier, he knew exactly the costs of war. Not only was the Great War deadly, it was also pointless too. The ones who had started it found their monarchies toppled, Vacuo was forever scarred, and while Vale got out of the conflict stronger, it paid a heavy price for victory. A soldier fights only because to protect. He does not start it if it can be helped.

"I will be meeting with Kali Belladonna soon. I will see to a ceasefire," he ended, eyes blazing with promise.

"I will advise Leonardo to find a means to defuse the tension between the Council and its countryside," Ozpin promised. "As far as problems go, it is the biggest source of contention now. Perhaps negotiation between the two would allow us to find a equitable solution to their problems."

"And Vacuo?" Ironwood asked.

"Qrow is in Vacuo as we speak," Ozpin smiled. If there was anyone who he could rely on to complete a job, it was him. "He will be assisting Theodore in whatever he needs."

"And the Fleur?"

His eyes glittered with green energy. "Leave it to me,"

Much later, Ironwood stood up from behind his desk as the doors opened and in came a faunus woman, a bandaged covered her right eye. Her dress was oriental in design, reminding Ironwood of those Mistrali soap operas. For him, Kali Belladonna could wear whatever the hell she wanted. As far as he was concerned, she was the key to ensure that conflict would not erupt between Atlas and the White Fang.

"Madam Belladonna," Ironwood greeted her, his voice warm. He had been taking private lessons to look more warm. He wasn't exactly the most personable of people and he needed to address his deficiencies if he wanted to be a effective servant for Atlas.

"General Ironwood," Kali smiled, thinly.

"Let's not have you stand any longer than you have to," Ironwood beckoned to the chair across his desk. "Please, sit and let us discuss terms."

And so, Kali shuffled forward, sitting down on the offered chair. Ironwood followed, his hands folded on his desk. Silence settled for a little until Kali spoke.

"I must thank you, General, for the assistance Atlas has given for my people. Originally, we were here to offer you and your peers our friendship for shattering the SDC. It...it is a pity that there were those who saw fit to ruin that event," Kali chuckled bitterly.

 So she still thought that Jacques had ordered the attack on her husband, mused Ironwood.

It was better for stability's sake to let her and the wider public think that. It meant that passions would flare down and allow him and Atlas to do work quietly.

"You have my sympathies, Madam Belladonna and I assure you, we will do everything in our power to ensure that your husband, your daughter, and your fellow Fang will get the best healthcare," Ironwood promised. He was true in that statement at least. Having the current leaders of the Fang meant that stable heads would be at the front, not ideologues like Khan.

"Thank you," Kali smiled. It was kind one, thought Ironwood. Now he could see why they had sent Kali as the chief diplomat.

"Now...forgive me for being curt but we must discuss now on what happens forward," Ironwood spoke up. The sooner they can ensure peace, the better. "The extremists that attacked my men."

Kali sat up a little bit straighter, her expression pained. "How are the pilots?" she inquired, referring to the only fatalities in Brown's attack.

"Dead," Ironwood sighed, his eyes closed.

"Allow me to express my sympathies to the family of the pilots. If needed, the White Fang is willing to pay restitution for the families of the dead." Kali swore, her one good eye flaring with promise.

"The families will welcome it," Ironwood nodded, pleased at the offer and at the good note they were starting on. He felt the momentum should be kept up to ensure smoother talks.

"Returning back to the matter at hand, the fact remains that John Brown, a leader of the White Fang, attacked Atlesian military personnel and killed a man slated to be tried for his crimes. There were damages too for the civilians involved in the battle," Ironwood said, mentally preparing a list of demands.

"What does Atlas want of the White Fang?" Kali asked softly.

"Restitution for the civilians, a condemnation of Brown's actions, and a order towards Sienna Khan to stand down and return control of Mistrali villages back to its respective kingdom," Ironwood dropped.

"Restitution is within the realm of possibility," Kali spoke up after a moment's thought. "The other two..."

She took in a breath before speaking again. "General, you must understand that John Brown is a well-respected figure in not just the White Fang but also in Mistral as well. For us to denounce him will inflame his supporters which are many. I...I imagine that him and his cohorts will be handed heavy sentences?"

"His cohorts will face a life in prison. As Brown championed and planned this attack, he will be facing the most extreme punishment available: death." Ironwood informed her.

Kali sucked in a breath. She was already well-aware that Atlas was not going to budge on that. The murder of two pilots, an attack in the heart of Atlas itself...

"Would it not be possible to reduce his sentence to a life in prison? General, even you must be aware that should Brown be executed, it will create a martyr for the more dangerous members of the Fang to rally around," Kali began, her mind thinking towards Sienna. The tigress had already ignored the directives of Menagerie as soon as her movement had gained traction. She was going to go haywire should anything happen to Brown.

And Ironwood was well aware of that possibility. From what intelligence could tell him, Brown was idolized in the Mistrali countryside. Executing him would make a martyr for those with a axe to grind against Atlas. However, public opinion wasn't exactly sympathetic to Brown. 

"He killed two pilots," he said flatly. His voice might have been thunderous as Kali deflated in her seat. No matter how she might try to frame it, Brown's zealousness was too much. If she tried to argue for Brown, Atlas was going to execute him anyway. If she accepted in denouncing him, she was fully aware that the Mistrali Fang would go on the warpath and worse, split into their own group. 

​The only path left to her now was to try and get the best out of this situation. 

"General Ironwood," Kali began, her mind thinking. "Denouncing Brown is the most obvious option. He acted rashly and it is important for the White Fang to distance itself from him. However, I am faced with the dilemma that Brown is highly popular in Mistral. This will enflame them, no matter what I say. I...I will see to his denouncement. However..."

Ironwood leaned in. 

"It is important to show that decision was made freely. Should the White Fang continue this, we too must gain something as well. With that in mind, I ask that Atlas offer Menagerie two things," Kali spoke up.

 Before Ironwood could comment, Kali cut him off. "I must remind you, General, that the lives of my family were at risk. Leaders both in the Fang and from the Menagerie council were killed or injured here in Atlas. You are asking me to denounce one of the White Fang's most celebrated men and a hero to many Mistralis to boot. Our leadership is decimated or paralyzed. If the White Fang go and fulfil everything Atlas asks for and receive nothing, my family will be removed from our positions and be seen as ungrateful since to the eyes of many faunus, Brown was a man who claimed vengeance on my family's behalf. He recklessly committed to a foolish plan on our behalf. My people must gain something from this to soften the blow."

"And what does the White Fang ask?" Ironwood queried after a moment's thought. Kali did have a point that if the White Fang fulfilled everything Atlas stood for, it would look like they were bullied or intimidated to do everything. The fact that the lives of Ghira was on Atlas's hands. Plus, the Belladonnas had been instrumental in keeping the White Fang relatively peaceful. Should they be removed and replaced with someone such as Sienna Khan, negotiations would be much more difficult. 

"Firstly, a relaxation of Atlas's laws regarding trade. Menagerie must be allowed to enter the world's markets without the archaic laws of the past hindering my people from contributing to the world's economy. Secondly, for Atlas to construct a Cross Continental Tower in Kuo Kuana, to be run and maintained by a faunus team," Kali made her offer. 

This...Ironwood paused to think of her demands. Truth be told, Ironwood did not have any idea about economics or trade but he did grasp its importance. He had no idea that Atlas restricted trade with Menagerie. As far as he was concerned, that would help business and the economy. He would have no problems in granting that. As for the second demand of a Cross Continental Tower, that was something he had an idea on. Such towers allowed the kingdoms instant communication with each other. They were also ridiculously expensive to set up hence Atlas only building four, one for each kingdom. To build a comms tower in Menagerie would surely help connecting Menagerie to the world but as far as he knew, there was little reason in setting one up in such a far continent. It could be argued that Menagerie was a backwater that provided nothing to the world but then again, so was Vacuo and that country was literal desert. 

"I see no issue in relaxing restrictions between Atlas and Menagerie. With the CCT tower however, that is a decision that I would have to discuss with my peers," Ironwood informed her. 

​"Again, you are asking my husband and I to denounce a man who went the extra mile for my people and he's not even faunus. The Belladonna name will be controversial after today. If our reputation is to be sacrificed for peace, it is only fair for us to ask Atlas to construct a tower," Kali explained, her face exhausted. "We do not ask for anything else, General. Just those. I am not asking for Atlas to invest money in Menagerie, I am not asking Atlas for weapons. I am asking Atlas to connect Menagerie to the rest of the world. We will take care of the rest." 

Ironwood leaned back, thinking. He could frame the establishment of a tower in Menagerie as a means for Atlas to assert influence among the faunus. After all, a tower was still Atlesian technology. The whole country would be reliant on them for their inter-continental needs. With the relaxing on trade restrictions, Atlesian companies could also swoop in and subtly assert economic power as well. 

"Can you guarantee that your people will listen to you and stop rogue attacks on Atlas?" Ironwood asked. 

"General, my people want the same things as you. Peace, prosperity, the chance to raise their families without fear or prejudice. Fulfilling my two demands will cool tempers. Yes, Brown would have to answer for his recklessness but Menagerie would at least be open to the world, figuratively and literally." Kali countered. 

"I am partial for the construction of a tower however, its critical staff must be Atlesian," Ironwood made his counter-demand. 

"Atlesian Faunus," Kali requested. 

Ironwood thought of it. He did not doubt the loyalty of faunus serving the Kingdom so, he could succesfully argue for that. They were faunus yes but they were Atlesians, fellow countrymen. And in the eyes of the faunus, it would look like their kin were at the forefront. 

Between this or war, this negotiation was certainly a lesser price to pay. Should he agree to this, it would most likely create grumblings in the Council but he already held significant sway with him holding two seats. He was sure Yeaman would love the idea of new trade opportunities and establishing a new Tower would create work, something Rider would love as well. 

"Very well then," Ironwood nodded. He stood up, extending his hand to Kali. "For peace between our peoples," he said, inwardly breathing a sigh of relief. 

"For peace," Kali returned, equally relieved. 

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A/N: The virgin "Let's wage a pointless war and win nothing" vs the Chad "Let's talk about it and both win" 

Negotiations however will work if both sides are down for it. Trying to negotiate with someone who will piss on any agreements is a waste of time. Sadly for Salem, her desires for a world-wide faunus insurrection will just be limited to Mistral. This means that with a stroke of a pen, the canonical White Fang radicalization will not be so widespread.  So, cope and seethe ya flaming bitch.

Anyway, sorry for late update. I have been busy with my grammie's funeral. We are finally burying her this Saturday, Philippine Standard Time. May she rest in peace.