Morale Boosting

Following the absolute debacle during the Vytal Festival tournament, the Atlas military's morale is at an all-time low. On top of that whispers have begun to circulate about Ironwood and how he should be replaced with a more competent general. However, like all rumors, it wasn't but a matter of time before this reached Ironwood's ears. This was no surprise to him given the total amount of resources he put into the festival's security only for it to be practically squandered when that very security turns against the very people it was supposed to be protecting.

Now with Ozpin gone and the looming threat of Salem in the back of his mind **** a stressed-out Ironwood to make a foolish decision that would either renew the faith of his people or utterly destroy what little faith they still had. He secretly sent an email to all the male soldiers that contained a list of every female within the military. The purpose behind this was to offer up this female as a sacrificial lamb to the soldiers and use her as a way to better his image. After three months the results of the poll came back and took Ironwood by surprise by how many submitted a vote. Unfortunately, when he clicked to see who they voted on, however only one name came up...

"Winter Schnee"

For a moment Ironwood was lost for words. He had planned on telling the truth to Winter about the real threat he was facing and having her become the next "Winter Maiden" by having her spend time with Fria, so she'll pass on the powers to her. Fria's health was failing and knew she wasn't long for this world, which meant that it was imperative to find the next vessel as soon as possible since he couldn't just build one... or could he? Penny Polendina may be a robot but considering how she has an aura meant she has something that's as close to possessing a soul. As an added bonus since Penny's body was mechanical meant she'd never age so Ironwood wouldn't need to worry about having to constantly look for new maiden candidates!

"If Penny becomes the next maiden, then that would leave Winter free to raise the army's morale and Ironwood's broken prestige." To a stressed and sleep-deprived Ironwood this idea was sounding more and more promising. All that was left was to convince his now very "Special Operative" of how imperative her new role would be and that this was for the greater good of Atlas.

"Special Operative Winter Schnee, please report to General Ironwood's office immediately!"