A new dawn in Remnant: Volume 8

Risk

The entrance to one of Atlas's underground subways was being circled by Grimm. We then see the inside of the subway, where the people of Atlas overheard Ironwood's voice from the broadcast.

Ironwood: If anyone tries anything other than what I've ordered, Mantle is gone.

On the billboard of a tall building, circled by Grimm, Ironwood's message to Penny was being played.

Ironwood: You have one hour to respond.

Inside a mine in Mantle, many people, including Fiona's Uncle, were listening and reacting to the speech with shock and fear.

Ironwood: I hope you live up to the title I gave you.

Fiona, who was listening to the broadcast on her Scroll, drops it and begins to cry. Joanna and May embrace her to try and comfort her. Rhea who was with the orphans listened to the broadcast as well. She looked angry at her Scroll while Velanna watched worried at her guardian while the other two children hid behind Rhea, afraid.

Ironwood and Winter were walking down a corridor. Two guards emerged from one of the side paths and, upon noticing Ironwood, saluted them while doing their best not to look Ironwood in the eye. Their reaction was noticed by Winter, who chose not to comment.

Somewhere else in the base, the Ace-Ops were seen talking with each other.

Elm: Of course he's not going to do it.

Marrow: So what, he's bluffing? With the whole city?

Vine: It may finally push the kids to see reason.

Panne: Or not. The plan to destroy Mantle when Penny isn't coming sounds dead serious.

Harriet: Who cares?

A door opened behind them to allow Ironwood and Winter accessed to the room. The Ace-Ops lined up and stood at attention.

Ironwood: Good, you're here. I need a squad of drones in standby to drop the payload.

Winter's eyes widened in surprise.

Winter: Sir, what for?

Ironwood: I believe I was clear in the broadcast. If they give me a reason, I'm gonna remove Mantle from the equation.

The Ace-Ops looked in shock as he continued.

Ironwood: This is how we save Atlas.

Ironwood began to walk away from the group.

Marrow: You call this saving Atlas? Doing Salem's job for her?

Ironwood stopped but didn't turned around. Marrow walked towards him, distraught.

Marrow: I believed in you! I thought we could work towards something better. But now you're throwing it all away.

Harriet grabbed him by the shoulder and moved him in order to stand between Marrow and Ironwood.

Harriet: If you don't shut your mouth, I'm going to do it for you.

Vine: If this is what gets the children to cooperate, then it's worth it.

Elm: I don't like this either, but the top priority is...

Panne: Screw priority! Do you even listen to yourself?

Marrow walked past Harriet to get closer to Ironwood.

Marrow: Panne's right. Do you even believe what you're saying anymore? *turns to the Ace-Ops* Do any of you believe in anything? I used to wear this rank with pride. Now I see it for what it really is: a collar.