"Today we stand together, united. Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are well aware, that was something many could not stand for. As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself: color. It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day. We encourage individuality, expressionism, and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional Huntsman or Huntress on a mission. Some of you may be taken out of the Kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training, and remember to do your very best." Ozpin concluded his speech, stepping away as the students began to approach the mission boards.
"You know, it might sound weird considering what we've done already, but I'm pretty excited for our first mission." Crimson stated.
Melanie shrugged. "I'm actually hoping this is calmer than our other little adventures."
"We'll be shadowing a Huntsman this time." Reed mentioned. "If things get bad, we'll have someone experienced on-hand."
"Guys, come on, let's pick something before all the good ones are gone!" Nina cut in.
Crimson chuckled, stepping up to enter their team name into the console. When he did, an alert flashed onscreen.
"What's up with that?" Reed asked.
Crimson read the message. "It's saying we're already registered for a mission...investigating a black site just outside of the kingdom...and our airship's ready to go."
"Does it say who we're shadowing?" Melanie questioned.
"No, just to meet him at the airship." Crimson stated. "Let's get going."
They headed out to find Richard waiting for them. He seemed to be in the middle of a scroll call.
"You're heading out? Alright, my team arrived, we'll be leaving soon too. See you there." He put the scroll away, turning to them. "Save your questions until we're in the air. You have all your gear?"
Crimson nodded. "Are we ready to leave?"
"Just waiting on one thing." Richard stated, nodding behind them.
Crimson turned to see his bike being wheeled over and brought onto the ship. A few other supplies were being loaded as well.
"We need the four of you at your best for this." Richard explained. "Come on, the others are waiting on us."
They boarded the airship, remaining silent until it had taken off. Crimson exchanged glances with his teammates as he judged what to ask.
"Who are we meeting up with?" He decided on.
"Two other student teams also shadowing professional Huntsmen. We tried to get more, but not everyone we wanted was available. One of them was already difficult to get on-board." Richard informed.
Crimson paused. "So everyone on this mission was selected, nobody volunteered?"
"That's correct." Richard said. "Discretion, skillset, and numbers are critical to this mission. Once we land, we also have two contacts on the ground that will take us to the facility."
"And what is the mission?" Crimson asked.
Richard looked down at his holstered tonfa-pistol for a moment. "Infiltrate the site...free any prisoners, disable any threats, and arrest Carl Strikz." He drew the weapon, checking the ammo. "If he resists, and believe me, he will...use any means to ensure the safety of yourself and your teammates. I want to make that clear, protecting your team, and that means everyone on this mission, not just your assigned team, is the top priority. Whatever we see in there, every one of us becomes a witness, we can't afford to lose anyone."
"Is there anything else we should know?" Crimson continued.
Richard nodded. "Aside from the Shade and Haven students, everyone on this mission is someone you know. You can trust every person here, the other students included."
The airship landed next to two other identical ones, just outside a large forested area. Nina peered at the area curiously, looking at the trees rather than the ships or people gathered.
"I've been here before." She muttered.
Crimson stepped out of the ship, looking at the others gathered. He didn't recognize the students, but the Huntsmen...those were some familiar faces.
"Steph!" He waved at Stephanie Shaden, hurrying over. "I guess I should've expected you to show up." The other person he saw he'd never actually met, but he knew who it was from old pictures and avid descriptions. "I take it you're Phillip Lemay?"
The man looked at Crimson for a moment, seeming almost expressionless. Crimson's visor, however, picked up signs of shock.
"You're...Johnny's kid?" He asked.
Crimson nodded, offering his hand to shake. "Crimson Dram."
Phillip shook it slowly. "Your dad...he was a good Huntsman."
"Thanks." Crimson said. "I just...wish I'd known him longer."
"He'd be proud." Phillip almost seemed to have blurted it out. "I...Melanie told me about you...team leader, engineer, and..." He sighed. "I miss your dad, kid...he was a good friend." He gave Crimson a pat on the shoulder. "Be good for my daughter, alright? She cares about you."
"I'll do my best." Crimson said. "I was told we had two contacts down here?"
"They're creeping around in the trees over there." Phillip stated. "Probably think they're hidden."
All of a sudden, Lizzie appeared in front of Phillip. "You knew!?"
He cleared his throat, and she realized his wrist blade was only inches from her throat. "Word to the wise, kid. Don't sneak up on an ally like that."
She took a step back, her indignance completely overtaken by shock. "When did-"
"As you were appearing." He interrupted. "By reflex. Think on that for a while."
He retracted the blade and walked off. Lizzie rubbed the side of her neck nervously.
"That's your girlfriend's dad?" She quipped.
"Yeah..." Crimson replied. "Wait, how do you know about that?"
"Reed called me last night." She answered. "We're siblings, we talk."
Kane stepped out from the treeline with a sigh. "Thankfully, she didn't tell him about this operation. Sorry, but as your guardian has no doubt mentioned, discretion is critical here."
"How did you find out about this facility?" Crimson asked.
Kane scowled. "It's where I found Nina."
Crimson glanced at Nina exiting the ship for a moment. "That's why she recognized this area."
"We had a camp here at the time." Kane explained. "The facility is a ways off, I was lucky to find her when I did." Kane looked up at the sky for a moment. "Come on, we need to get the leaders together and plan our attack...we're moving out tomorrow."
"Right." Crimson followed Kane to the main group, already running a few ideas through his head.
