Danielle Canard and the other two drakes ran down the hall to the war room, where everyone was waiting. Once there, Canard straightened up and saluted to his commanding officer.

"Captain Thunderbeak reporting for duty, Sir!"

"Soldiers, we've got an enemy aircraft coming into the city. 5 times the fire power of a monitor tower.' The commander said, getting right to the point. 'What gotta make sure it's out of the city before shootn' it down."

"Puh. That'll be too easy." Goldburd boasted. The commander didn't look away from his clipboard but he replied to the drake in a salty voice. "Overconfidence. The kind of attitude that can get you killed."

The yellow Drake in question, groused in response. A few other soldiers snickered at his expense, making him mad.

"Knock it off!" The commander barked, instantly shutting them all up. Checking his temper, the commander continued more calmly."This is no cake walk, Soldiers. It's a risky operation."

"Shooting that thing down's not gonna be easy.' Interpreted Thom, as he activated the hologram. 'But Ms. Vanderflock has just sent us a weak spot. The hover units are right underneath the engines.

"If we hit them, the ship will go down.' Canard surmised.' Are the tanks in position?"

"Yes."

The commander nodded in approval. "Alright, then you'll split into two squadrons. Lieutenant McMallard, you'll take one Squad. Captain Thunderbeak, you'll take the other."

Both leading drakes saluted. "Sir! Yes, Sir!"

"Angelwing." The commander continued. The female looked up and asked. "Yes sir?"

"You'll be going with them tonight. They're going to need another medic."

Danielle was surprised at this second chance. She was training hard for this, yes. But still... And next to her, she wasn't the only one. Canard looked like he wanted to protest, but refrained.

"Commander, permission to ask you something?" Danielle asked, raising her hand.

"Yes."

"Do you really think I'm ready for another chance?"

"One does not become better by observing, Angelwing. Just remember yer trainin'. And don't give up."

Danielle had to admit he was right. But, was she really ready? A glance over at Canard told her he was likely thinking the same thoughts. "Understood."

"You are dismissed," the commander concluded. As the two ducks filed out of the room, he added, "And good luck."

"Yes, sir. Thank you sir." Danielle replied.

Canard turned to her. "...How soon can you get ready?"

"Five minutes."

"Alright. Meet me on the deck in five."

"Yes, Captain." She replied softly. As she entered her dorm, she found her armor and bag in a chest by the bunk bed. During her training, she acquired her own puck blaster, and an ice shield generator for her wrist. Danielle took a deep breath,"...Okay..." and got ready for battle.

When Danielle had reached the deck after she got her gear on, she found Canard already there. As she stood there, Canard took the time to look her over. This was the first time he really noticed her in her gear, but he couldn't look away. She looked so beautiful.

Gone was the shy medic that Canard was used to seeing, though. With her white chest plate holding her back straight and head held high, as well as her normally flowing hair pulled back into a tight bun, Danielle Angelwing truly looked like a soldier.

But it wasn't just that. She looked confident. Canard felt like he had stared too long and finally nodded in her direction. "You look good," he said, before realizing what he had said. "You ready?" he quickly asked, not giving her time to respond to the first statement.

Danielle didn't answer at first. Given his first statement. But then replied. "Yes Sir."

As she walked with him to meet with the others, Canard thought about her joining him on this mission. One part of him was rather excited. The two of them, working side by side... But another part of him was worried. Was she ready for this? He didn't know what this assignment could bring, or if she might get put in danger. But just in case, he wasn't going to leave her side.

"Hey, Angelwing." Danielle turned to see Greybeak and Wally coming toward the two of them.

"Hello boys." She replied.

"We just spoke with Thom. You'll be coming with us on his squadron."

"Wait, what?" Canard asked, stopping in his tracks.

Thom and Marcel walked up just as he said that, saluting to their captain and nodding to Danielle.

"Ready for round two?" Marcel asked with a smile.

Danielle blushed and turned away, thoughts of her first mission still filling her mind.

"This can't be right," Canard muttered. "Where's the commander?"

"He'll be along soon, Captain.' Thom replied with a shrug.'What's the problem?"

"'What's the problem?' The problem is, Angelwing should not go with you guys, when she's under my protection."

Danielle started to shrink away, being the center of the growing argument. Though she thought Canard was being a bit unfair to the twins. She was the one who left last time, not them.

"Aw, lighten up Captain.' Greybeak said, trying to calm the captain. 'You can't be around to protect her all the time."

"'sides, they'll do just fine protecting her," Marcel agreed.

"Like how you guys did last time?!" Canard snapped, shocking the rest of the group into silence. Realizing the sudden turn of attitude, the captain sighed out quickly and mumbled, "At ease, ducks."

"Captain-"

"Considering how the events turned out last time," Canard said more civilly, "I think it might be better for Danielle to accompany my squadron."

"That's the thing Captain, you guys are going on the front lines."

Canard looked up. His squad was assigned to the front lines? That means they will be the first to attack, only the best shooters do that. Then the second line comes in for back up. Rookies were a liability in that case. And Danielle is still a rookie.

"Um, Captain?' Asked Danielle, timidly. 'If you really want me to come with you, I don't mind."

Thom cut in. "Actually Angelwing, the commander assigned you with my squad for your safety. While you have been training, you'll have to take on light duty for a while."

Danielle remained silent.

Another sigh escaped Canard, realizing the commander's way of thinking in this scenario. "McMallard is right, Angelwing," he finally said. "If my squadron is leading the front lines, that is no place for a rookie."

Danielle nodded to him."I see. But are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

Thom and Marcel gave each other a look. "Captain, should we reconvene with the commander? We can request reassignment if-"

"No," Canard interrupted sharply. "The commander has his reasons. Let's move out, team." Nodding to Danielle, he went to join the first group of soldiers as they prepared to leave.

The commander stood on the platform and began the procedure. "Alright, positions!" He barked. And all the front line soldiers proceeded in move-out formation. The midde aged leader then said to the ducks below. "Ducks Flock Together!"

"Puckworld Forever!" They replied.

"Move out!" And with that, they left for the out doors, through dangerous territory, to carry out their mission.