Emily stayed seated as their new guest left with Miss Militia. She had a lot to think about, and paperwork. Paperwork runs the world after all.

"Should we have made our recruitment pitch more firm?" Armsmaster said as he walked towards the center of the room. "I received Panacea's report. While Captain Smoker and his men don't have a Corona Pollentia, Panacea managed to confirm that all of his men could be considered parahumans, which was further cemented by Miss Militia's quick field report about Captain Smoker's powers on her way here. Additionally, all members of his crew could be considered Brute 1s at the very least without any testing according to Panacea."

"No. Captain Smoker will be on the defensive at the moment, his primary concern would be the well being of his men. Any more attempts at recruitment might alienate them." Emily turned her eyes to Armsmaster's armored form. Captain Smoker's background in law enforcement might allow them to establish common ground. "Our movements need to be indirect and we need to gain their trust." They didn't need any more enemies, especially a ship full of potential parahumans.

"You and Miss Militia will act as our main contacts with the Marines. If we attempt to introduce anyone else they might hanker down. I want Miss Militia forming a bond with their Master Chief, and I want you to keep an eye on the Captain." That wasn't something Emily ever planned on saying, having Armsmaster bond with anyone besides his lab. That, and Assault needed to be kept far away from the Marines. Who knows how they would react to his humor.

"Kaiser and Lung have been quiet for now. We need to make sure it stays that way. I don't need any more headaches."

"Very well. I shall have my official report done by this evening should no other matters require my attention." Armsmaster said simply. Emily nodded in return. She had a lot of work to do as well. Some Emily would pass on to Deputy Director Renick such as finding a place for the Marines to stay, but she would handle the more important things.

"Good. Now get out of here. I have work to do."

Emily was soon left alone in her office. Chief Director Costa-Brown would be expecting her report soon, followed by a meeting with the other PRT directors. Emily grimace, Tagg was going to be a bitch to handle.

Still, the look in Captain Smoker's eyes reminded Emily of herself. The large man would do anything to protect his men and judging by his story, the man was relentless as well. Emily felt her first and only smile of the day form on her face, if they could get Captain Smoker to work alongside the Protectorate, they could increase their chances of kicking the gangs out of this damn city. Emily's dialysis alarm went off.

She really needed to get rid of that one. Only an idiot wouldnt have accepted a healing from Panacea.

Smoker POV

The trip back to Smoker's ship was a quick one. Tashigi and Miss Militia reignited their conversation, most of which Smoker mostly ignored. He did manage to catch several words such as Endbringers, Shigure, boardwalk. Smoker thought about what to tell his men. His crew who placed their trust in him, their commanding officer. Brave men, each and every one of them. Except for maybe Alby, he kept shivering next to Smoker.

"Oh, it seems like we're here now." Miss Militia said. Their metal carriage stopped moving. The smell of the ocean filled the air, it was a scent that Smoker was familiar with, yet it still felt foreign here.

Disembarking, Smoker saw what was left of his ship. The front mast was broken, the railing was broken in multiple spots, and a little under half of Smoker's crew met their end sailing that treacherous storm.

"A few PRT agents as well as myself will remain here if you need anything. Director Piggot has made arrangements for provisions to be provided to you and your men. I'm sure you're all going to enjoy a hot meal after a few days at sea." Miss Militia said as they walked closer. A few marines were playing cards, others were on guard on the ship.

Smoker nodded. "Thank you." Words couldn't describe how much he owed these people.

"Gather the crew." Smoker told Tashigi, not bothering to turn around. Smoker walked past his men as they all stood at attention as he walked by. No commanding officer would have placed his men in such danger. Being in the Marine inherently meant you would always be in danger, whether from pirates, disease, ocean life or the weather. End

Still, many of those under his command haven't even left the East Blue. Now Smoker had to explain that they were in another world. While Smoker didn't have any particularly close family members back home, most of his men did. None of them would ever be able to see their loved ones again.

Smoker made his way towards the helm, each step heavy.

"Everyones here sir." Tashigi followed him on his way up and took her position next to Smoker.

Smoker turned around to see the faces of his men. All of them had their eyes on him.

"Men, I'm sure some of you know this…" Smoker looked at every member of his crew. Quartermaster Shoko's third son was born a few weeks before they left port. Seaman Natsuko was recently engaged and was planning on having his wedding once Luffy was caught. That was never going to happen now. Smoker hardened his eyes.

"We are no longer in the Grand Line."

All hell broke loose. Grown men started crying, others froze. Natsuko almost fell over, Alby and another seaman had to hold him up. Most of them never even left the East Blue, the ones that had Smoker could count with one hand.

"We are now in another world." Smoker continued. "Thankfully, our new host has decided to help us." Smoker saw anger, disappointment,...shock.

"As your commanding officer…" Smoker eyes met theirs. "Words cannot describe how sorry I am." With that, Smoker bowed his head. Sobbing filled Smoker's ear.

"Captain Smoker sir!" Someone shouted, their voice hoarse. Smoker looked up slowly and saw that Gunderson had taken a foot forward, streams of tears flowing down his face.

"Thank you for keeping us alive!" Gunderson shouted as he bowed deeply at the waist. Several more followed his example shouting the same phrase. A few of the greenhorns had passed out.

Smoker softened his gaze. He wished he could have said the same for those who lost their lives in that storm.

"Thank you for your trust." Smoker was sure some were going to lash out once their initial shock was over.

Smoker decided to let them mourn, and left Tashigi to keep order as he went to his captain's quarters. They would need to move out, the ship only had a patch job to keep it from sinking.

Smoker took out two cigars and started smoking. At least he had new cigars to try out here. Smoke began to fill the room, just the way he liked it. He leaned his head back. Smoker didnt know how much time passed when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Tashigi walked in with a steaming hot bowl. She sat it down on his desk and produced some eating utensils.

"The food is here. Be careful, it's hot." Tashigi smiled and left. Smoker stared at the soup before grabbing one of the spoons, and he took a small sip.

"Heh, it's cold."

A/N

I hope I got everyone's characterization right here. I didn't want them being too casual reacting to the news. Warning, this is an AU so some worm stuff may be different.