A/N: Hey everyone. We're back again with Chapter 8. So, we know we said there wouldn't be a delay in uploads, but this was pretty much out of our control for the most part. For a while, I've been without internet, so uploading was a challenge. On top of that, we rewrote a significant portion of this chapter and redid some things in relation to the rest of the story to make it the best we can. I won't promise super swift updates because of the current work and internet situation, but this was far too long, so expect us to pick up the pace.

On another note, Listening to feedback and the current consensus is to maintain the length of the chapters rather than pumping out shorter chapters, so we'll continue to run with that for now unless the schedule goes to hell yet again. But should you want more frequent updates at the expense of longer chapters, please feel free to let us know and depending on reception, we'll cut the length and divide chapters, so you get more chapters. Since it took us so long to get this chapter out, we doubled the length this time to make up for it.

Thank you so much for your patience, valuable feedback and continued support!


RWBY: Strangers in a Strange Land

Chapter 8: ...And into the Fire


"Sir, I bring news from our scouting units."

"Very well, go ahead."

"After a report from our scout units in Vale, we have managed to tail and down an Atlas transport using stolen anti-air weaponry."

"...Atlas? This far out? Unlikely."

"If not Atlas, then who? Vale's forces are still attempting to gain control in the capital after the battle at Beacon Academy."

"I don't need a reminder of that day. Go, find that crash site, take as many men as you need."

"What are we to do once we locate it?"

"Report your findings; I want to know who is out there. Take weapons and equipment."

"And if we come across survivors?"

"If they aren't Faunus that can be rallied to our cause...Kill them."

"Understood."

"What about our local scout? Has he reported anything?"

"Yes, he monitored several huntsmen for hours near an abandoned village. Once the area was too...we'll say crowded...with Grimm."

"Is that it?"

"No, several armed men and vehicles convened with them in the village."

"Armed men? Soldiers?"

"I believe that's a safe assumption. According to our scout, they utilized weapons and uniforms he was unfamiliar with. They belonged to no Kingdom we know of."

"What happened?"

"After being spotted by one of the soldiers, our scout fired and withdrew, the soldier returned fire. They soon left the position in a hurry, likely due to being compromised."

"Hmm…"

"...Is something wrong, Sir?"

"I have a feeling we'll be seeing these armed men again...Sooner rather than later. Change of plans, take Captain Accalia with you as well and engage on sight."

"...For what purpose? I apologize if it is not in my place to say, but wasn't our mission to engage Government forces, rally more men and find-"

"I'm aware of our current mission. The witch very commonly reminds me it. I won't tolerate delays or any obstacles. You and your sister are going out there to ensure whoever we shot down is NOT a hindrance to our mission. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Commander Taurus."

"Should this turn ugly I want the best. And that's your sister and yourself, Lieutenant Fenrir."

"It will be done."


HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK
FLIGHT DECK
EARTH TIME - 0322 HOURS

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION COMMANDER
MCPL FARREN

"Let's go boys, hustle!" George Farren yelled at his section, forcing the men to push their bodies to top speed.

The understandably tired soldiers had been abruptly called to action by a ship wide emergency alarm. At first, many thought the ship or the FOB had been attacked and they were in for a defensive operation on the flight deck, or even the beach once again. However, the lack of gunfire or screaming made the rushing troops believe otherwise. Didn't make it any less important, though.

"Bravo Company to the Flight Deck immediately! Say again my last; Bravo Company to the Flight Deck immediately! Alpha Company stay on standby, say again, stay on standby Alpha Company." The ship wide speakers blared, demanding their presence.

The entirety of Bravo Company raced through the Isaac Brock, making haste for the flight deck. While on the move, Farren fastened his chin strap and tightened his gloves. Armored soldiers filled the halls on many decks, all making their way upwards.

"Sam! What's 2's status?" Farren shouted back to his second in command, who was generally tasked with updating the section commander of troop status.

"We're combat ready, boss!" Corporal Owens had been head counting their section while carrying his C9 by the carry handle.

"Copy that! Don't know what's going on boys, but keep your head in the game!"

The moment the combat teams stepped out into the world on the open flight deck, their vision was severely limited due to the lack of light. Only minor installations within the FOB on the beach could be seen.

"BRAVO COMPANY FORM UP! LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER KENDALL WILL NOW FILL US IN ON WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!" Company Sergeant Major O'Brien shouted in his usual aggressive tone.

Several Platoons of Infantry soldiers, Combat Engineers, and support elements lined up in full combat gear, awaiting further instructions.

"Thank you, Sergeant Major! Okay ladies and gentlemen, listen up! At 0314 hours, we lost radio contact with Talon 0-1. Last transmission indicated that they were engaged by active AAA and were losing altitude. Until proven otherwise, the crew and her passengers are to be considered MIA. Time to take off the kiddie gloves gentlemen…"

Kendall paced around the Company of Infantry, observing their expressions as best he could in the low light. They were angry; furious even. As the naval officer reviewed the faces of the troopers, he caught wind of Farren. Kendall was surprised to not see blood pouring from the man's palms as a result of his vice grip of anger.

"Your orders are to carve a path towards the crash site, get our people and take out any sons of bitches dumb enough to get between you, and our downed bird. Lock and load, Someone has just declared war on us. It's time to show them just exactly what that means. Give'm hell Bravo, and get our people back."

The sky blackened above the Brock as the contingent of soldiers broke off into their respective sections and Platoon. The minimal light emitted from Remnants moon blocked by thick clouds, which meant rain in the forecast. As the infantry got their orders, flight crews began to haul Griffons back into their hangars. Ried and Dietz waited calmly in the bridge, waiting for updates. They knew rain would impede rescue efforts, all the infantry needed to hear was the deployment order. Rain or shine, they were getting their people back.

UNKNOWN TIME
UNKNOWN LOCATION

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
PTE CARVER

A steady flow of rain assaulted the uncovered nape of Jack's neck while he laid face down in the dirt sprawled across the ground.

"Jack."

The soldier slowly regained consciousness, his first sign of life a long, drawn out groan to signify his pain to no one in particular. He raised a hand, which quickly dropped to the wet ground and began to push up, lifting Jack's head and torso out of the dirt. He tried to look around to get his bearings and respond to whoever was calling him.

"...Owww…." A muffled growl was muted by the showering rain.

"Jack. You have to get up."

Jack's vision slowly returned, though it was obscured by the rain and the likelihood of a concussion. He groaned again when he tried to stand. He rolled onto his back in pain and looked up into the dark sky. The shattered moon yet again grasped his attention, serving as a reminder of where he was.

"Jack!"

"I hear ya…" A small confirmation escaped his lips, though he wasn't fully aware of what he was saying, or what he was doing. "I'm alive…" Slowly, he raised himself up on his elbows. He looked up to face the one calling for him.

No one was there. He shrugged the voice off. Likely a byproduct of his fall.

The dazed soldier examined his surroundings. A dark and wet forest. Many broken branches and pine lay strewn around him. That's when he began to remember. He had fallen from the Griffon. Just seconds before the impact, the helicopter had veered to its side, tossing several of the occupants, including Carver, out the side. Though it was a miracle that he was alive, he had the altitude to thank. Were they any higher, had he not hit some trees on his way down, he would certainly be dead.

"...What...Happened…?" The soldier mumbled, trying to recollect the events leading up to the fall. He had been sitting in the Griffon, chatting about guns with Ruby while staring out into the night before spotting a burst of light coming at them. It occurred to him what happened. They didn't crash due to pilot or even equipment error...They were shot down. The tail had taken a rocket or some anti-air weapon which forced them down.

Who? Why? His first thought was of the hostile scout they had spotted the other night. A white fang scout as the Huntsmen called them. If it really was them, they had picked a fight yet again. Jack's next thought was of the other chopper occupants. Where were they? Were they alive? Did they need his help? Could they call for evac on the choppers radio? Were Ruby and company alright? A plethora of questions raced through his mind. He could worry about the details of their attackers later, for now, he'd have to find the crash site, they needed his help.

He pat himself down, ensuring everything was where it was supposed to be. He felt like a ton of bricks had been dropped on him, which in his mind was a good thing. If he could not feel it, he would likely be paralyzed. Once he deemed that he was in one piece, he slowly got to his feet, searching for his rifle.

It was nowhere to be found. He still had a belt of 40mm grenades and all his rifle ammo, but without a weapon, it was nothing but a massive ammo paper weight.

"...Damn it…"

Jack slid his hand slid down his leg until he reached his holster. A sigh of relief escaped him as he found his Browning. Sure, the 9mm round proved to be very ineffective against the Grimm...but it was better than nothing and it provided a small sense of security to the otherwise unarmed Soldier.

"Better get a move on, Grimm are a certainty out here…" Jack cocked the slide and started to walk deeper into the forest, following a trail of broken branches and clipped trees to find the downed Griffon.

Tired, hungry, injured, dazed and facing nearly unwinnable odds. The whole scenario reminded the soldier of battle school. That, and the first night the Regiment spent on Remnant.

As the rain affected his visibility, he hoped it would at least shield him from detection should hostiles come into the fray. He had also hoped his comrades were alright. It was rare that chopper crashes did not claim the lives of many involved. A pang of fear stung him. Ruby. Doctor Grove. He grunted and pushed himself to go faster.

"They're alive." He told himself, gritting his teeth.

He trudged through the rain soaked forest, dragging his feet in the mud, occasionally tripping and cursing under his breath. The pain, dazed state and slippery terrain made for a difficult trek. The soldier walked for what seemed like hours, not making much ground due to his current condition, however. He stopped, having realized he lost track of where he was going.

"Great…" Sarcastically, the soldier spun around, unsure of where to go next. It was dark and the rain likely suppressed any smoke that originated from the crash. The wet mud masked any branches destroyed by the impact. He was lost needless to say.

"This way."

The soldier spun around, raising the handgun to eye level.

Nothing.

"...What the hell…?" Jack took a step forward. And then another. Slowly, he progressed, checking behind each tree he passed for whoever had been speaking to him. He was alone. He took deep breaths, trying to keep his cool, knowing full well if he panicked that it would bring an enemy he could not fight alone.

Having confirmed with RNJR and passing the information up to the chain of command, they could surmise that the Grimm were attracted to 'negative emotion'. Keeping his cool was Jack's best hope for survival at the moment.

His heart was beating out of his chest, drops of sweat mixing with the rain. Jack took hold of his rifle bayonet with his non-dominant hand, removing it from its scabbard. He rested his pistol gripping hand atop of his non-dominant wrist. This form would allow him to shoot and thrust with the blade at the same time, if necessary.

He continued onward for several hundred meters until a grunt caught the Soldier's attention. He lifted the sidearm defensively and made haste towards the origin. Upon closer inspection, he could see the frame of a man resting against a tree, one hand gripping his leg, the other gripping a long barreled rifle. Jack approached cautiously until he could easily make out the silhouette of the standard issue Kevlar helmet and frag vest around the man's frame. It was one of the snipers from the Recce team.

"Friendly." Jack said just loud enough to approach the soldier without getting shot.

"Thank Christ. I almost blasted you away." The man sighed. "Who's this?" The darkness obscured their faces.

"Private Carver." Jack said while observing the man's leg. "How bad is it?"

"Good to see you're alive, kid. Sergeant Travers." After introducing himself, the sniper placed the C14 Timberwolf Sniper RIfle down to better assess the damage to his leg with the assistance of the Private. "...I think the damn thing is broken...Hurts like a bitch…"

The weather, darkness, lack of medical expertise and circumstance urged Jack to disregard the extent of the injury and simply aid the Sergeant and locate the Griffon. Once there, they'd likely get help.

"...I can't tell...Damn, where's Ross when you need him…" Jack sighed. "Well, we gotta move, Sarge. We've gotta find the crash site."

"Agreed...But I'm gonna need your help, Private." Sergeant Travers beckoned to his leg. "Here, take my C8, you'll need it." The sniper gripped a second weapon slung to his back, a suppressed carbine for close engagements should a sniper team require it.

"Judging by that I guess you heard it too..." Jack lifted the C8 into his arms, loading one of the magazines from his tactical vest into the rifle.

"Hard to miss gunshots kid. We better get moving, help me up."

Jack froze. Gunshots? He hadn't heard any weapons discharge. Carver had been referring to the cryptic voices he had heard while advancing through the brush. The mention of gun fire led Jack to believe he had been out far longer than he originally anticipated.

"You alright?" The Sergeant asked, awaiting aid.

"...Yeah, just hit my head harder than I thought…" Jack lifted Sergeant Travers to his feet, wrapping his arm around Jack's shoulder to support him while moving. The sudden movement earned a grunt of discomfort from both men.

"C'mon, let's get moving."

HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK
DECK 5
EARTH TIME- 0400 HOURS

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
LT. BRYSON

As the Infantry officers devised a rescue plan above deck, the Naval officers excused themselves to hold a conference. Officers would take turns attending so that there was always someone with seniority in charge. Since this was an Infantry operation, Bryson was invited to attend. He walked calmly to the officer's mess where we could faintly hear arguing coming from the stateroom door. He slowed, only to find Kendall emerge and the argument become louder. Kendall quickly reached behind him and closed the door, leaning upon it and giving a brief sigh of relief.

"Sir, is something wrong?" Bryson inquired.

Kendall's eyes shot open as he turned his head right to see who was calling him

"Bryson? Yes, I'm fine. Just needed a break from that zoo." Kendall stood straight again and greeted the Lieutenant who approached him.

"Well, if I wasn't looking forward to that meeting before...I sure am now." Paul Bryson muttered sarcastically.

As Bryson went for the door, Kendall extended his hand, blocking his access to the door.

"You really don't want to go in there right now-"

"JESUS, ARE WE BLIND?!" Captain Dietz' voice bellowed from the officer's mess, cutting off Kendall's sentence

Both men stood confused in the hallway for a few seconds before looking to each other, Bryson looking more surprised than his superior,

"Come on, take a walk with me while you wait. I have some questions." Kendall pat Bryson on the shoulder and guided him back down the hallway.

As the two started down the corridor, a flight control officer barged out of the officer's mess and down the opposite way to the two officers. A hand from within the room closed the door and the argument persisted.

"Jesus, what the hell is going on in there?"

"Nobody wants to talk about it, but leadership has been split on how to proceed since day one. That portal has divided junior and senior officers right down the middle. Dietz and Reid are pretty much in lockstep, and in the end, that's all that matters, but the other officers are constantly arguing on how literally we should take our orders now that things have changed...Now that we're cut off from home."

"Are we talking about a fractured leadership?" Bryson stopped walking, Kendall noted a change in his mood.

A fractured leadership was evidence of a situation becoming absolutely FUBAR to the point where no one could come to an agreement on how to proceed. Then again, Paul was not surprised. He certainly didn't know the way forward, and he had been on the frontlines of every engagement so far.

"God no, nothing that serious. Dietz and Reid like to hear the opinions of the other officers and this is a bi-product."

"Well, what do you think?" Bryson inquired

"About?"

"Our current situation, sir."

"To tell you the truth, I don't know. Part of the reason I can't stand being in there."

"Why don't Reid and Dietz just make the decisions themselves then?"

"Oh, for the most part, they do. They just like hearing what the other officers think when the opportunity arises. It's just-" The Lieutenant Commander abruptly stopped his sentence, looking confused.

"What?" Bryson cocked an eyebrow.

"Do you feel that?"

"Uh, yes sir, the ship's rocking. I'm not in her Majesty's Navy but they do that as far as I can tell."

"No, not that...We've raised anchor..."

UNKNOWN TIME
UNKNOWN LOCATION

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
PTE CARVER

"Whoa." Jack muttered, taking himself and the wounded Sergeant behind a tree for cover.

The Sergeant stayed quiet, biting down on the material of his uniform to try and stay silent, spending enough time as a sniper to know silence was key to successful recon operations.

The much younger soldier peered out, seeing a body lying in the mud, a puddle of blood around it. He lifted the C8 into his shoulder and stepped out, approaching the corpse.

Spent casings and blood surrounded a CADPAT dressed body.

"...Shit…"

Jack waved the rifle around the perimeter, unsure if the attackers were still around or not.

They hadn't seen any Grimm on the way over...so what was responsible for the soldier's death?

The soldier took a knee, reaching for the dog tags around the Master Corporal's neck. Yet another casualty in the short time they'd been there. He cursed under his breath before something caught his attention in the sea of mud, brass casings and blood. A gray spent casing. A gray casing, not a brass 5.56 casing.

"What?" Jack picked up the casing to inspect it. It was extremely similar to the casings RNJR had shown him his first night in the woods.

Friendly fire between RNJR perhaps? No. Jack quickly shot that idea down. RNJR was tactile and efficient, not careless enough to get caught in friendly fire and not ruthless enough to leave the body.

There was an armed enemy out there gunning down Canadians.

He cursed under his breath and jogged back to where he left the Sergeant.

"What's going on?" Travers muttered.

"Found where the gunshots originated from."

The Sergeant cocked a brow. "Hostile?"

"Absolutely. They're probably the guys that shot down the Griffon." Jack nodded. "One friendly KIA, Sergeant." He handed the wounded Sniper the dog tags.

Upon reading the details engraved, the Sergeant shook his head and slammed his fist against the dirt "God damn it…"

"It's gonna be hard to carry both of you. But I'll do what I can. We can follow their footprints, it's a safe bet they're looking for the crash too."

"...Carver that's stupid...He'll slow us down. We'll come back for him."

"But Sergeant-"

Travers snapped and grabbed Jack's sweat and mud soaked shirt collar and pulled the soldier closer.

"Listen to me kid, I don't like it any more than you do! That body there is one of my friends! But we've all been ordered to keep you, the doctor and the other kids alive, so that's what we're gonna do! Now I am ordering you, pick up that Carbine, help me up, and let's do our job so we can leave this shit hole!"

Jack thought for a few moments before reluctantly nodding. The sniper was wounded, tired, unsure of the future and his friend was just found dead and yet he managed to put the mission first. Jack had to do the same.

"Yes, Sergeant..." Jack quickly picked up a large, somewhat recognizable stick and speared it into the ground next to the corpse, marking it for later pickup.

The rain started to pick up, showering the soldiers.

"You've got to be kidding me…" Sergeant Travers sighed.

"On the bright side, it masks our footsteps."

"Won't do us any good if it washes away their footsteps. C'mon, we've got to get a move on." He extended his arm, looking for help from Jack, who immediately lifted him to his feet.

Over time, their boots became waterlogged and weighed down from the mud while their uniforms had been soaked, sticking against their skin uncomfortably. The Carbine grew heavy in Jack's hands as the two men trudged along.

"Shit, boy. Considering a career change after this. I'm getting too old for this shit."

"You're telling me you're having second thoughts about the Infantry, Sergeant? Shit, you don't look a day ove-"

The two passed a large tree, only to intercept two armed individuals.

All four froze in place in pure shock. Both figures in front of the two Soldiers donned white tunics with various pieces of armor plating covering vital areas. The first one in Jack's view; a tall, bulky man with what appeared to be a tail. Jack wouldn't have believed his own eyes were it not for RNJR describing the existence of Faunus, a race of humanoids with animal features. The only facial feature not covered by the gray mask attributed to the White Fang, was the man's jaw, which was agape in surprise. They were likely searching for survivors and did not expect armed and mobile survivors to find them. The other, a female, looked just as shocked.

The four stood in silence, gazing at each other in horror.

The first White Fang Soldier went for his weapon abruptly, raising it to gun the Canadians down.

"Shit!" Jack shoved the Sergeant to the left and then dove to the right, both men missing the immediate spray of gunfire.

"Umph!" Sergeant Travers hit the dirt hard and went for his gun, cradling the Timberwolf in his arms before firing a round without aiming. The high impact round made contact with the first attacker's lower torso. He was blown several feet back just from the impact.

The next hostile charged forward, removing her handgun from her leg holster.

Jack shot up in pure adrenaline and shouldered the C8. "DROP IT! DROP THE GODDAMN GUN!"

The White Fang Grunt changed her focus away from the Sergeant, lifting her pistol to engage Carver.

Jack's heart was racing, but the choice was clear. He squeezed the trigger several times, firing off a burst. The bullets burrowed into the target, and blew out the back, sending the enemy crashing down. Instantly, the white tunic was blood stained and soon was the ground.

He watched the target fall, clutching her chest the whole time and writhing in pain for a few seconds before succumbing to the wounds. The trademark mask had come loose during the fall, exposing lifeless eyes staring fearfully back at him.

Jack froze.

The C8's barrel slowly lowered, pointing toward the mud.

"Carver!" Sergeant Travers called out to the stunned Soldier. "Carver!"

It was all white noise in Jack's head. He had shot hundreds of targets on training ranges back home, he had even killed several Grimm during their time on Remnant. But this was a person. Flesh and blood for the first, and unlikely the last time. He gazed at the corpse. Was this like Farren's first kill? Or even his own fathers? His knees shook as he thought.

"Jack." The voice returned.

Maybe he was losing it.

"Jack!"

"WHAT?" The trooper snapped.

"I said it's time to move! They must've heard that! C'mon!" The Sergeant's voice broke through the unfamiliar cryptic one yelling his name.

Jack spun on his heel and dashed for the Sergeant before helping him to his feet yet again.

"The hell is wrong with you? You alright?" Travers observed the pale and silent soldier.

"...Uhh...Y-Yeah I'm okay…"

"That was your first kill, wasn't it?"

"...Yeah." He nodded slowly.

"What are our rules of engagement?"

"What?"

"You should know them. What are they?"

"...Fire if fired upon."

"And what just happened."

Jack exhaled through his nose. While his kill may have been justified, it did not make him feel better in the slightest.

"Don't beat yourself up, kid. You're an Infantry soldier. You did your job. You didn't do anything wrong. There'll be more where she came from."

HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK
BRIDGE

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
LT. BRYSON

Kendall and Bryson jogged up the stairs of the Brock's Island to reach the bridge. As the two stepped through the bulkhead door, Kendall's suspicion was indeed confirmed. The ship was turning a good 90 degrees port, having the aft of the ship facing the beachhead they fought to capture a few days earlier. The bridge was packed full, with more sailors and soldiers than normal. Dietz was atop his chair with a dissatisfied look on his face and a phone in-hand.

"Yes, I said cancel deployment of first platoon and get all assets aboard immediately," There was a slight pause as Dietz waited for a response "No I am not Lieutenant-Colonel Reid, but you tell your men that the Brock is leaving with or without them, regardless if they have been told otherwise."

"Are we leaving sir?" Kendall inquired, interrupting the telephone conversation.

"Heading up the proverbial stream, as it were. There is a small straight that we can use to get close to the crash site, and once we clear this storm we can launch the Avenger to get a better idea of their situation."

"Where is the Colonel, sir?" Bryson interjected.

"Below decks in the CIC. Without satellite tracking or a UAV, we need to find the crash site the old fashioned way. Reid is helping narrow the search area so we don't waste time when we arrive."

The communications officer rose from his chair, using his hand to mute the phone."Sir, ground teams are asking how they should get the LAV's back onboard, what should I tell them?"

"Tell them I'm coming down to there to direct things personally, I want this done one right. Kendall, you have the conn until I get back."

"Aye Captain."

As Dietz started down the hall, a midshipman stopped to salute him. Dietz took him by the shoulder and guided him to walk along side, giving him a number of duties to perform. As Kendall brought his eyes back to the bridge, he looked to the condition of the sky. The storm was growing, not even the sun's light could pierce the clouds above were it out yet. As he took a seat in his chair, Bryson followed close behind.

"I hope we're not too late. I can't imagine Farrens reaction if we are." Kendall stroked his chin while observing the bridge staff perform their duties.

"I won't put anything past this hell-hole. It feels like this whole world has been against us since the start."

"As his superior, do you think Carver will make it through? I mean we don't have these 'auras' or 'semblances' to keep us going. We're only human."

"He's been trained the same as us. He has his training, his guns, and his wit. Plus whatever Farren has drilled into him. Plus he has a trump card. RNJR. All we can do is hope the lot of them come out on top."

"Bryson, if there's one thing I've learned in the Canadian Forces, it's that training isn't always everything. Carver will need more than that to find the answers we need."

UNKNOWN LOCATION
UNKNOWN TIME

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
PTE CARVER

"We've gotta be getting closer to the main body of them. That's the biggest patrol we've seen yet." Jack whispered, observing a White Fang patrol in the distance.

A mumbling garnered his attention. Jack looked down, seeing Sergeant Travers slumped against the tree, appearing slightly impaired.

"Sarge? Are you okay?" Jack put a hand on the Sergeant's shoulder, gently shaking him to test his responsiveness.

"Not...Not doing too...good."

Jack looked over the Sergeant. The high of the adrenaline was coming down, bringing in the pain and shock in full force. He needed medical attention. Soon.

"...C'mon, we gotta go."

Just as the two men began to walk again into the stormy night, the snap of a bullet whizzed by both their heads and impacted a tree just ahead of their position.

"Shit!"

Jack spun around and fired off a handful of rounds into the darkness to return fire.

"Time to go!" Jack let the Carbine hang from its sling, lifted Travers into the fireman carry and began to sprint as fast as he could. "Hang on, Sarge!"

Rounds splashed all around the two men, others impacting trees and snapping branches. The cracks of the dust powered round whizzed just by their helmets, causing them to flinch and curse each time.

"Put me down, kid! We need to return fire!" The adrenaline of combat pumped into Travers once again.

Jack complied, placing the Sergeant down into the prone position, followed by handing the man his Timberwolf. Carver shouldered the C8 and dumped the remainder of his magazine into the advancing enemy while moving into position behind a tree for cover.

The occasional pop from the Timberwolf was met with a death shriek in the distance, letting Jack know the sniper always had skill despite his injuries.

Jack tore open the velcro pouch keeping one of his magazines in place. He gripped the top and moved to slam the thirty round magazine into his weapon, cut off by several rounds impacting the tree from his flank.

"There! Take them out!" Three White Fang soldiers circled around, now assaulting from the left flank of their position. The rain and dense woods had done well to hide their location, but with the enemy drawing in with decent communication, it scrapped any chance at hiding.

Both Private Carver and Sergeant Travers unholstered their Brownings and fired wildly towards the flankers. Two of the three had instantly dropped upon taking rounds. The final target, however, had managed to prepare and hurl a grenade.

Jack's eyes grew ten sizes upon seeing the grenade land near them. "NOT GOOD!"

Jack kicked the grenade as hard as he could, sending the steel ball further into the woods. Not two seconds later, the dust grenade exploded, lighting up the night in a fiery explosion not akin to most fragmentation grenades.

"RUNNING LOW, KID!" Travers yelled before firing another shot from his Timberwolf.

"We can't stay here! They're just gonna keep coming!" Jack shouted, noticing several more members of the patrol joining the firefight.

"Time to move!" Travers pushed himself up out of the dirt, preparing to be picked up by Jack. "I'll cover y-" Four shots zipped through the trees. While two rounds were stopped by the ballistic plate within the Sergeant's frag vest, the next two passed completely unopposed, sending the Sergeant stumbling back against a tree and a splash of blood onto the dirt. "UMPH!"

"Sarge!" Jack left cover immediately to recover Travers.

He gripped the drag handle on the Sergeant's tactical vest and ran. As fast and far as he could.

"Just hang on-" An explosion cut the soldier off, sending him flying into a tree. The grunt hit the oak hard and smacked the dirt moments later.

He groaned but managed to force himself up onto his elbows. "Sergeant-" He froze, just now noticing the Sergeant's lifeless eyes stare back at him, motionless.

Jack crawled forward, pressing his index and middle finger against the man's carotid artery on his neck, futily checking for a pulse. Despite the bullets whizzing over his head, he waited.

Nothing.

Jack's hand balled into a fist. He quickly retrieved the Sergeant's dog tags and reached into his vest for a fragmentation grenade. He pulled the pin and waited for the enemy to close in, not releasing pressure on the spoon, as that would arm the grenade. When the enemy was in the perfect position, he lobbed the grenade.

He awaited the explosion, and upon it's coming, he stood up, weapon at the ready. He moved forward with a fresh magazine in his C8. A mixture of training, instinct and sheer rage pushed Private Carver onwards, finger on the trigger.

"Come on! Get up, we've almost got em-AH!"

Jack pulled the trigger, immediately downing the first visible White Fang soldier.

"Kill him! Let's go!"

A hostile wounded by the grenade raised his pistol, only to met with a hail of rounds by the advancing soldier.

"HE'S ONE MAN, JUST SHOOT HIM!"

The enemy was no longer dazed by the grenade, and once again a steady flow of fire was hurled at the Canadian. For a few brief moments, through a flash of lightning, the enemy patrol commander and Jack locked eyes. Their gaze was interrupted by the firefight. Jack raised his Carbine, attempting to kill the enemy commander, only to be forced down by fire. The soldier took cover behind a tree. The hail of gunfire tore the tree to shreds, particularly on the edges. A dust round tore through the tree and grazed Jack's arm, instantly ripping his combat shirt's shoulder material and staining his arm a blood red.

While it stung, Jack's gaze was fixated on the Sergeant's body lying still a few meters in front of him in the dirt.

"Let's do our job so we can leave this shit hole!" Travers' words played out again in Jack's head.

A growl caught his attention. Looking to his right, he could see the red glow of several Grimm eyes coming through the forest. He knew they would show up eventually. All the negative emotion was bound to attract them.

"Grimm! Take them out!" The steady spray of gunfire shifted toward the pack deep in the woods.

The perfect distraction.

He had to find that Griffon. He emptied the magazine into the advancing hostiles, took one last look at the men he killed and then to the Sergeant, and then broke into a sprint further into the woods.

ONE HOUR PRIOR
UNKNOWN LOCATION

HUNTRESS
TEAM RNJR
RUBY ROSE

"...Ugh…" Ruby's silver eyes fluttered open, awakened by the steady beat of rain falling into the downed Griffon helicopter.

She raised herself up onto her elbows and looked around, noticing numerous unconscious individuals sprawled around the interior of the chopper. The Huntress quickly rubbed the back of her head with a groan and bounced to her feet, grabbing Crescent Rose as she did.

"Is everyone okay?" Ruby called out, earning a few grunts in response.

"Jaune? You okay?" The girl pestered, hoping she'd get answers.

The Huntsman slowly gave a thumbs up, trying to get up as he did. "Let's never do that again…"

"Nora? Ren?"

"Still breathing…" Ren muttered.

"No more helicopters, please…" Nora slowly got to her feet.

Over time, the two other snipers showed signs of consciousness. The team leader, Warrant Officer Gage immediately sprung up with a gasp and looked around, examining his surroundings.

"Whoa, easy!" Ruby crawled over to the Warrant, resting the Sniper against the steel floor that was now a wall as the chopper was overturned.

"...What the hell happened…?" Gage placed a palm against his forehead after a long, uncomfortable groan.

"We were shot down." Jaune murmured, almost positive of what happened. To him, it was the only logical explanation.

"Explains the explosion…Oh shit!"

The Warrant realized the severity of the crash and quickly crawled over to an unconscious man in the corner.

"Doctor Grove! Are you alright?" The Sniper shook the man, hoping to wake him.

Grove was the most valuable asset that the expedition force had other than RNJR. To lose him was a colossal blow. A moan from Grove was met with a sigh of relief by the remainder.

The Warrant wiped his brow and pointed towards the cockpit. "Check on the pilots."

"On it!" Ruby awkwardly clambered over the crash survivors and hastily made her way to the cockpit, where just by looking, blood and broken glass could be seen.

The Huntress entered the cockpit. Looking towards the ground, she could see the primary pilot still locked in his chair and slumped against the glass. He didn't look good. Ruby placed her hands on the Captain and gently shook him, trying to wake him.

"...Captain?" The girl called out, garnering no response.

A hand abruptly gripped her shoulder, almost causing the Huntress to yelp in surprise. Ruby looked behind her, seeing no one.

"...Up here…"

Ruby looked up, seeing Lieutenant Langer stuck in her seat, suspended in the air. The air-force Lieutenant's visor had been smashed and a steady flow of blood dripped from her nose, matching the beat of the rain. While Ruby looked up, several drops of blood stained her cheek. She recoiled and tried wiping the red from her face, but wasted no time in reaching for Langer's knife to cut her down.

"...Careful...I'm gonna fall-AH!"

Langer was cut loose and immediately went crashing towards the ground, only to be caught by Ruby.

"I've gotcha! Come on, let's get you inside the cabin."

"Thanks, kid…"

Ruby carried the wounded Lieutenant into the crew compartment of the Griffon, where Warrant Gage and the rest of the team had been tending to the wounded and mending their own wounds.

"Langer's alive. The Captain didn't make it…" Ruby informed the det-commander of the loss before slowly placing Langer down against the wall next to Doctor Grove.

"Damn it...Alright, someone cover him up, he can't just sit in the open. Grab his tags and ammo. Carver, I want you and Aiden to Recce the immediate area. Copy?"

No response. Only Corporal Aiden looked up from tending to Lieutenant Langer.

"Private Carver? Sound off, Soldier!"

Ruby swiftly looked around the cabin. "Jack?"

Jaune sighed and placed a palm on his forehead in frustration. "Damn it!"

"We're missing Sergeant Travers and Master Corporal Fazekas too, Warrant…" Corporal Aiden looked around the downed chopper.

"Did they fall out?" Nora asked while nervously twiddling her thumbs, practically answering her own question.

"Then we're going to find them." Ruby reached for Crescent Rose, cradling the rifle in her arms.

"Slow down." Warrant Gage sighed. "We don't know where we are, who shot us down, why they shot us down, if they're closing in on us or if the others are even alive. Splitting up is not tactically viable."

"You can't be suggesting we leave them out there!" Jaune shouted.

"That is not what I'm suggesting!" Gage pointed at the Huntsman, speaking sternly as he did. "I have no intention of leaving my men! I'm saying we will die out here if we don't get a grip on what the hell is going on! There are too many variables to account for!"

Ruby looked the warrant dead in the eyes, her silver tint almost making the man uncomfortable. "He'd do the same for you. Any of them would."

"You hardly know Private Carver enough to judge his character." The Warrant said coldly.

"I've seen enough to know. Besides, Captain Dietz said it himself. That soldier is one the most important men in your Regiment right now. You need him!"

"Warrant Officer Gage, what if Doctor Grove had died in the crash?" Ren looked up. "Your chain of command has made it clear that besides the Doctor, Private Carver is the most well versed in Remnant knowledge. That is the reason he was selected for this mission on top of security for Doctor Grove. While there's still much for both Grove and Carver to learn, you can't deny that if even one of them dies, the other becomes exponentially more important. We can't risk a casualty this early. You need to find Jack. Soon."

The Warrant sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. While the Huntsman made good points, he couldn't help but sense ulterior motives from the girl.

After a long silence, the man spoke. "...Aiden…"

"Warrant." The soldier sounded off, signaling his attention.

"Take Rose and Arc." Warrant Gage looked directly to Ruby while speaking to Corporal Aiden. "Find our men. Bring them back here. Alive preferably."

"Rog. We'll bring them back. What's the plan if either group takes contact?"

"If you come under contact, fall back to our position as soon as you can. We can't take chances out here. We'll hold down the fort here."

"Where do you need us?" Ren inquired.

"I want you and Thor over there," He gestured to Nora. "On the flank of the chopper. Provide watch for now, we'll rotate in shifts. Take a tarp to protect you from the rain."

"...Take the Six…" Lieutenant Langer mumbled.

"What was that, ma'am?" Warrant Gage inquired.

"The C6...set it up in your OP and unload if any hostiles come after us." The wounded co-pilot pointed to the opened hatch above their heads.

The door mounted C6 sat idly on its mount, waiting to once again be used.

"Good thinking, ma'am." Gage got to his feet and released the machine gun from its mount. "Take it with you, set it up wherever you go."

Nora took hold of the C6 with one hand, making the 7.62 caliber machine gun look like a basic rifle. She clambered out of the helicopter, followed by Ren, and raced into the tree line out of sight.

"You're making a good call, Gage. Thank you." Ruby nodded to the Warrant Officer.

"Just get our men back here, Rose."

Ruby clambered to the exit and leapt out from the chopper. Her boots impacted the mud shortly after Corporal Aiden and Jaune did.

"Well, this is just great." Aiden muttered while examining the crash site.

Rotor blades and chunks of metal were strewn all over the place, as were clippings of trees. The Helicopter had made itself a nice trail and ditch upon landing, resting awkwardly on it's side.

"It's a miracle any of us survived…" Jaune shook his head.

"Damn budget cuts." Aiden kicked a displaced rotor blade before lifting his rifle back into his hands. "Alright...let's get er' done."

The rain began to pick up again, as did the occasional thunder and lightning strike, occasionally lighting up the forest. The group had been marching through the rain for roughly an hour, taking cover the moment their heard gunshots. While the Thunder made it hard to isolate the point of origin, there was no way to completely drown out the gunfire.

"Come on, we've gotta go check that out." Aiden gestured his hand forward.

They had been advancing for a few hundred meters until their heard rustling through the brush.

"Down." Aiden calmly dropped to his stomach and reached for his Timberwolf. The sniper deployed his bipod and peered into the optic. "I've got movement about a hundred meters out."

"Who?" Ruby whispered, crawling up beside the Sniper.

"Hard to tell. Definitely isn't CADPAT though. Take a look."

Ruby reached for her own sniper rifle and used the enhanced optic.

"White Fang." Ruby muttered, slightly taken back.

"What?" Jaune crawled forward, trying to get a look.

They hadn't seen them since the fall of Beacon, now here they were again.

"Are those the guys Carver was yelling about on watch?"

"Those are the ones…" Jaune sighed.

"But what are they doing all the way out here?" Ruby asked.

"Probably the pricks that shot us down." Aiden contemplated engaging, but let them go to maintain stealth.

In time, the group passed, likely going to investigate the gunfire. The three got back to their feet, brushing the mud off of their gear before continuing on.

"Just keep an eye out, we don't know how many of them are out-"

In a flash, Jaune was tackled to the ground by a bloodied and dirty figure. The figure drew a knife, preparing to stab the downed Huntsman.

"Jaune!" Ruby shouted and charged the figure, using her semblance's unparalleled speed to thrust the attacker against a tree. She wouldn't lose another friend, not now, not again. The man grunted and raised a pistol to engage.

The Huntress dashed forward, kicking the pistol from his grasp with untapped ferocity and followed suit by placing the barrel of Crescent Rose just inches away from the face of their attacker. The bloody man froze, presumably gazing down the barrel. Only upon a lightning strike illuminating the face of the man did the zealous Huntress lower her weapon.

"Jack?!"

"Ruby?!"

The man slumped against the tree looked nothing like Jack Carver. His once lush green digital uniform was blackened by mud and rain, only occasional stains of red provided color. His face was a similar color, streaks of red mixed in with brown. However, his eyes remained fairly untouched due to the brim of his helmet. That was how she recognized him. And how he recognized her.

"We've been looking all over for you! Are you alright?" Ruby extended a hand, helping the weary Soldier to his feet.

"...Don't worry about me…I'm just glad you guys are okay...Sorry about that, I thought you guys were White Fang..."

"Guess you know what's going on then." Corporal Aiden said while helping Jaune up from the mud. "Have you seen the rest of the team?"

Jack reached into his tactical vest and retrieved two pairs of dog tags, dangling them in the open for the Corporal to see.

"...Shit..."

"I'm it." Jack gestured to himself. "You guys find the crash site?"

"That's where we came from, we managed to hang on." Jaune said while wiping mud off of his equipment. "Back the way we came." He lifted his thumb, pointing back over his shoulder.

"I'll radio the Warrant and Ren, let em' know we're coming back." Aiden stepped away while pulling out his radio.

THIRTY MINUTES LATER
GRIFFON CRASH SITE

The walk back was silent, for more than just stealth reasons. When the group came across the Griffon, Jack could see the damage for himself.

"...Holy shit…Who else made it?"

"The warrant, Grove, Ren, Nora and Langer."

"Hmm, Master Corporal Farren will be happy to know that."

"What are you talkin' about?"

"Nothing, just making a joke."

The four warriors approached the cockpit and glanced in. Immediately, Jack noticed the covered corpse of the Pilot. He grimaced upon laying eyes on the Captain.

"Warrant!" Aiden called out.

"Aiden, report."

"We got Carver...but Master Corporal Fazekas and Sergeant Travers didn't make it."

"...God damn it...Alright...Get yourselv-"

A barrage of rounds pinged against the hull of the craft, just missing the four warriors in the open. A plethora of White Fang soldiers emerged from the tree line.

"WOAH! CONTACT!" Jack took a knee and began to return fire towards the tree line.

"AIDEN! GET ROSE AND ARC ON THE RIGHT FLANK, DON'T LET THESE BASTARDS GET AROUND US!"

"Roger, Warrant!" Aiden spun around, turning to face Ruby and Jaune. "You heard the man! We need you two on the right! Carver, you and I in the cockpit, laying down fire, right now!"

"Got it!" All three yelled in sync before rushing off to their respective battlefield task.

HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK
ASSAULT BAY

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
MCPL FARREN

LAVs rolled down the Brocks ramp into the amphibious bay in the bowels of the ship. Soldiers huddled around their section commanders and were briefed on the upcoming operation. Lewis and Owens rode atop one of the LAVs and upon arrival, gave a fist bump to the gunner and thanked him for his hospitality. Farren stood near one of the railings and watched men load into the transports, his demeanor was distant. He wasn't his normal self since hearing about the crash.

"You alright boss?" Owens asked

Farren stood up and greeted his men

"I will be, once we get the bastards who did this."

As Farren started down the ramp to the bay, Owens and Lewis followed close behind

"Is there any update on Jack and RNJR?"

"Nothing. The UAV snapped a quick shot of the site before bugging off. All we know is that there are survivors. That's all that matters."

As the group of soldiers walked down the ramp towards the LAV's, Owens came up beside his section commander and repositioned his C9.

"I think we need to talk."

"About?" Farren cocked a brow.

"I know you don't want to hear it, but there is a possibility that-"

"Let me stop you right there Sam. Jack is no less of a part of this section then you or I. Therefore you will excuse me from thinking the worst. And let me add, you'd do right to fix your attitude. Do I make myself clear, Corporal?"

Sam and George stared each other down. While Sam had admittedly been out of line, he did not expect such a reaction from Farren. He cared too much for the kid.

"Transparently, Master Corporal."

"Good."

Farren stormed off into their assigned LAV and took a seat, leaving Owens stunned at his reaction. Jerome strolled in behind and patted him on the shoulder

"Eesh, what was that about?"

"I think I hit a nerve. Seems our section commander is in denial."

"Ease up man, Jack is fine. He's proved before he's a tough son of a bitch to kill."

"All I'm saying is that we shouldn't have our hopes up. It's a crash for god's sake, helicopters aren't meant to land that way. He's just going to be disappointed. I'm trying to spare him the pain again."

"THIRTY SECONDS!" Bryson's announcement bellowed from atop one of the lead LAV's

Lewis and Owens took their seats in their assigned LAV as the ramp door closed behind them. Farren and Owens exchanged looks at each other and inspected their weapons. As they waited, they could feel the driver revving the Caterpillar engine in anticipation. As the large metal doors of the bay came open, Dietz' voice could be heard on the PA system

"Bridge to Assault Bay, we are in position and you have the green light. To all teams assigned to extraction, we will be watching your progress closely."

"The lives of our comrades depend on your abilities and your courage. We have no doubt those abilities will result in victory. Your enemy is believed to be the insurgent group known as 'The White Fang'...From what we can tell from RNJR's reports, they're well outfitted, well-trained terrorists who will die for the cause. And believe me, gentlemen, if they pick a fight, they will die for the cause. It's time to show these terrorists what we can do." Reid added.

Farren cursed under his breath. Another well-trained insurgency...He damned the circumstances for putting him in a similar situation as Afghanistan.

With the conclusion of the officer's address, the bay had been completely flooded with water and the contingent of armored vehicles raced towards the nearby land. The sea was especially rough with the ongoing storm, with the LAV's rocking from side to side. Dietz and Reid watched from the Bridge tower with binoculars as they came to shore. Once hitting land, their speed picked up and they quickly disappeared into the treeline. Now out of their sight, the officers exchanged a handshake and returned inside. All that was left was time.

GRIFFON CRASH SITE
UNKNOWN TIME

1ST BATTALION, ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
BRAVO COMPANY
1ST PLATOON
2 SECTION
PTE CARVER

As the firefight came to a boil, so too did the storm brewing above. Of course, Jack witnessed lightning storms at home, he had to march through one during BMQ, and several during DP1, but this was different. It was raw and untamed. The rain hit harder too, it had weight to it that was different than back home. Whatever nerves this conjured, they were stalled by the adrenaline that pumped like blood through his veins. Each time the lightning cracked, it provided just enough light for Jack to make out his foes in the trees. The little time between the cracks of thunder and lightning allowed Jack to disperse short, accurate bursts down range. It didn't matter if he was hitting anything, only that his enemies believed he could.

"How are you doing on ammo, kid?" Aiden asked mid reload.

"I'm good, you?"

"I need to go back in and-"

The sniper's sentence was interrupted by a shot ringing through the cockpit. Jack didn't realize what had happened until he looked to his right, noticing the sniper had been hit by a ricochet

"Dammit!" Corporal Aiden yelled, clutching his arm.

"You alright?!"

The sniper pulled back his hand, which was already covered in blood. He inspected the wound for a few seconds and re-applied pressure to stop the bleeding.

"Yeah, I'll live. Just a flesh wound."

"Get back inside and have the doc take a look. I'll hold the line."

"You sure kid?"

"I'm sure."

He wasn't sure. In truth, he didn't have high hopes for a positive outcome. With RNJR guarding the flanks in the woods, it was only three men in the chopper versus an army. And he was the invading force. Nevertheless, he would persist, if only for the slightest hope help would come. As the sniper moved out of the cockpit, the lightning gave him a brief sight to their forward line. They were massing at the tree line. They knew the line was weak, somehow in all the chaos they knew they had wounded Jacks line, and now they were coming to finish the kill.

As he emptied the last of his rounds from the magazine, he quickly canted the rifle left while simultaneously hitting the mag release, sending it flying. He followed by leaning right to get access to his mag pouch on his vest. It was soaked and full of mud from being prone on the ground. A small puddle had formed underneath his upper chest that he reached through to get a new mag. After receiving a fresh mag, he slammed it into the mag-well and used his wrist to pull the charging handle forward. They were coming now. Some crouched, others standing. They moved ever slowly towards Jack, knowing full well he couldn't stop all of them.

"Come on you bastards..." Jack muttered.

As he readied himself for one final effort. A large crack came from the adjacent tree line. More hostiles, making ready for a blitz attack? No, the crack sounded heavy. Like a mature tree coming down before it's time. The crack was followed by the roar, like the sound of an engine. As Jack turned his eyes back to the battlefield, ready to fight, his eyes were blinded by a bright light. This light was powerful and cut through the darkness like a hot knife through butter. Once more Jack heard the crack as a familiar sight broke through the treeline. Iron beasts or war rained bullets upon the now exposed terrorists, who in their moment of assured victory, had no other option but to die or play dead.

One by one LAV III's rolled out of the treeline and formed a perimeter around the downed Griffon. As they halted, the ramps lowered and CADPAT clad soldiers ran out and immediately engaged those that were left standing, however few in numbers. Farren was the first out of the LAV furthest to Jack's right. He never felt so relieved in his life. Farren marched confidently towards the cockpit and called his name.

"Carver! Situation report."

Jack was taken for a second. He didn't call to check if he was alright, or if he was even alive. Farren just expected Jack to be alive and kicking, nor would he accept any less. Jack got up from the ground, carbine in hand. His front was soaking wet and his rifle in a similar condition. As he emerged from the wreck, he saw Farren standing stoically, C7 in hand. He wasn't kidding about the situation report. As he stood before his master corporal, he straightened his back.

"Where do you want me to begin? Do I say I fell out of a god damn helicopter? Maybe that I was chased through the woods, again, by things that want to kill me?"

Farren extended his hand, signaling a handshake. As Jack put out his hand, he was pulled in closer, greeted by a congratulatory slap on the shoulder. Owens and Lewis stood behind him watching in awe.

"How come I never get a bro hug?" Lewis asked mockingly.

"You survive a helicopter crash and an onslaught of terrorists, then maybe." Owens pat Lewis on the shoulder and retrieved the C9 from his seat, exiting the LAV

Just as Farren was about to release his grip, he was hit upside the back of the head by Bryson who was walking by.

"We can hug it out once we're off this rock and back on the ship. Private Carver on me, George your section guards the LAV's; they're our only way back."

Carver followed quickly behind the Lieutenant who was already making his way into the cockpits broken window. As he got in, he noticed the body of the pilot and the injured inside and gave a deep sigh.

"Doctor, good to see you're still with us. Get yourself and the wounded into the LAV asap. We're leaving." Bryson ordered.

"Getting the injured out those tiny windows is not just unsafe, but also timely Lieutenant. I must insist that-"

"I sympathize with you doctor, but I speak for the whole platoon when I say 'I want out of this goddamn rain'."

Just as Grove was about to respond, Bryson held out his index finger, asking for silence before pointing it towards the ground.

"Hold that thought doctor, Is the crew door not closed underneath you?"

"Well no, I had to lay down a tarp to prevent dirt infecting the wounds."

"Perfect."

"Perfect, what do you mean perfect?"

"I need you to huddle together as much as possible and not to move. Come along now, Private."

The two climbed back out through the cockpit and returned to the line of LAV's

"What's the plan, sir?" Jack inquired.

"Just watch. LAV TWO, YOU'RE UP!" Bryson called to the furthest LAV. Jack could see the gunner give an impromptu salute in return and exchange words with the driver. Within moments, it began to drive behind the wreck of the Griffon, positioning behind the underside of the fuselage. The LAV advanced, rolling the destroyed Griffon into the upright position, allowing the wounded and Doctor Grove to escape.

Once the LAV moved into its prior position, Bryson raised his radio to his face.

"Brock Actual, this is 2-1 Sunray, sitrep, over."

"2-1 Sunray, send sitrep."

"Brock, we've arrived at the crash site and have secured a handful of survivors including doctor Grove! We're preparing to scuttle the Griffon. Sector is clear."

CRACK

Multiple shots rang out in rapid succession.

"ARGH!" A rifleman guarding the flank dropped to the ground after taking several rounds to the chest.

"Contac-" The soldier was cut off, shot by an unseen hostile.

Two more Soldiers were immediately cut down by gunfire.

The few shots erupted into a sustained fire coming from the tree line. Occasional explosions joined in on the hellfire.

"NOT CLEAR! NOT CLEAR!" Bryson stuffed the radio away and raised his C8. "ENEMY COUNTER ATTACK! RETURN FIRE!"

The column of LAV's rolled out of their previous positions and advanced toward the frontline, firing the 25mm randomly into the forest to repel the attackers. The platoon moved into position, citing the C6 machine gun team to rain heavy fire upon the White Fang.

More enemy contacts emerged from the tree line, engaging the Canadian platoon head on. Their attacks were more ferocious and vigorous, likely rallied. By what, Jack could not tell. Whatever it was, it completely amped up their combat efficiency.

Rounds pinged off the hull of the LAV column. An explosion impacted the lead LAV, bending the

25mm cannon. Without the heavy firepower, it would be up to the infantry to win the fight.

An M203 gunner taking position next to Jack took a round to the shoulder, causing him to drop his weapon. He yelled and gripped his bleeding shoulder.

"MEDIC!" Jack screamed upon taking the Soldier's C7 with an under-mounted M203 to replace the C8 carbine.

Immediately after the young soldier fired a 40mm grenade into the darkness, Corporal Ross came sprinting through the fire while holding down the trigger of his own rifle. The medic knelt down next to the injured soldier and began battlefield treatment.

"We have got to stop meeting this way, doc! People are gonna start to talk!" Jack shouted while changing magazines.

"Just shut up and cover me, Carver!" Ross shoved the Private away.

"Sam! Lay it on em' with the nine!" Farren shouted before diving into the prone position for cover. They would have to gain fire superiority back. Even with Jack utilizing a grenade launcher, the White Fang had the darkness and element of surprise.

"I can't see anything, boss!" Owens did the same, setting up the bipod on a log for support.

"Throw flares then!" Jack yelled while reaching into a pouch. He retrieved a flare and immediately struck the cap, sending a burst of light out the struck end of the flare. The soldier then chucked the glowing stick across the battlefield. The sun would shortly be rising, and mounting them to their helmets would take too long amid a fire fight, making night vision goggles useless in the current situation.

Several more flares illuminated the forest and hostile forces a bright red, making them easy targets. It was easy to distinguish the advancing White Fang soldiers from the tree and brush with light. Their forms were so illuminated Jack could observe their every tactical movement. There were dozens.

One thing, however, caught the entire platoon off guard; In the middle of the clearing, two figures marched towards them. Completely unphased by the firefight.

"What the hell?" Farren muttered.

Jack watched the figures closely. The closer they got, the more the enemy fire dwindled. It took the soldier a moment to notice the White Fang had withdrawn or were simply hiding. He did not know.

"CEASEFIRE!" Bryson shouted, having spotted the possible non-combatants or surrendering enemy.

The Platoon's fire died down upon the order being passed around.

"George, grab your boys, on me now!" The Lieutenant advanced, rifle raised.

"Okay lads, you heard him. Don't let your guard down. Bastards pull anything, put them down."

"Roger." Jack slammed a fresh magazine and another 40mm into his weapon.

The entirety of 2-Section approached their targets in an extended line formation with their weapons raised. The remainder of the platoon was ready to engage at a moment's notice. The two figures stood no chance if they were to try anything.

By the time the section had come within twenty meters of the unknown individuals, the flares deployed by the platoon had been dying off, returning the battlefield to a state of darkness yet again.

"Jack, throw another flare."

Carver complied, reaching into the cargo pocket of his combat pants to retrieve his spare flare. Once struck, the light illuminated his whole body. The soldier lightly tossed the flare halfway between both parties, equally illuminating them.

One male, one female.

Just like the woods…Jack thought to himself and watched them carefully. They were significantly more armored than the standard infantry they had been engaging. Even their masks were different and covered most of their faces. They donned white plated armor decorated with red streaks and the White Fang insignia upon their shoulders. A multitude of ammunition pouches, sheaths and holsters littered their armor. What stood out the most was their wolf like tails protruding from the small of their backs and the ears atop their heads.

Jack's grip tightened around his weapon. He recognized the male one. The enemy patrol commander that had killed Sergeant Travers. It took all of Carver's might to not gun them down where they stood.

"IDENTIFY YOURSELF!" Lieutenant Bryson shouted, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Captain Accalia." The woman spoke. Completely calm despite having ten rifles pointed directly at her less than thirty meters away.

"Lieutenant Fenrir." The stoic man answered the Lieutenant but seemed fixated on the young Private Carver.

"WHO DO YOU WORK FOR? ARE YOU HUNTSMEN?" Bryson inquired, praying that they, no matter how little the chance, would be non-hostile and not affiliated with the enemies that were just engaging them.

"We represent the White Fang."

Bryson grit his teeth and wasted no time laying the ground rules to his attackers. "CAPTAIN ACCALIA, YOU AND YOUR MEN HAVE ATTACKED AND KILLED SEVERAL OF MY MEN, ANY FURTHER ACTION TOWARDS US OR THE HUNTSMEN IN OUR CARE WILL BE MET WITH DEADLY FORCE. AND BELIEVE ME, CAPTAIN, YOU DO NOT WANT TO TEST ME! THIS IS A FIGHT YOU WILL NOT WIN."

"Who are you?" Accalia asked, still calm, completely disregarding Bryson's threat.

Jack and Farren both cocked their eyebrows and looked at one another. The Fang barely considered the soldiers a threat.

"I'm the one asking questions!" Bryson barked, trying to maintain control of the exchange.

"You're not the one in power here." Lieutenant Fenrir spoke up, pointing directly to Bryson. "She is."

"I beg to differ Lieutenant...If you haven't noticed." Bryson gestured to his Platoon. "Our guns are bigger than yours…"

"Your mistake is overestimating your weapons, soldier." Accalia spoke. "I'll ask again. Who are you?"

Jack could feel the world shrink around him. The enemy was calm. Too calm. They spoke to Lieutenant Bryson, a well trained and well-regarded officer, like a child. Sweat trickled down the soldier's spine. He recalled what Ruby said; The white fang was ruthless, fearless and above all else, they could not be trusted.

"My name is Lieutenant Paul Bryson! Commander of first platoon, Bravo company, first battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment!"

"They're not gonna know what that is, Paul!" Master Corporal Farren whispered to the confused Lieutenant, keeping his eyes on the enemy. "Or care!"

"Where do you come from?" Accalia pestered.

"We're not from here!" Bryson gestured all around the group. "We came here looking for some of our people. Now we're stuck here and looking for a way out. That all changed when you attacked us!"

"Answer the question, Lieutenant."

"Show some respect! You're speaking to an officer!" Jack pointed aggressively, breaking his silence.

Captain Accalia slowly turned to face the outspoken Private. Fenrir grumbled aggressively, like a guard dog waiting to be cut loose and ravage the soldier.

Even though she was wearing a helmet, Jack could feel her gaze burning a hole into his head. A cold shiver traveled down Jack's spine as he stared back at Accalia.

"Jack, shut up!" Farren swat the back of Carver's helmet, earning a grunt of discomfort.

"You should learn to keep your men in check, Lieutenant Bryson."

"You let me worry about my own men. Seems like you're the one who needs to be concerned about the state of your men, Captain."

The white fang captain stared the Canadian down. "I'll ask ag-"

"Not from Remnant."

Accalia and Fenrir glanced at each other before looking back to the alien soldiers. Accalia was calm and stood firm, but Fenrir was getting more and more agitated as the conversation drew on. This guard dog was ready to kill.

"Where-"

"Not important, lady." Master Corporal Farren spoke, cutting off the conversation.

Jack had pondered why Farren spoke until he realized; they'd been unintentionally playing right into their hands, giving them information about themselves little by little.

"Jack, get ready."

The voice returned. Jack tried to ignore it and kept his eyes to the front, closely examining his enemy.

"Jack, they are going to attack you."

The soldier hesitated, unsure of what to do. Attacking without being attacked was a war crime, and there was no telling if he was going insane, or if someone really was communicating with him.

Abruptly, his radio crackled.

"Jack! Get everyone into cover! They're coming back around to flank you!" Ruby's voice yelled over the radio.

Fenrir and Accalia instantly looked surprised upon hearing the voice. They must've recognized it.

Jack spun around, looking into the forest, looking for any signs of the enemy. While he could not see them. He could certainly hear them. They were encircling the platoon, if he did not act, they would be surrounded and gunned down.

Jack flicked the safety off of his rifle and took it upon himself to bring the enemy commanders down. He spun around once again while simultaneously raising his C7, preparing to fire at Accalia in particular.

"EVERYBODY MO-"

The Soldier's jaw slacked upon seeing Fenrir and Accalia slashing their way through the lead section with inhuman speed, right towards himself and the Platoon commander. The two white fang warriors dashed through the battlefield ferociously, like a haze of death.

"OPEN FIRE! OPEN FIRE!" Farren took charge and screamed as loud as he could, alerting the remainder of the platoon to the situation.

Once more, the forest was lit up in a sea of gunfire, illuminating everyone's figures.

"TAKE THEM DOWN!" Bryson raised his C8 and began to fire at the advancing enemy command team. They moved too fast for any soldier to track their movements.

"I can't hit them!" Jack fired sporadic bursts in Fenrir and Accalia's general direction.

They were not deterred. Amidst the sporadic lighting from the gunfire and their sheer speed, they were impossible to track.

"CARVER, 40 MIKE-MIKE! NOW, GOD DAMN IT!"

Jack immediately took a knee, breathing heavily. He lifted the grenade launcher and prepared to fire, aligning his sights with the approaching enemy. Carver squeezed the trigger, sending a 40mm grenade hurling towards them.

Fenrir stopped, and simply shifted his upper torso to the left. The projectile passed right by him and exploded several meters behind him.

"...N-No way…" Corporal Owens froze.

"Did he just- WHAT THE HELL?!" Jerome shouldered his rifle, but hesitated to fire upon seeing the failed attempt to kill the enemy.

Fenrir and Jack locked gazes once more. The Faunus growled and burst into another sprint towards the Grenadier.

"Oh shit!"

Jack stood up to fire but it was no use, the enemy was on him in seconds. In the blink of an eye, Fenrir was face to face with Carver and kicked the soldier in the chest, sending him flying back several feet.

"Whoa!" Owens immediately shifted to the side, turning to engage Fenrir.

Fenrir gripped the barrel of the C9 and wrenched it from the Corporal's hands before using it as a bat to sweep his legs.

"ARGH!" Sam dropped like a sack of potatoes while gripping his leg in pain.

Private Lewis and Master Corporal Farren resorted to close quarters combat. Both soldiers let their rifles hang and drew their bayonets.

"TAKE HIM!" Farren shouted and burst into a run, preparing to stab the Faunus.

"ROGER!" Jerome charged as well, running parallel to his section commander.

Fenrir ducked the moment Farren lunged forward. He gripped the Master Corporal's arm and swung him around like he was nothing. He whipped the soldier into the next, knocking both down.

"Now then. Where were we?" Fenrir turned and started to march towards Jack, who was still recovering.

Jack pushed himself up onto a knee and raised his rifle, firing off a few shots. They appeared to just bounce right off Fenrir, a small spark of colored light emanating from his body's surface.

"...What the hell?...What does it take to kill you?!"

"More than you've got, kid." The tall man retrieved a blade from a hip sheath while approaching the downed Private.

A spray of gunfire harassed the beastly Faunus from behind, temporarily garnering his attention. The same red light sparked as the rounds impacted.

"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM MY MEN YOU SON OF A BITCH!" An enraged Lieutenant Bryson sprayed the remainder of his C8 before swapping to his sidearm.

"Just don't know when to quit, do you, Lieutenant?" Fenrir rushed the young officer, intent on putting him down for good.

"Help him, Jack! Go!"

Jack grunted and pushed himself up in a burst of energy. His heavy footfalls were drowned out by gunfire, keeping his counter attack unknown. He shouldered his rifle the moment he was at a decent enough range and dumped the magazine into the distracted white Fang Commander. Bryson had been just barely holding his own by evading contact.

Fenrir growled. The bright red aura that surrounded him began to dim, leading Jack to believe that whatever protected the enemy was dying down.

"Got you now, asshole!" Jack swung his rifle, smashing the shoulder stock against the cheek of Fenrir's helmet. Fenrir recoiled, but not as much to let Jack believe he was doing any real damage.

He swung again, once again assaulting the enemy`s head. Carver followed suit by jabbing the barrel of his rifle into Fenrir's gut.

In retaliation, Lieutenant Fenrir easily swat the rifle from the grunt's hands. Jack instinctively drew his handgun and began firing at point blank range, earning a few light flashes before a handful of bright sparks and the sound of a round impacting steel had come. He had broken through his Aura and had begun damaging his actual body armor.

"ARGH, HUMAN VERMIN!" In a fit of rage, Fenrir tightly gripped Carver's throat and lifted him off the ground, choking him.

"GRK!" Jack gasped for air, clawing at Fenrir's hands to try and force the Faunus to release him.

Bryson dove into Fenrir, tackling both men to the ground.

"ACCALIA!" Fenrir shouted loudly before throwing both Carver and Bryson several meters away.

Fenrir drew two handguns and began firing from the hip while withdrawing into the woods.

"PLATOON! TARGET THAT SON OF A BITCH! DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!" Bryson screamed out for the platoon to hear.

Almost immediately, the fire shifted towards Fenrir's position, chewing the trees and White Fang members in the direct vicinity apart.

In the blink of an eye, Bryson was knocked to the ground again with a grunt.

"Sir!" Jack spun around and raced over to his commander, thinking he had been shot. "Are you alright?"

Lieutenant Bryson looked himself over before nodding. "Yeah, I'm good!"

Jack extended a hand to help him up. "What the hell happened?"

Private Carver lifted the Lieutenant to his feet and handed the man his Carbine.

"Well whatever it was-CARVER!" Bryson yelled with a horrified expression.

Jack turned to investigate the Lieutenant's warning and time stopped. The Private stood solid as he stared down death. Captain Accalia was mere meters from his face, a large blade at the ready. Even if he managed to raise his weapon fast enough, which he severely doubted he could, Accalia would cut him down the moment he went to engage. She was going to make contact, and would more than likely kill him.

A wave of fear crashed into the soldier as he stared her down, waiting for the blade to carve its way through his kevlar armour and slice through his flesh. However, a red blur caught his gaze, cutting that feeling short. As time seemed to slowly return to its original speed, the soldier focused on the blur as it approached.

"What-"

CLANG

Both Jack and Bryson instinctively flinched and braced for the strike when Accalia was in range, only opening their eyes to investigate why they hadn't been dispatched.

Crescent Rose was blade locked with Accalia's long sword, both wielders struggling to win the clash.

"Ruby!" Jack blurted out in surprise.

The Huntress did not respond. Her teeth were grit and she focused her energy into keeping Accalia locked where she was.

With great haste, Jack scanned the battlefield for his rifle. This was it, he could kill her now while she was distracted by Ruby.

"SISTER!"

Another metal clang rang out. Jack looked over his shoulder to see Crocea Mors' shield form blocking a strike from Fenrir, who made a reappearance to aid Accalia. Bryson and Carver stood in the middle of two stand offs, completely unsure of what to do.

"GET THE WOUNDED BACK TO THE VEHICLES, WE'LL HANDLE THESE TWO!" Jaune yelled, noticing Jack's indecision.

Nora and Ren emerged from the tree line, carrying the C6 they had taken from the helicopter. Nora occasionally squeezed the trigger of the 7.62 machine gun, keeping the heads of the enemy down.

"You heard em' kid! Let's move!" Bryson rushed out of the engagement, barreling straight for the frontline to retrieve the wounded men of the lead section.

Jack hesitated, watching the blades of both sides grind against one another.

"GO, JACK!" Ruby shouted, knowing full well the soldier was still there, wanting to jump into the fray.

"Damn it…" Jack unholstered his sidearm and followed the Lieutenant.

"LAVS MOVE UP!" Bryson screamed while rushing through the gunfire.

The steel death machines rolled up to follow the Platoon commander. Whatever was left of the 25mm ammunition was fired off, followed by the top mounted C6s. The main benefit of moving the armored carriers up was protection from the enemy less than a hundred meters away.

Jack raced past the LAVs to his downed team. The soldier slid on his knees before landing on his stomach to avoid the enemy fire. Private Carver crawled towards the closest soldier; Jerome.

"You okay, buddy?!" Jack grabbed Jerome by the shoulder and shook him.

"...I hate this place…" Private Lewis panted. The man was breathing heavily, likely a result of having the wind knocked out of him.

"What's wrong, where'd he get you?"

"Crazy dude threw a freakin' master corporal at me! Knocked me right on my ass!"

"You'll live." Jack muttered sarcastically before handing the downed soldier his rifle. "Do me a favor! Shoot those pricks!" He pointed towards the tree line.

"You got it, bud!" Jerome rolled over onto his stomach and began to fire.

"CARVER! I'VE GOT FARREN!" Bryson shouted over to the Private. "MOVE UP AND START RECOVERING THE WOUNDED, I'M RIGHT BEHIND YOU!"

"On it, Sir!" Jack sighed and looked ahead, seeing the battle play out. "...Easier said than done…"

He took a deep breath before running forward again. He kept running at full speed until Captain Accalia appeared in front of him, readying her blade to swing.

"WHOA!" Jack ducked. The blade passed right over his head, narrowly missing a decapitating blow.

He spun around and fired his handgun, but Accalia was gone in the blink of an eye. The soldier cursed under his breath and continued on his mission. He came across Owens, who had been gripping his leg and swearing profusely while crawling back towards the LAVs.

"Get up!" Jack lifted him to his feet and shoved his C9 into his chest.

"I'm gonna kill these bastards!" Owens slowly limped back while firing short bursts from the Light Machine Gun.

"Do it then! Cover me!"

After running right into enemy fire, the young private was essentially at the enemy's doorstep. He gripped the drag handle on the farthest wounded soldier, a semi-conscious soldier who had suffered multiple slash wounds from Fenrir and Accalia's initial charge. The man had been mumbling, likely shock from the blood loss.

"Hang on man!"

Upon turning around, Jack could fully witness the battle going on between RNJR and the White Fang commanders. All of them were too fast for anyone to really analyze the skirmish. Only the occasional spark from clashing weapons and red haze from Ruby could be seen. Jack was unsure how he could even fight an enemy like that.

"Stay focused, Jack."

And so he did. He dragged his comrade back behind the LAVs were the casualties were being loaded on. Just outside the lead LAV, Corporal Ross was performing first aid on numerous men before clearing them to be loaded.

"Got another one here, doc!" Jack placed the member of his section down before noticing the Corporal's silence.

He was performing aid on an obviously dead soldier.

"Doc…"

"Carver, give me what you've got in your IFAK! I've got to stabilize-"

"DOC!" Jack shouted at the man.

Corporal Ross looked up at the Private in shock.

"He's dead!"

"No, he's not! I just need to-"

"ROSS!" Jack yelled again, finally getting through to the distressed medic.

Corporal Ross clambered over to the newest casualty and got to work. Jack watched in pity for a few moments before he remembered that RNJR was still fighting. They needed his help. His hands balled into fists.

"I'm borrowing this." Jack took Ross' rifle and marched out from behind the LAV.

The determined soldier took a knee and tried to track his target; Fenrir. The Faunus had fired the shots that killed Sergeant Travers, and now he'd repay the favor.

"Where are you, you son of a bitch…"

The blurs that skirted across the battlefield were impossible to fire on. Even if he was accurate enough to hit one, there was no way to know if he'd hit Ruby or any other member of RNJR. The soldier cursed and stood up, and advanced.

"What the hell are you doing Jack?" Farren peered out from behind the LAV.

Jack proceeded, too focused to even hear the man.

Interrupting his train of thought, Ruby fell to the ground on her back, a red shimmer similar to that of Fenrir's emanating from her body. She winced while on the ground and searched for Crescent Rose. Fenrir moved in for the kill, approaching the downed huntress.

"Shit!" Jack shouldered the rifle and squeezed the trigger.

Nothing. Jack cursed and pulled the charging handle and squeezed again. Nothing.

"You've gotta be shitting me!"

He discarded the rifle, not bothering to waste time trying to fix it and burst into a sprint, unsheathing his bayonet. The White Fang soldier lifted his sword into the air, preparing to impale the huntress. The rest of the team had been too occupied by Accalia to step in. It was up to Jack.

"JACK, HELP HER!"

"RUBY!" Jack tackled Fenrir to the ground and thrust his blade forward.

Fenrir shifted his head to the side, narrowly avoiding a killing blow. The knife left a long cut across the White Fang Commander's mask. The soldier's bayonet was thrust with enough strength to plunge the blade several inches into the dirt.

"You again?!"

"Yeah, me again, asshole!" Jack slammed his fist against Fenrir's mask, sending the metal plate flying off the Faunus' head.

The two men were finally face to face. Jack's light brown eyes stared down Fenrir's amber eyes. The livid Faunus glared back at the trooper with grit teeth showing off his razor sharp canines. Fenrir placed his boot against Carver's chest and threw the soldier off.

"You're getting on my nerves kid!"

Jack pushed himself up and charged the enemy soldier. "I must be doing something right then!" Jack swung his fist, making contact with the enemy's jaw. He swung again with a left hook, followed by another right. The soldier relentlessly swung, however, he had little effect on the much bulkier Fenrir.

Abruptly, Fenrir punched the soldier in the jaw, causing the soldier to recoil.

Jack took a few steps back to recover. The soldier spat into the dirt and wiped his face with his soaked sleeve.

Both men rushed at each other simultaneously, preparing to strike the other man. Jack threw a punch, but standard combat training only went so far against actual experience. Fenrir easily dodged and threw the Private over his shoulder, sending him crashing into the ground. Jack grunted and looked up, seeing Fenrir's boot coming down.

"Shit!"

Carver rolled away, just missing the sole of Fenrir's combat boot. Jack recovered to his feet quickly and immediately rushed once again to maintain momentum against his foe. He kicked his opponent in the knee, causing the enemy to grunt and collapse to his knee. Jack fed the Faunus a powerful right hook, hoping that would be the end of it. It was not.

Fenrir punched the soldier in the gut with enough power to force Jack to wince and bend forward. Fenrir quickly got back to his feet and raised his blade again, aiming to bring it down and stab Jack in the spine.

Ruby rolled over Jack's back and fed the Faunus a swift kick, knocking him back.

The rest of RNJR finally got in line after breaking contact with Accalia. Or rather Accalia breaking contact with them.

RNJR and Jack stared down Accalia and Fenrir.

"These jerks are tough!" Nora was catching her breath, understandably gassed by the high-octane fighting.

"We can beat these guys…" Jack equipped his Browning and his Bayonet, dual wielding.

"You're undisciplined, Soldier…" Accalia taunted the private, trying to goad him into striking recklessly.

"Yeah, speak for yourself, Cap. We seem to be doing just fine…"

"PLATOON, FALL BACK TO THE LAVS! WE'RE BUGGING OUT!"

Shouting filled the air and the troops in the surrounding area began to withdraw towards the LAVs.

"What?!" Jack looked over his shoulder. "We had them!"

"You were saying…?" Accalia smirked behind her helmet.

"Jack, maybe we should go! We don't want a repeat of the woods!" Ruby's eyes never left the enemy, fearing a strike should she look away.

"We're severely depleted on Aura and manpower! Getting in the LAVs and withdrawing seems like the best option!" Ren chimed in.

Accalia watched the group before speaking again. "Yes, by all means, leave Jack Carver."

Jack froze. They knew his name. "...What..?"

Sure, they must have heard the others speaking to him. But it was never good when the enemy had your name...it meant they would remember who he was.

"We know who you are as well, Huntsmen." Fenrir spoke up, wiping a spot of blood from his lip. "You were all there, at Beacon. Weren't you?"

"...Y-Yeah...I think you guys are right...Time to bug out!" Jack lifted his handgun and fired off the magazine, hoping to cut their rant short before hightailing it towards the LAV column. The Huntsmen and Huntresses did the same, emptying what ammo they had left towards the Commanders to suppress them before falling back towards the LAVs.

The team, under cover from the withdrawing platoon, found their way into one of the three LAVs, taking their seats in the cramped vehicle. Despite knowing that breaking contact with Accalia and Fenrir was likely the wiser decision, Carver couldn't see the reasoning behind pulling back from a battle they had appeared to be winning.

"Why are pulling back?! We had those pricks on the ropes!" Jack demanded an answer, waiting for an answer from anyone.

"Don't be cocky, Carver." Farren spoke up while holding his injury. "We were taking casualties, too many."

"But we had them!"

"Doesn't matter if we won! If no one was left standing, it means nothing! Use your head!"

"Primary objective was to rescue survivors, that's done. Secondary objective is to scuttle the Griffon. And that's coming right up." Bryson reached for a radio at the front of the LAV. "Staying and losing men makes no sense. I admire your drive, but try to see the bigger picture."

Jack started to piece things together, seeing both points made by the Master Corporal and the Lieutenant. He began to realize why they were the leaders, and why he was a Private.

"Brock actual! This is 2-1 Sunray, request immediate fire mission at crash site coordinates! Heavy strike package! I say again, heavy strike package at crash site coordinates!" Bryson spoke into the radio.

"Roger 2-1 Sunray, we're loading up the strike package now, however, you are at Danger Close position, fall back immediately to avoid being caught in the strike!"

"Copy that, Brock! Just bring the sky down on these assholes!"

The platoon commander slammed his fist against the driver's hatch and yelled as loud as he could. "GUN IT, SERGEANT!"

HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK

"2-1 Sunray to Brock Actual, we are at minimum safe distance. You are clear to execute fire mission. I say again execute fire mission!"

Listening on the other end of the line, Dietz gave a thumbs to the TAO in the other side of the room

"Affirmative 2-1, strike package is inbound. Hold on to your teeth." Dietz switched off the radio and moved to the command center where TAO was waiting. "TAO, you have permission to fire. Two rounds from the Mark. 45, 60 degrees off the starboard bow. Friendlies in the area."

"TAO confirms, two shots marked 60 degrees. Danger close, shots away."

LAV 2-1

Jack never heard to shells leave the Brocks naval artillery gun, neither did he hear them sail overhead, but he would have needed to be deaf to not hear them hit the ground. He never saw what remained of the crash site he had fought to defend, he could only imagine. Even though they had reached minimum safe distance, the LAV shook with a vengeance. Jack loved the infantry, but he needed to give credit where it was due, that gun was a menace that he'd hate to be on the other side of. He prayed that Fenrir and Accalia would be caught in the explosion. He doubted heavily that many men would survive another engagement with them.

"Everybody alright?" Bryson inquired The men answered with an unenthusiastic yes as they repositioned themselves in their seats. "Alright, we're not that far out from the Brock, sit tight and we'll be back in no time."

Jack sat silently, staring at the wall.

"Jack, you okay buddy?" Jerome shook him.

"...They know my name…"

"...What?"

"Accalia, the White Fang Captain. She said my name. I fought with Fenrir, he knows my face."

"...Well...with any luck, we won't have to worry about it. Those punks have been blown sky high by the Navy. Captain Dietz stole your kill, bud."

Jack Carver: Journal Entry 4

What a damn day. First I'm voluntold to babysit Doctor Grove, then I'm shot out of my Helicopter by half man, half animal terrorists, followed by a firefight that almost killed me. I'd kill to go home right-

Jack stopped writing, remembering the White Fang soldier that rushed him with her sidearm, her face as he killed her. He knew it was part of the job description to kill, but nothing prepared him for that. Worse off, he knew he'd be called upon to do it again.

-now. God I hope command has a plan, we can't keep doing this reactionary stuff, we have to do something else. I remember Ruby mentioning the Kingdoms they have here, four of them. Maybe they can help. In any event, I just want to have a shower and sleep for the next day.

As the LAVs returned to the Brocks position, the men filed out one by one. Jack insisted on being last, following Farren as the last man out. He stepped out to witness the Brocks UAV land on deck in the distance. The platoon had set up a small military presence on coast adjacent to the Brock, a few sandbags, and LAVs as gatekeepers. Jack stopped briefly before continuing on, taking in a sight he never thought he'd see again. Atop the Brocks island, waved a Canadian flag, illuminated by the sunrise on the horizon. Jack never felt so happy to see the Navy in his life.

"Carver, you alright?" Farren called back.

"I'm fine." Jack responded while keeping his eyes forward, picking up his pace again.

Farren took note of the short tone. Carver always included rank when addressing higher ranking soldiers. He was a relatively new soldier, it was what he did.

"Well, let's go then. These terrorists aren't going to kill themselves."

"Not the ones in this world anyway…" Owens mumbled under his breath.

As Jack walked with his section, he felt a tug at his sleeve. He turned to see Owens standing behind him.

"Hmm?" Jack pondered.

"I've been wrong about you."

"What?" The private cocked an eyebrow.

"This whole time, I've doubted you, been downright condescending."

"I'm used to it, it's not a problem, Corporal."

"No, it is a problem. You've proved to everyone here that you're capable. Hell, I'd say you were made for this. And Jack...I'm sorry. I should have trusted you as a member of my section. I should have had faith in your survival as your 2IC. I failed you, and it won't happen again. That's a promise."

Completely taken back by the Corporal's rant, Jack just stared at him, mouth slightly agape in surprise.

"...Where's this coming from?"

"I saw what you did. How you rushed into fire to come get us. How you rushed in and had the balls to go head to head with those freaks, you fought in close quarters with the goliath to protect the Huntress for god's sake. Let's just say a salty corporal has realized what kind of man you are."

With that, Owens limped away, taking his place next to Master Corporal Farren at the head of the Section.

The platoon strode into the temporary FOB slightly defeated. The rescue was a success and the chopper was scuttled, but men had lost their lives and they engaged a new enemy that was unlikely to relent. It was hardly a victory.

Jack broke off from the group. While they were making their way towards medical aid, Carver instead climbed on top of a Hesco box and stared into the ocean water that the HMCS Sir Isaac Brock resided in. The soldier placed his rifle and helmet down next to him and buried his face into his palms. A week ago he was in Petawawa living every seventeen year old's dream; getting paid to blow stuff up and shoot machine guns. Now, he was caked in the blood of his friends and the blood of people he killed. Not Grimm. People. He tried his best to not personify the enemy, it would tear him apart if he did, but a part of him would always know what he did. What he wouldn't give to go home.

His breathing became rapid and shallow while his mind replayed how close he came to death on several occasions as well as the faces of every White Fang soldier he killed, the faces of every comrade he failed to save and how close he came to failing to save Ruby. And just who or what the hell had been communicating with him? Was he going insane already? The yelling and rumbling of vehicles in the distance grew to a deafening roar, making thinking impossible. He wanted to scream.

"Jack?"

It was quiet again and his breath normalized. The soldier brought his hands down from his face and looked to see who called out to him. Ruby and Ren approached him, having noticed his isolation from the rest of the group.

"Are...you alright?" The two warriors climbed atop the Hesco barrier, sitting with the soldier.

"I'll be okay...just...sour and shaken up about the last twenty-four hours…Gotta get it all out of my system is all."

"Yeah, tell me about it." Ruby sighed. "Didn't like heights enough as it was. Now you're gonna have trouble getting me on another airship."

"How's the team holding up? You all okay?"

"No one was hurt in the crash. A few scrapes and cuts from the fight, hence why Jaune and Nora aren't here. But, that White Fang whack job didn't get me….Thanks to you."

"...It...It was nothing." Jack scratched the back of his neck after a slight red pigment came to his face.

"Don't disregard your actions, Jack. You fought Fenrir to protect your men, and us. We're grateful-"

"I killed today." The soldier spouted abruptly. "Not Grimm."

Ruby cocked a brow. He had said it as if they would be surprised by this fact. They had seen it with their own eyes. The soldier in question had killed yes, but in self-defence.

"Then there was Fenrir. He killed Sergeant Travers and Master Corporal Fazekas in the woods. That angered me to no end. I didn't feel like myself when I stood up to fight. Then you found again you saved my life, Ruby. I felt so useless today."

Ruby was about to speak up, interject and say that he would do the same. That he did do the same. But Ren put a hand on her forearm, signaling her to let the Soldier speak.

"So when he attacked us by the chopper. When he tore through our section with Accalia, when he got you on the ground. I had to do something. I wasn't going to let him do it. Even though I thought I was going to die." Jack's eyes met the sand of the beach. "I just...ran at him. I wanted to help. So I just attacked."

The two warriors listened to Jack get out his feelings on the subject.

"He was so much stronger than I was. Stronger, more experienced, more disciplined and likely better trained. There was no way I was going to win that fight. I was tired and injured. It was reckless to attack, especially in hand to hand. It was stupid and I don't really know what came over me."

Jack turned his attention away from the water, now facing Ruby and Ren.

"But you know what." Jack looked terrified by his own feelings. "I'd do it again." He looked down at the sand again. "I'm not suicidal or anything. But it was the right thing to do. You needed my help, and there was no way I was going to back down...Because-"

"Because you're a good person. A hero."

Jack chuckled slightly at the concept. "I wouldn't go that far."

The RCR Private shook his head, snapping out of his rant.

"Anyways enough of that...Another weird thing happened today…"

"What?"

"Now this is gonna sound crazy."

"Crazier than other worldly soldiers arriving in Remnant and start shooting the place up within a week?"

"...Touchè…Okay so when I was in the forest, I swear I heard a voic-"

"Private Carver!" Lieutenant Bryson combed the camp, shouting Jack's name.

"Sir!" Jack looked over his shoulder, trying to locate the Platoon Officer.

"On me, kid!" Bryson tapped the top of his head, giving the Canadian Forces' hand signal for forming up.

"Roger!" Jack leapt off the Hesco barrier, grabbing his equipment as he did.

"Bring Ruby." Bryson shouted once more before walking toward the shoreline.

Jack stopped, turning to face Ruby who looked equally as confused. He beckoned her to join him.

The Huntress slid down from the hesco box and took her place next to Jack.

"I'll keep a watch on Jaune and Nora." Ren raised his thumb, pointing back towards the temporary camp.

"Call me on the scroll if you need anything."

Ruby and Jack proceeded down the beach towards Lieutenant Bryson in silence, either not entirely sure what to say after such a day. Instead, they exchanged awkward smiles every time they looked at each other to find something to say.

Ruby was not sure if she should try to console the soldier on the loss of his comrades and what he had to do, or thank him for his bravery.

Jack, on the other hand, was still over thinking the conflict all while being completely oblivious as to what to say to a woman. He was awkward. Thankfully, Lieutenant Bryson and Doctor Grove came to his rescue in the form of meeting them halfway.

"You called, Sir?" Jack asked.

"Yeah. Lieutenant Colonel Reid and Captain Dietz have requested to speak with the four of us as soon as possible." Bryson looked equally unsure.

"Why?" Ruby tilted her head.

"They want to know what we're up against." Grove scratched his chin while looking out towards the Brock. "You three fought against our attackers head on. And I'm the scientist whose apparently the most experienced other than you, Private Carver."

"I'd put my money on that, Doctor." Bryson nodded.

In the distance, a RHIB assault craft manned by Naval Boarding Party operators raced towards the mainland.

"I'm guessing that's our ride?" Ruby asked, to which Bryson nodded. "Well, at least it's not a helicopter."

Even Doctor Grove and Jack managed to get a slight chuckle from Ruby's comment.

"Let's just go see what the bosses want."

THIRTY MINUTES LATER
NORTHERN COAST OF VALE
HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK
COMMISSIONED RANKS MESS

The group of four approached the door to the Officer's mess with Bryson taking point. The door was already open, letting them all know that the command team had already been waiting. Bryson stopped just before entering, taking a deep breath before coming to attention at the door. He glanced in, seeing Lieutenant Colonel Reid and Captain Dietz writing on their note pads.

"Permission to enter, Sir." Bryson raised his voice, garnering their attention.

"Lieutenant, please, come in."

"Thank you, Sir."

Bryson walked in, followed by Jack, Ruby and Doctor Grove.

"Why is it that you look worse every time you come in here, son?" The Lieutenant Colonel addressed the stoic and bloodied Private. While his comment was humorous in nature, the Battalion commander wanted to know what his men went through.

"Part of the job, sir." Jack answered and took a seat next to Ruby and the Lieutenant.

"Miss Rose, Doctor Grove, thank you for joining us." Captain Dietz nodded, showing his appreciation to the two guests.

"Begging your pardon, Sir." Bryson started. "But why did you call us here?"

Lieutenant Bryson came off more aggressive than intended, however, he had to tend to his men. He was a busy man.

"We called you here." Reid gestured to the crowd. "To learn about what happened. Who we just fought and bled against."

Jack slowly looked down to his combats, still filthy from mud and blood. Most of it, not his.

"Doctor Grove, seeing how you were the Scientist of this failed expedition attempt, we would like to hear your perspective of what happened. Help us paint a picture of what happened these last few hours, we've been going off reports."

"Well, Captain. We left for the scouting operation, and I had been taking a few notes regarding the landscape we were passing over when an aggressive alarm began to blare. The pilots began to yell. Next thing I knew we were going down, anti-air if I am correct."

The doctor began to list off the remainder of the night after he regained consciousness, all the way until the present meeting with scary detail.

"Miss Rose, is this how you would also describe the events leading up to the battle?"

The Huntress, who had been unusually silent during the meeting jumped up in her chair upon being addressed. She nodded.

"Yes, Captain! Once we recovered from the crash, I went out with Jaune and Aiden to find survivors that fell out during the crash….We...only found Jack."

"Which leads me to our next question actually. Private Carver."

Jack looked up. He had his palms clasped together and he had been gazing endlessly at the table top.

"Sir."

"Can you describe to us the events which brought you to the Griffon crash site? Why did the White Fang engage you?"

"Sir, as described by Ruby, a few of us had fallen from the chopper as it made its way towards the ground. I was one of them. I woke up a while after the crash as I hadn't heard the gunshots that came from Master Corporal Fazekas' last stand."

Jack sighed and continued.

"I linked up with a Sniper, Sergeant Travers, and we tried to find the crash site when we came across White Fang soldiers. They engaged us on sight. No diplomacy. We took care of them and managed to stay hidden for a while, until...Fenrir found us. Sergeant Travers was killed shortly after."

The entire room seemed to grow silent at the mention of Fenrir.

"Who is Fenrir?" Dietz asked.

"A White Fang Lieutenant, Sir." Bryson answered. "The bastards have a command structure similar to ours. He commanded the enemy platoon we encountered. He's their version of me. Or was, if that Arty strike worked out."

"Don't forget about Captain Accalia, Lieutenant." Grove shivered in his seat.

"Accalia." Reid wrote a few things on his note pad. "Continue."

"Accalia was the real leader out there. She showed no fear, no discomfort when engaging us." Bryson corrected himself.

"...What are we dealing with out there?"

Bryson and Grove turned their gazes to Ruby and Jack, the individuals who engaged the enemy commanders the most. Jack slowly removed his Mechanix M-Pacts and displayed his right fist. His knuckles were bloodied and bruised. Both his hands shook in pain.

"I hit that son of a bitch with everything I could muster." Carver shook his head. "He hardly felt a thing. I couldn't even shoot them. They were too fast for even experienced men like Master Corporal Farren to hit. They tore through an entire section in a matter of seconds."

"Their damage resistance comes from their Aura." Ruby spoke up.

The rest of the room stared, confused. RNJR had only briefly gone over Aura with the Private, leaving much information to be explained later in greater detail.

"Go on, please, Miss Rose." Dietz gestured.

"An Aura is the manifestation of a person's soul...I think that's how they put it...Everyone has one, and it can be used as a protective barrier if the person is adept enough to harness it."

"Everyone? So in theory, everyone we fight could have a barrier that we can't penetrate?"

"Nope! Not quite." Ruby searched for a way to explain it better. "It can be broken with enough pressure. Taking that damage drains a person's energy and will remove it. I even had mine broken during the fight…"

"Even after I broke his Aura barrier, the bastard was tough to hurt." Jack added.

"If I understand young Miss Rose correctly." Doctor Grove pondered. "Everyone has what Ruby refers to as a Remnant soul. Therefore, in theory, everyone we come across could have this barrier, but only if the person is capable of utilizing their Aura defensively…"

"Yeah, that's it!" Ruby pointed to the doctor, who had hit the nail on the head. "An aura is also tied in with a person's semblance, which is a power unique to that person. Mine is speed."

"So...our solution to heavily defended and offensively capable enemies is to...shoot them more?" Reid put a hand on his forehead and sighed. "This puts us at a significant disadvantage...We're already being pushed due to manpower and limited resources but this just worsens the situation."

"Not so fast, Colonel." Dietz put a hand on the Lieutenant Colonel's shoulder. "What about us?"

Ruby raised a brow.

"You said everyone has one, correct? Could we possibly have aura's and learn to use them defensively?"

Ruby took a few moments to process the question, hypothesizing and wondering. "...I...don't know…I had Ren try to unlock Jack's aura the night we found him after we applied first aid, but we couldn't do it...maybe it has to with being a Remnant native? I don't really know."

"It would make sense." Grove started. "We are foreign bodies after all."

"So to summarize. Our biggest threat may not be the Grimm? But this White Fang insurgency?"

"Hard to say, Sir." Bryson interjected. "We saw what the Grimm was capable of on the beachhead. They were juggernauts too, and we managed to ward them off."

"With all due respect, Sir, the Grimm didn't shoot back." Jack pointed to the bloody tear in his combat shirt.

"What are you suggesting, Private Carver?"

"Sir, it's not my place nor say regarding what we do...But again, with respect, I'm tired of going out, getting our asses kicked, watching men die and then figuring out what to do about it after the fact. We'll all be dead in a month. We can't keep combing the woods for answers. We have to find a settlement, or maybe even one of the four kingdoms. Maybe they could help."

"Was that not the point of the Griffon flight in the first place?"

"I have to agree with Private Carver, Captain." Doctor Grove took the young soldier's side. "A simple reconnaissance flight like the one we originally embarked on may not be our best option anymore, even if my curiosity wishes to explore everything. The main goal should be to find a settlement and rally our efforts into finding a way home and defending ourselves from the White Fang or the Grimm."

Dietz pondered for a few minutes before speaking again. "Thank you, all of you. You've given us a lot to think about and a perspective as to what we're dealing with. Is there anything else anyone would like to end before we call it a day?"

Jack was about to speak up and mention the voice, but opted against it. The accusations against his sanity would be unreal.

"Very well. This meeting is adjourned. All of you get some rest. And Lieutenant Bryson, tell your men the have the next two days off…" Dietz spoke while looking at the dirty Private. "...Your men need a break…"

"Yes, Sir. Thank you." Bryson nodded before exiting the room with the other three guests.

The four stood outside the officer's mess for a few moments, each going over the content of the meeting in their heads. It was Doctor Grove who left first, claiming he had work to do. Bryson was next, patting the soldier on the shoulder and telling him to get some rest. Only Jack and Ruby remained.

"Jack...Do you...wanna get some food at the mess?" The girl asked, a hand on her empty stomach.

Jack looked up to the huntress nodded with a small smile. "I'd like that."

OFFICERS MESS

"Auras, semblances, an organized militia hell bent on killing us; this place just keeps getting better and better." Dietz laid back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

"It does seem that we came at a bad time." Reid joked

"You know, if we get back-"

"When, we get back."

"Right, when we report back to the chiefs back home they'll think we've gone mad. I mean, this has gotten way out of hand."

"Agreed, but what can we do? Private Carver is right, we need to start making friends here. We don't need more enemies."

Dietz stood up from his chair and began to pace around the room.

"Agreed. Where should we start?"

"That Kingdom to the north has an army, a large one if I remember correctly. They are the most likely to be of help."

"It's risky, if something goes wrong I don't want to start a war with Remnants equivalent to the United States."

"Then we aim for smaller. A settlement that has a small defence force, not one of the kingdoms. Or maybe a smaller Kingdom. One or the other."

"Yes, that's good."

Dietz walked over to the phone mounted in the corner of the room and dialed the bridge

"Bridge, this is the CO, put the XO on please."

"What's the plan?"

Dietz covered the mic end of the phone and turned to Reid

"Don't know yet, but I want to put this rock to our fantail and put as much distance between us and these bastards as possible." Dietz removed his hand and turned back towards the phone;

"XO, as soon as we know were watertight, make course ten degrees port and come all ahead two-thirds to open sea. We're blowing this popsicle stand"

UNKNOWN TIME
GRIFFON CRASH SITE

The white fang commander laid silently on her back, forced down by a tremendous explosion. Her armor was scarred, scratching off the paint finish and denting the steel plating. The only sign of life coming from the warrior was the steady rise and fall of her chest plate. Her hand slowly crept up and removed her mask, allowing the fresh air to wash over her face.

"Sister!? Accalia!"

Fenrir rushed over to the fallen commander.

"Are you alright?" The Lieutenant looked over his older sister for wounds, only finding dents in her armor.

"I'm alright, little brother...barely."

"Gods, you scared me. The enemy soldiers called in an artillery strike by the looks of it...Not many of us are left. A squad or two at most."

Fenrir extended his hand to his sister, helping her up and dusting off her armor.

"Are you hurt?" Accalia asked while examining the aftermath of the battle. Her men, or what was left of her men, were recovering their dead and recuperating.

"The Cretans managed to deplete my aura, but nothing too serious came of it. Just a few bruises from that little pest."

"We need to tell Commander Taurus about this...They put up a greater fight than anticipated."

"Did you hit your head, Alia? We defeated them, had they stayed we would have decimated them."

"Don't be so sure, little brother. Look at the bigger picture...The enemy had an objective, likely to recover their wounded from the airship. The moment that task was completed, they fell back. Contrary to what that soldier said, I don't believe engaging us head on was their task…"

"Then what do you recommend? Should we pursue?"

"No." Accalia shook her head while observing what was left of the downed helicopter, now rubble and bent metal. "We rearm, we regroup, we inform Commander Taurus of what we learned; how they fight, who they are. And then we wait."

"This is ridiculous, we should be focusing on the academies like the original plan. Not wasting our time with these aliens."

"Something tells me that these men will be a problem in the not so distant future. Considering the silver eyed girl was with them."

Fenrir sighed, he had completely forgotten about the other warriors. He had been so focused on the soldier he had engaged in the woods and then once again at the crash site.

"If the huntsmen are with them, this could only spell delays for our coming operations. Think back to how ferociously the aliens fought when you almost killed the Huntress."

"Then we deal with them. Soon."

"On that, little brother, we agree."


A/N: And that does it for this chapter. To make up for how long this chapter took to get out, we doubled the length, we hope you forgive the delay, but as stated above, internet was an issue. As the march towards chapter 9 begins, know that we will not make it this long to ensure that it has a reasonable release date. Despite how long it took, this chapter had very fun elements to write, especially the newly unveiled Captain Accalia and Lieutenant Fenrir. Starwarsmast3r and I have been waiting for the right moment to unveil these two and we hope this was the right time. In due time, we'll explain lots about them as well as the design process behind them. For now, we're immediately starting work on chapter 9!

Thanks again for your patience, everyone!


GLOSSARY OF TERMS

REGIMENTS:

RCR- The Royal Canadian Regiment; a Regular Force Infantry Regiment of the Canadian Army.
PPCLI- Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry; a Regular Force Infantry Regiment of the Canadian Army.
R22R- The Royal 22e Régiment, or The Royal 22nd Regiment (Commonly known as: The Van Doos); the third and final Regular Force Infantry Regiment of the Canadian Army. (We haven't mentioned this Regiment as of this chapter, but we thought it was important to put down).
JTF2- Joint Task Force 2, Canadian Tier 1 Special Forces.

STRUCTURE:

BATTALION- An organization of rifle companies and a support company. (Usually commanded by a Lieutenant-Colonel)
COMPANY- An organization of three rifle platoons and a support platoon. (Usually commanded by a Captain or Major)
PLATOON- An organization of three rifle sections and a heavy weapons detachment. (Usually commanded by a 2nd Lieutenant or full Lieutenant)
SECTION- A group of 8-10 Infantry soldiers (Commonly mistaken for "Squad") (Usually commanded by a Sergeant or a senior Master Corporal)
FIRE TEAM- A team of 2 soldiers (Commanded by the most senior member of the fireteam)

COMMAND:

IC- Broad term for an individual who is the Commander or 'In Command' (Examples: Section IC, Platoon IC, Company IC)
2IC- Broad term for an individual who is 'Second in Command' (Examples: Section 2IC, Platoon 2IC, Company 2IC)
CM- Commissioned Member. A Canadian Forces member who holds a commission from the Queen or reigning Monarch of England. Typically known as "Officers" (2nd Lieutenant and above)
NCM- Non-Commissioned Member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Private Basic- Chief Warrant Officer)

GEAR:

CADPAT- Canadian Disruptive Pattern (The camouflage pattern printed on combat uniforms, body armour, tactical vests, helmets, etc).
COMBAT SHIRT- A combat shirt is different from the traditional military top. It is a top designed to be worn beneath heavy sweat inducing body armour. The torso is made of a soft, moisture wicking material similar to that of Under Armour to provide comfort. The arms are made of traditional uniform material and still have the CADPAT camouflage printed on them. (For a visual, search "Cadpat Combat Shirt" on google images).
TAC VEST- Short for Tactical Vest. Tactical Vests are load bearing equipment that hold useful supplies for soldiers. Specifically ammunition, grenades and medical supplies.
IFAK- Individual First Aid Kit. A personal kit for a soldier usually mounted on their vest.
FRAG VEST- The Canadian Forces' Frag Vest is designed to protect against fragmentation, however has since seen an upgrade featuring slots for ballistic plates to protect the wearer's vital organs from ballistic weapons.
LEVEL 3+ PLATES- Ballistic plates designed by AR500 Armor, provides significant protection from firearms (slots into the Frag Vest).
MECHANIX M-PACT- The M-Pact series glove has individual thermoplastic rubber finger guards to protect against blunt force trauma against the hands and fingers as well as reinforced index finger and thumb pieces to increase grip on tools or weaponry.

INFANTRY WEAPONS: - *NEW ENTRIES*

C7A2- Standard Issue Rifle to the Canadian Armed Forces. Similar platform to the US Armed Forces' M4 and M16 series. 5.56x45mm round.

C8- Carbine variant of the C7A2. (Shorter barrel length than the full sized C7A2).

C9A2 LMG- Canadian Forces Light Machine Gun. Extremely similar to the US armed forces' M249

C6 GPMG- The C6 General Purpose Machine Gun is a platoon weapon chambered in 7.62 caliber rounds. There is generally one per platoon, however, it can also be mounted on top of vehicles such as the LAV III

BROWNING HI-POWER- Standard handgun of the Canadian Forces. Typically used by officers and section commanders, however, on deployments, they are issued to common troops. (Yes, it is 'Hi' Power, not 'High' Power oddly enough). Chambered in 9mm.

M203- Grenade Launcher capable of being under mounted to the C7A2. 40mm Grenade.

C-13- Standard issue fragmentation grenade for use by Canadian Infantry.

FOURTY MIKE MIKE- Another name for the M203 grenade launcher. The weapon fires 40mm grenades and the phonetic alphabet title corresponding with M is Mike.

THE 9- Slang for the C9A2 LMG

CARL GUSTAV- The Carl Gustav, or Carl G, is an 84mm 'recoilless rifle' capable of anti armor missions. It is a shoulder mounted rocket launcher.

M32 MGL- A revolver style grenade launcher used by the USMC (United States Marine Corps).

C14 TIMBERWOLF- The Timberwolf is the Sniper Rifle used by the Infantry's sniper units. It is a bolt action rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum -*NEW*

NON-INFANTRY WEAPONS:

JDAM- The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather "smart" munitions. Canadian variants require laser targeting from troops on the ground.

MARK-45 NAVAL ARTILLERY- Features an automatic loader with a capacity of 20 rounds. These can be fired under full automatic control, taking a little over a minute to exhaust those rounds at maximum fire rate. The gun is designed for use against surface warships, anti-aircraft and shore bombardment to support amphibious operations.

25MM CANNON- The primary weapon of the LAV III. Fires heavy 25mm rounds. Can be referred to as "The 25"

ARTY- Short for Artillery.

AA- Anti-Air

VEHICLES:

CF-18- Canadian F/A-18E/F Super Hornet variant.

MILCOT- Military Commercial Off the Shelf (Military acquired vehicles)

CH-146 GRIFFON- The Bell CH-146 Griffon is a multi-use utility helicopter of the Huey family, designed by Bell Helicopter Textron as a variant for the Canadian Armed Forces

CH-148 Cyclone- The CH-148 is designed for shipboard operations and is intended to replace the venerable CH-124 Sea King, which has been in operation since 1963. Primarily operated by the RCAF

LEOPARD 2A4M CAN MBT- The Leopard 2A4M Main Battle Tank is the Canadian Forces' tank of the armoured corps. Originally made in Germany, the Leopard 2 has seen many upgrades and changes at the hands of the Canadian military.

SEA KING- The Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter designed for shipboard use by Canadian Naval forces, based on the US Navy's SH-3 and has been continuously in service with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Forces since 1963.

SEA AVENGER- Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike aircraft.

LAV- Light Armoured Vehicle. Standard troop transport and defensive vehicle used by Canadian Infantry

RHIB- Rigged Hulled Inflatable Boat. Fits 8-12 people including a driver and an optional gunner on the bow

HMCS ALGONQUIN- Iroquois class destroyer used by the Royal Canadian Navy from 1973- 2015. Carries the NATO standard DDG classification.

HMCS BONAVENTURE- Fourth and final aircraft carrier used by the Royal Canadian Navy.

After a service of 14 years, she was decommissioned and scrapped in 1971.

HMCS ENDEAVOUR- Research ship that was first through the anomaly. The Polar Class 2 Icebreaker was commissioned by the Canadian Coast Guard, later procured for the expedition.

HMCS SIR ISAAC BROCK- Canadian Amphibious Assault Ship, based upon the American Wasp Class under the same classification. Modified from the American design to complement fixed wing aircraft.

HMCS VICTORIA- One of four long-range hunter-killer (Sub-Surface Killer) submarines of the Royal Canadian Navy, the lead ship of her class. She is named after the city of Victoria, British Columbia.

USS PENNSYLVANIA- SSBN- 735 serves as one of many American Ohio-class submarines, outfitted with 24x TRIDENT II Nuclear cruise missiles. With a 475 Kiloton yield per missile, 735 as well as her sister ships, serves as an important part of America's Nuclear Triad.

POLITICAL:

PM- Prime Minister of Canada
MND- Minister of National Defence
CDS- Chief of the Defence Staff
NATO- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
J.A.G- Judge Advocate General. Entity responsible for providing lawyers for military cases in summary trials or court marshals.

NAVAL TERMINOLOGY: - *NEW ENTRIES*

BOW- Front of a boat

CIC- Combat Information Center

CVN- Hull Classification symbol. "C" means aircraft carrier, "V" indicates fixed wing (vice rotating wings as on helicopters), and "N" stands for nuclear powered. So CVN means "aircraft carrier, fixed wing, nuclear powered". 001 represents the ship's Identification number to other NATO vessels on sonar.

CIWS- (Sea-whiz) or Close-In Weapons System or any variant is standard on all NATO vessels and is capable of firing radar guided 20mm shells from is gatling gun on a swiveling base. Nicknamed 'R2D2' Because of the dome like housing.

C.O- Commanding Officer of the vessel. Commonly referred to as "Captain" although rarely does a C.O hold such a rank. Unless an officer aboard holds the rank of Captain than the crew is free to call his/her C.O the captain. Typically the "Captain" has the rank of Commander despite being the "Captain" (Senior Officer) of the vessel. (Confusing, right?)

EMP- Electromagnetic Pulse. Short circuits all technology within a given range

X.O- Second in Command of the Vessel. Typically the X.O. holds the rank of Lieutenant-Commander

FANTAIL- Rear gangway system that spans the entire vessel

FLANK SPEED- Flank speed is a nautical term referring to a ship's true maximum speed, but it is not equivalent to the term full speed ahead. Usually, flank speed is reserved for situations in which a ship finds itself in imminent danger.

HELM/HELMSMAN- Junior officer in command of steering the vessel while under the command of a senior officer. Helmsman is bound to follow the orders of these officers even if it threatens the safety of the ship and cannot make judgement calls on behalf of officers.

HMCS- Her Majesty's Canadian Ship.

ISLAND TOWER- The bridge tower on the starboard side of the vessel. Primary entrance and exit for those on the flight deck.

KNOT- Unit of speed that represents one nautical mile. Equivalent to 1.8 km or 1.1 miles.

NAV/ NAVIGATION OFFICER- Typically the third highest ranking member of the command crew and is in charge of updating the C.O or X.O with relevant navigation data and updates from the ship's CIC, flight control and listening stations.

OOW- Officer of the Watch. Also acts as a temporary commanding officer if the X.O or C.O is not present on the bridge.

PORT- Left-hand side of the ship

REVOLUTION LIMITERS & ENGINE SAFETIES- Safety protocols to protect the engines from long term damage due to overworking. Such protocols can be temporarily overridden to increase the speed of a vessel when receiving resistance from the sea or to decrease the distance to a target.

TAO- (Tee- aee-oh) Tactical Operations Officer who is in charge of coordinating fire control on a naval vessel.

QUIET ORDERS- Systematic orders to reduce the effects of sonar upon a target by reducing

the amount of noise and visual identification markers on the surface.

STARBOARD- Right-hand side of the ship

STERN- Back of a ship

CONN- The Conn is the act of controlling a ships movements while at sea -*NEW*

BASES:

CFB PETAWAWA- Headquarters for 1st and 3rd Battalions of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
CFB ESQUIMALT- Headquarters for the Canadian Pacific Fleet. Located on Victoria Island, British Columbia.
CFB HALIFAX- Headquarters for the Canadian Atlantic Fleet. Located in the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
UNS BASE GUAM- United States Naval Station Guam is one of many NATO designated ports for member nations to use and serves as an ANNEX for Navy ordnance

MISC:

DANGER CLOSE- A warning to ground forces that an attack from artillery or air units may be dangerously close to their position. Within 500m of the unit in question.

BMQ- Basic Military Qualification that ALL Canadian Forces members (Regardless of trade they chose) must go through prior to trade training (An Infantry soldier must do BMQ before going on his/her Infantry course)
OPERATION OVERLORD- The Allied assault on Normandy on June 6th 1944 during the Second World War. Regarded as the largest amphibious assault in human history.

AAR- After Action Report

CCP- Casualty Collection Point

FOB- Forward Operating Base

CONCERTINA WIRE- Coils of barbed wire
ACK- Acknowledged

ROG- Roger
TRIAGE- Triage is the process of determining the priority of patient treatments based on the severity of their condition. This rations patient treatment efficiently when resources are insufficient for all to be treated immediately.
VSA- Vital Signs Absent. Reported when an individual has no pulse.

HE- High Explosive round capable of intense damage.

IMP- Individual Meal Pack - A ration pack containing heatable food, snacks, and beverages for a single soldier

REVEILLE- A signal to arise. Often meaning the wake-up call or signal to get up.

SOP- Short for Standard Operating Procedure. A predetermined method of dealing with certain scenarios.