The rest of the month passed faster than Jaune expected, probably because there was no moment of boredom in the Nagato. Pyrrha visited often, and started training the captain on the better use of the Hunter. For some reason, Yang also took to herself to keep him in form, creating a series of training exercises, ones she was a bit too touchy. Aside that, he had to deal with Penny's lack of common sense, Sun and Neptune incredible tendency to get in trouble despite being confined to the ship, Weiss and Ruby's arguing all the time and his sisters constant 'visits'. He was glad that Coco, Blake and Velvet were nice enough to not give him any, and that Glynda was a great help, despite the poor woman also running out of energy.

But the day of departure was finally upon them, and Jaune fixed his formal uniform for the last public event before departure, and finally downed upon him that this was going to be one of the last moments he would spend with his family. He sighed and fixed his hat, and the captain uniform felt inappropriate, somehow. A note to the fact he was severely underprepared for such task.

"Let me fix your tie, captain." Glynda turned him around and adjusted it. "There, a true Spacy captain."

"Am I? I am barely able to control the crew, Commander, what when true decisions that can signify life or death comes around?"

"Permission to speak frankly, Captain?" he nodded. "Jaune, the truth is that I doubted you since the first day we met, back at combat school. Somehow you were able to graduate, and at first I believed it was luck, considering how lacking you were. But Tenryuu speaks dearly of you as an officer, and this month under your command showed me she was right. The crew we got is hard to deal with, yet they all act like family, and they respect you. I respect you. If we are going to complete this mission, it is not a hardboiled captain we need, but someone who can drive us together."

"I… wow… Thanks, commander. I will be counting on you… as always." He said with a smile, and she just fixed his hat.

"But you need to learn how to dress properly."

"Not everyone look as good as you in these damn uniforms, commander." He stated, and she smiled teasingly at him.

"Are you hitting on me, captain?"

"WHAT?! NO! I would never hit on you! Not that you aren't attractive but OH HEAVENS DAMN IT! Let's go before I swallow my foot!" he said as he walked away, making Glynda left a small laugh out.

…

Boredom.

That was the word in order as Counselor Winchester kept talking about the important moment they were living, and Jaune never felt so bored since Colonel Port did one of his long retellings of past battles at combat school. The young captain looked to see his crew all sat by the left side, trying to stay awake, and only military discipline and well placed needles kept them awake for the long speeches. On the other side was General Ironwood, Admiral Tenryuu, Director Ozpin, Major Nikos and for some reason Cardin. After the counselor finally stopped speaking, it was General Ironwood, using so many clichés about bravery and the importance of the armed forces that Jaune was pretty sure he heard them all before. He only paid attention when Director Ozpin spoke after the general.

"Today, more than twenty years of hard work comes to fruition, and we launch the first faster-than-light ship in an official mission. This mission is one to find us the possibility of having a new home, one where we don't have the fear of the creatures of Grimm. This is not an easy task, and the dangers before the young crew of the Nagato are unknown. But I don't bid them farewell, because I believe in them, and in this project. I can only say to them, that we will see them back, if not soon, someday." With that he sat back over a few applauses. Now it was Tenryuu turn to deliver a speech.

"The right person for the right mission was the lesson I learned the hardest way during my career as a Spacy officer. Knowing who this person is is a skill hard to develop, and a mistake could cost more than expected. Therefore when I was asked to select the captain for the FTLRSS-7, I knew the person I needed was not one stuck with old principles and values, but one that would put his heart for this mission. I want to invite Captain Jaune 'Miles' Arc to share a few words with you."

Jaune sighed internally and walked to the podium, almost willing some emergency would take him out of the speech. He could see his family there, the families of many members of his crew, a small crowd of reporters and many senior officers. He could tell not everyone was happy with him up there. He prepared many discourses for that moment, but decided none would be good enough. So he just decided to improvise and speak from his heart.

"The only lesson my grandfather, General Johannes Arc, left to me was that the decisions you make shouldn't be about the future you want for you, but the future you want for your sons and daughters. I want a future where they aren't confined to colonies, where they have a freedom we don't. That is why I am going in this mission, so our children can have a better future." There was a moment of stunned silence before a series of eager clapping and cheering. Jaune just watched a bit dumbfounded. Once the cheering stopped, he decided to move a little plan of his forwards. "Now, I invite one of my crew members to speak, Major Pyrrha Nikos of the Marine Corps."

If there was a moment where silence could be felt was that one. It only broke with the sounds of Pyrrha's footsteps towards the podium, while almost everyone looked in surprise as she positioned her there. Ironwood was probably the one most surprised about this, while everyone else simple couldn't believe the famous Marine was going into a mission that most still didn't believe in. Only a few people seemed aware that was going to happen, Jaune, his sisters and Admiral Tenryuu.

"When Captain Arc invited me to join his crew, all I could think of was the people of the Remnant colonies. I enlisted so I could provide them a chance of a better life, and as he said this mission is this chance. My many victories at the tournaments pale in comparison to the importance of this mission, and so I accepted it. In the same way I did my best while competing, I promise you all that me and my crewmates will do our best to succeed. Thank you." Her discourse cause energetic applause from the audience, despite a few higher ranked offices shocked expressions.

…

"ARC!"

"Yes?" The ten Arcs turned as a pissed Ironwood approached, followed by the Winchesters and other officers. The families were giving the last goodbyes to the Nagato crew, and there was many crying and talking at the moment. But the general wanted the head of only one.

"Captain Arc, a position you might not hold far too long. I am NOT allowing Major Nikos on this trip, and I thought we left this clear last time! What you thought you were doing calling her like that?"

"Oh, about that. See, I really wanted someone as skilled as the Major on my ship, so I checked both the Armed Forces regulations and the Project Beacon laws. I discovered, after my sister Maika translated the legalese, that the law that approved the project also gave me, the project CO, power to, and I quote, 'recruit in emergency character any member of the Armed Forces he sees fit as long as he do it within 24 hours before the departure'. Since I was still out of my 14th member, I sent a request to Admiral Tenryuu, my highest graded officer a request for Major Nikos."

"And following the protocol, I had three hours to accept his request, which I did in the last minute, and sent it to Pyrrha's direct superior, Colonel Port." Tenryuu stated, and Ironwood turned to the Colonel, that just wiggled his moustache.

"Colonel, did you approve this?"

"Well, yes. According to protocols I had three hours to inform the Major of her recruitment and hear her on her desires. I found her in the last minute, and since she manifested her deep desire in going, I allowed. But I sent you the report soon after." The Colonel defended himself, and Ironwood was almost visibly fuming of anger.

"You two wasted six hours on this, and sent me the report in the middle of the night, knowing as well I would be busy with this ceremony?"

"Well, the law says the Armed Forces general-commander have six hours after the approving of the emergency recruitment to overturn it. If he fails to manifest in this time frame, the recruitment is automatically approved. And this time frame passed… 30 minutes ago." Jaune finished with a smug smile o his face.

"General, I want to go. You might think I am more useful here performing to the people, but this is not what I think or want." Pyrrha chimed in, and Ironwood breathed hard.

"You are staying, Major. This is an order."

"That you can't give to her anymore, Jimmy. She is under Spacy chain of command now, and you can't order my people around." Tenryuu said, wearing the smuggest smile she had.

"I can order you to order her."

"Then I will complain with the Military counsel about you, and they would have to do a hearing and all. And I would use my 48 hours of preparation time." Tenryuu finished, tying the hands of the general from a military protocol point of view.

"We just need to change the law. The colonial council can be summoned in three hours, and I am sure I can convince them to amend this law so we can keep our golden girl here." Counselor Winchester said, but apparently that didn't affected Jaune and Tenryuu, while Pyrrha looked worried.

"Yes, you can, and then I would have to use my second option. I already have the needed approvals so 1st Sergeant Cardin Winchester can be Major Nikos replacement, and that is under a military emergency protocol for immediate mission, one that the council can't interfere." Jaune explained, and both Winchesters paled.

"I will have the council overrule this farce, Arc, and if you weren't going away anyway I would have you expelled!" Ironwood growled.

"L-let's calm down a little, general. It is not like Major Nikos is irreplaceable and all…" Counselor Winchester said, knowing very well that the council wouldn't try to step in military problems for his son as they would for Pyrrha. That last betrayal put Ironwood on the verge of punching someone, especially tall, blonde and scraggly.

"Fine! I hope you all are happy. I will allow Pyrrha to go if you are all going to such lengths to take her away. Just to be clear, Major, your career won't be waiting for you." Ironwood finished and walked away furious, followed by the officers and the Winchesters.

"Welcome aboard, Major." Jaune said with a smile, that Pyrrha gave back one of her own and a salute.

"Aye aye, skipper."

…

"That was very bold, skipper. The face of pure hate on Ironwood's face was priceless." Sun commented as they returned to the Nagato. Jaune just sighed in relief that his trick paid off, and that Ironwood was too pissed off to remember that he could just delay the mission until he sorted the crew arrangement. Everyone received Pyrrha with open arms, and she was nothing but happiness incarnate. That made all Jaune's efforts worth it.

"OK, everyone, line up." Jaune ordered, but it was ignored, making him groan. "Commander, would you kindly?"

"OFFICER ON DECK!" She shouted, and immediately the crew, even Penny, lined up.

"Thanks, commander. We have… less than eleven hours before departing, and while I am as happy as you for having Major Nikos as member of the crew, we will have to celebrate later." He stated and everyone relaxed a little. "Ren, Nora, how are things on your side?"

"Every system is running as expected." Ren started.

"We can go to where no one has gone before at any moment!"

"People, I am not going to force any of you to take this trip, so this is the last opportunity for giving up. Is any of you unsure you want to go?" Neptune was about to raise his hand but Sun, forced it down. "Thanks, I knew I could count with you all. Doc want to do one last check up with everyone before we depart. After your check up, I want everyone to check your private equipment and your posts to ensure everything is in place. Ruby, take your team and comb the ship after you all followed the previous orders. I don't want any stowaway. That doubles if they are my sisters. You are all dismissed."

The group dispersed with their orders, only Penny and Pyrrha staying behind. Jaune looked at the artificial girl first.

"Anything troubling you, Penny?"

"I am not a real girl, therefore I don't need a medical examination, nor do I have personal equipment that needs check." She informed, and Jaune nodded a little.

"So, monitor external communications from the bridge. Inform me if Ironwood or anyone is attempting to do any movement to delay our departure."

"Understood. I am glad you are coming with us, Major Nikos."

"I am glad to be here, and I hope we can be friends."

"Sen-sational! I now have fourteen friends!" Penny skipped away happy to perform her duties, living Jaune and Pyrrha to laugh a little.

"Captain, permission to break protocol." The redhead asked Jaune and he conceded. Suddenly she hugged him tight, suppressing her tears. Jaune stood there without any idea as how to proceed. They stood like that until she calmed down enough. "Thanks, for doing everything you could to have me there. I finally feel I belong to the armed forces, and that I am a soldier. Not only that, thanks to you I forged friendships that I know will last a lifetime."

"Well, one day I was going to be of help." Jaune stated with a smirk, before Pyrrha gently slapped him in the shoulder, but smiled at him. "Hey, no assaulting a superior officer, Major!"

"Well, better I go follow your orders then, skipper. And thanks again. You won't regret taking me in."

…

"How's the crew, Doc?" Jaune asked as he too finished the exams. Dr. Verd nodded a bit before smiling.

"Everyone's healthy, though helmsman Vasilias might suffer of a little itch for a while." The doctor answered with an evil grin on her face.

"Of course he would hit on you." Jaune sighed as he started dressing up again.

"Well, you were the one that decided to call him, Jauney." She stated as she relaxed a little, knowing that going with them would be interesting to say the least. "But none of them are bad people. They all believe in the mission… Well, most of them do, anyways, and they all talk fondly of you. Especially a few of them."

"What?" Jaune said missing the implications, but the doctor decided that messing with him was funnier and let it go.

"Now, how are you, Captain Jaune Arc of the Nagato?"

"Nervous, you know? Stressed would be a better word. Now that we are finally going, I just realized I won't have anyone to fall back into if I make a mistake."

"You can always fall back into your friends, Jauney. That is why we are here, to support you and the mission. Besides, you might not know, but the crew you chose… I believe they will do well for each other on the long term, even if the short term can be a bit…"

"Captain, we found stowaways and we are in pursuit!" Ruby's voice sounded from the intercom. Jaune groaned and took the call, already knowing who would be.

"It is Mia and Dia, aren't them?" He asked as he finished fixing his uniform.

"Actually, the seven of them." She answered, and Jaune audible cringed.

"I want them out of my ship, Marine. Use force if needed."

"Sir, yes sir!" He finished the call and turned to Dr. Verd, the Faunus woman laughing hard at it.

"Har, har. Glad to see my troubles amuse you, Doc. You know, now I want to take off sooner."

…

The last few hours of preparation apparently lasted longer than the whole month they spent till that moment. After getting his sisters out of the ship, twice, they were finally on lockdown, all ports and entrances to the ship closed. All the cargo was loaded and all the last checkups done, and all they needed now was the green light to depart. Jaune entered the bridge and sat on his chair. Ren, Glynda, Sun, Neptune and Coco were on position, while Penny stood by his side. A few smaller ships were around, probably for PR purposes. He watched the small screen on the right arm rest. He still had fifteen minutes before launch, and he was almost asking control to allow him to go already.

"Sir, why not saying a few words to the crew?" Glynda suggested, and Jaune had no idea what to even say at that moment. He was a pile of nerves, but probably so was the crew. With that in consideration, he decided he might as well say something.

"This is your captain speaking. We are about to depart to hell if I know, estimated time to arrival is good luck trying to guess." There was general laughter around the ship as he lighted the mood. "Now, since you all were too stupid to sign off this mission while you could, I want you to know I couldn't have chosen a better group of troublemakers. And yes, Yang, you are the number one troublemaker. I can't promise you all much, except I will do whatever I can to bring you back home alive, eventually. If possible in one piece, but beggars can't be choosers." Jaune didn't look back at the shocked face of Glynda, and probably he was better not knowing the face Weiss was doing, otherwise everyone was finally relaxing. "And especially, thank you all for volunteering… We will come back here, and with our mission accomplished… Oh, the control just cleared for launch, so I recommend you all to tighten your seatbelts. Dinner will be served when I feel like it; otherwise Capt. Ruby hides cookies under her pillow." He was sure he heard the young Marine threatening him. "But thanks, everyone. Let's make ourselves proud."

"That was the best speech ever." Sun said and gave Jaune thumbs up.

"I am pretty sure that one won't be in any record." Glynda said in an exasperate tone.

"Eh, their loss. Well, time to put this show on the move. Helmsman, circle every colony, then I want to see the planet one last time."

"Right away, skipper!"

The 'legs' that held the Nagato opened up, and the ship floated free. It activated its magnetic impulse engines, and slowly moved forward, the light blue lights shining on the back of its 'wings' as it silently crossed the empty space between the colonies, the several smaller ships giving passage. Inside one of them were Ironwood, Tenryuu, Ozpin and the Arc family, and they silently saluted as the ship started maneuvering around the colonies. None wanted to feel like that, but what they were seeing was maybe their last hope.

The ship circled the four colonies in an elaborate but elegant maneuver, and while the ship's screens where filled with the sight, no one on board felt sad. They all grew up hearing how one day they would have their planet back, and therefore they never felt any deep connection with the metal cans that served as home. But now, they were going to find a place to really call that, and they all hoped.

The ship started accelerating, and left the range of the colonies, and now they all could see the planet. All that was left was a brown and dirty blue planet, the life of it destroyed by the creatures of Grimm. There were so many that even from there they could see the black spots of the mass of Grimm moving around, waiting the next time the colonies would need supplies from the dying planet. Neptune maneuvered the ship again, now pointing to the fragmented moon, and waited his next orders. The captain just looked in front of himself, and wondered if things could have gone differently in other life.

"Helmsman, move us to the jumping point. Once there, we are going to warp to the first star system in our schedule."

Leaving the planet behind showed to be harder to them than the colonies. Somehow it felt wrong to leave it behind, but yet they needed to move forward, so Jaune turned the cameras towards the front of the ship. From space, the sea of stars looked like a collection of precious gems and shiny pieces of cloth entwining in each other, with colored smoke filling the spaces in between. Somehow none of them spent much time watching the stars, and they were filled with awe at that sight. Jaune remembered old sailors used stars as a way to navigate the seas, but now they were going to navigate into them. Somehow it felt oddly poetic, and he felt the need to hum, surprising the crew. It was an old song about leaving the homeland, one from before the colonies were created that his family kept alive.

Soon the bridge started humming along, and Penny broadcast the humming to the entire ship, and felt necessary to send it back to the colonies. The captain didn't notice it immediately, but when he did, he kept humming as the Nagato approached the departure point. Even while there, they kept humming till the end of the song, and everyone stayed silently for a minute after.

"Ren, is the warp system ready?"

"Yes, sir, fully functional."

"Helmsman, warp at my command…" Jaune looked at the stars one more time, as the ship took its final position. "Engage."

A soft vibration was felt, and the gravitational floor turned off, the weightless sensation pleasing the captain. There was a moment of silence, and the screens had gone blank before a soft white glow created a flowery pattern. There was no sensation of movement, but that of time passing slowly, and certain warmth. Jaune could swear there was a singing voice, but the origin he couldn't find. It was just for a few minutes, but soon the warp trip ended, and the screens showed a binary star system in front of them.

"Confirming coordinates… We are at the edge of the Aphid system. Our warp jump was a success, skipper. 35 light years from home." Neptune said and there was a moment of cheering at the bridge and around the ship.

"That was fast." Coco commented with a long whistle.

"Very well. Helmsman, how long before we reach the life zone of the system?" Jaune asked, the life zone being the space where a planet should be from its star to allow life to exist.

"Three days at cruise speed, skipper."

"So let's get going. We have other places to go if this one is a bust. Commander, the bridge is yours; I will be in my office." Jaune said as he left to the tube that directly connected to his quarters.

He entered his office and saw how now it was fully decorated with his stuff, and sat at his desk, looking at the portraits on top of it, mostly of his family, some of him and Tenryuu, and now some of his new crew. It was weird that they just left Remnant a few minutes before and it felt already it was so long ago. He imagined that his family was already making bets on when and how he would come back, while Tenryuu would had convinced Ironwood to drink with her.

Jaune had some bottles of alcohol in his cabinet, a present from many of the officers in Spacy, but Tenryuu always said you only drink in a ship if you are an alcoholic or mourning a fallen comrade, so the captain decided it was not the moment to indulge him on them. He was wondering what he would do for dinner when he heard the doorbell.

"Come in." He was surprised to see Sergeant Scarlatina coming inside. They barely talked since she arrived, the bunny girl too nervous around him to do so. "Can I help you with something, Sergeant?"

"A-actually, I was j-just wondering if you were alright." She said shyly, surprising him. "You are our CO, but you are the same age of most of us. So I was wondering if you needed someone to talk with."

"Thanks, Velvet. I appreciate the offer, but just knowing I can count on you is enough. Well, I better start making dinner." Jaune said feeling a little better.

"Do you mind if I help?" Velvet offered, and Jaune nodded.

"You are most welcome, Sergeant. Well, maybe from now on things will go smoothly."

"Captain, there is an altercation between Capt. Rose and Lt. Schnee." Penny informed, and Jaune groaned, making Velvet suppress a giggle.

"Tell Major Nikos to solve that, she is the highest ranked Marine on board." Penny acknowledged and they walked towards the mess hall. "I swear sometimes I just want to throw all of them in the brigs."

Velvet couldn't help but laugh and Jaune laughed too.

Just like home.