Colonel Strudwick sat in his chair within his temporary office in the hotel as the four American officers stood up straight and were present. "Gentlemen, I believe it is time that we begin to continue our position in this world and end our presence as well." The British officer began. "I would like to begin with Captain Edwards." His gaze fell upon the youngest man of the four.

Captain Edwards stood straight and tall, just like he would for a general's inspection of the troops. This time, he was presenting it to a colonel of a foreign army. "Yes sir, what do you need of me?"

"I would appreciate your company among us, but with you being selected for those students. You would bring a great deal of politics in the OSS's line of work."

"I understand sir, but one of the students allowed me an opportunity to help out for a time before I bring them to Europe." The American replied. "However, I'm going to follow Vastano on his way to Menagerie."

The colonel nodded his head in approval before turning his attention to Captain Vastano, who stood beside Bill. "Captain Vastano, although you extracted information against my expressed orders, I am content at how the situation played out." He stated. "Now what have you learned from our guest?"

Johnny Vastano, quickly nodded. "Colonel, I've managed to get some information that the people who attacked the academy have a base in a place called Menagerie." He explained. "I plan on looking for them."

"Knowing how you would act, I don't want you to follow Captain Durante's footsteps." Colonel Strudwick replied. "Despite of this small success I must ask that you restrain yourself from destroying unnecessary civilian buildings. If word gets out that we're attacking places in Remnant against our good intentions, it would leave this world a bad impression."

"Understood sir, I'll do my best."

"I know you will, Captain Edwards is going to accompany you." Then the British officers turned his gaze upon the veteran officer of the four men. "Captain Derby, there may be some use for your men."

The captain was quick to raise an eyebrow, only to express some concern. "Excuse me, but did you say my unit was useless."

Admittingly, the Strudwick gave him a nod. "In a manner of speaking, yes." He replied. "At the moment, we are in no need for building defenses with an army of engineers. However, General Ironwood requests that we offer some engineers for a reconstruction operation for the Kingdom of Vale. Seeing how your unit has expertise in engineering, I am sure it would give a good impression on Remnant."

The old captain grinned. "I understand, I'll make sure my boys and I have brought enough construction materials with them."

Then Colonel Strudwick looked upon the last officer who he had not spoken to. "Captain Durante, it would seem that you would enjoy this one."

The Captain of Fox Company smiled. "Does it have weapons?" He asked. "Because if it doesn't include that, I don't think I might enjoy it."

"After all of my years of working with you against the Germans, I am sure that you will be suited for this task." The colonel began. "Your task is to rearm your men with Atlas weaponry." He stated.

After the second sentence, Captain Durante's eyes were open as China plates. "Wait, they're handing out weapons to us?" He asked.

"Yes. I specifically advised General Ironwood to allow you access since you would certainly do it against his permission." Colonel Strudwick answered. "Though, it might be more than what I expected since the general is allowing you access to his Paladins."

"Paladins?"

"They're the large machines equipped with multiple weapons. From what I've managed to learn they can dish out more firepower than three Sherman tanks we have. This is an opportunity you can't ignore."

A great grin fell upon his face. "Sir, I am honored that you gave this mission to me."

"Though, you do need to learn this."

"What is it?" Captain Durante asked with great confusion.

"I've discussed this matter with General Ironwood and he has told me that someone has unlocked your aura." He said. "I don't know who did unlock it, but you are going to be training with Specialist Schnee to improve your aura while your company is getting rearmed."

Monte was quick to make a joke of out of it. "So I get access to weapons and a lovely lady?" He wondered to himself. "I'll take it."

The colonel rose from his seat with his hands behind his back. "Gentlemen, I suggest that you decide to get moving. The quicker we tackle our mysterious foe, the quicker Europe will be safe for the rest of us. Briefing dismissed."

After they had talked with the British Colonel, the four company commanders were standing in the middle of the sidewalk outside of the hotel. The first thing they decided to do was bring out the cigarettes and Captain Vastano offered his lighter to those around. To his surprise, they found Captain Edwards pulling out a pack of cigarettes. "Bill, I didn't know you smoked?"

The young man chuckled as his cigarette was lit at the opposite side from his mouth. "Well, everyone has stress." He began. "This is my way of coping with it." Then the officer glanced over to Captain Durante, who stood on his right. "Say Monte, I heard you had your aura unlocked. When did that happen?" He asked.

The Ranger captain shook his head in disbelief as his cigarette was lit up. "Don't ask me. I don't know how that happened. All I know is that I didn't do anything to get it."

"Then it's good to hear that you're going to be having fun with the new toys you'll be getting from Atlas." Edwards replied. "I'd try and convince Ironwood to let me have some in my unit, but I'll be giving his students a field trip into Europe."

Then the old mentor scoffed at the idea. "Unless you plan to go to Paris, I don't see any reason why they should take a look at Europe." Captain Derby reasoned. "All they'll see is the remains of Germany what didn't get bombed."

"I know, but at least I'll help Johnny out with Menagerie and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. Right?" He asked, referring to the paratrooper.

Johnny smiled. "Right. As much as I want to go with my guns out, I'll just have to ask the locals about some stuff and see what I can do there."

However, Captain Edwards assured him. "You'll be fine, besides what could go wrong there?"

Then Captain Durante interrupted the conversation. "Bill, you're starting some bad luck by saying that. It be best if you didn't test lady luck."

"Johnny is going to have his men with him. I'm sure we'll be fine."

"Yes, but he might be in enemy territory. I don't want anything bad to happen to both of you. Am I clear."

"Definitely, I'll take that to heart." Bill replied before tapping Johnny's right shoulder. "Okay, we better get going and start preparing our men."

"Johnny, Bill, I think we have a guest that might want to have a chat with you."

"Who is it?"

"Johnny, look behind you."

Captain Vastano glanced over his shoulder, only to see a familiar face that once confronted him. He dropped his cigarette between his lips before he smashed it into the snow-covered sidewalk. "Mrs. Jackson, I didn't expect to see you here." The young man began.

The woman was wearing a white winter coat underneath her cloak as she shook her head in disbelief. "I'm shocked to know that my daughter's best friend smokes that. You should know it's bad for you."

A fake smile fell upon his lips as he brought his hand into his pockets. "It's our way of dealing with stress." He replied. "I hope you understand."

Mrs. Jackson expressed her serious face to the four officers. "I heard that you were going to look for my daughter, is that correct?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am. I'm going to find out what the White Fang had to do with this and see if I can get her back safely."

"Why do you care about rescuing my daughter?" She asked. "Are you going to try and get recognition for it?"

"No." Johnny answered. "I'm not doing it for any reward, I'm just going to rescue her because she's my friend and she's a daughter of Captain Jackson."

"You're doing this for my husband. Why?" She asked. "He wasn't really part of your world."

"Miss, I owe that man more than you could ever imagine. If it weren't for him, I would be behind prison bars. The least I can do is watch over his family."

Captain Durante walked past Johnny as he confronted the woman. "Pardon me, ma'am, but what's the point of questioning him? He's going to rescue your daughter, give him that credit he's doing something good."

The woman turned her attention onto the Ranger, only to bring out her reply. "I am merely knowing the man's conviction and seeing his morals." Mrs. Jackson replied. "Because I wish to join you on your journey to rescue my daughter."

"Ma'am, why are you doing that?" Vastano asked. "I don't want to risk any danger to anyone involved."

Mrs. Jackson changed the tone with a smile before she brought out her hand as a snowflake appeared from palm of her hands. "Captain, I can handle myself. Besides, I'm here to tell you that I'm not the only one coming."

As if the four men had seen a ghost, they saw two students of Atlas Academy walk forth and obtain their attention.

Captain Edwards was quick to raise an eyebrow. "Coco, Pyrrha, you two are coming with us?" He asked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Coco smiled underneath her shades. "Doesn't leave a decent amount of suspence as I liked."

Then Pyrrha grabbed everyone's attention. "I just want to help. It's the least I can do. Besides, someone has to protect the Winter Maiden while we're in Menagerie."

The four company commanders brought out a single question they asked in unison. "What the hell is a Winter Maiden?"

Coco glanced over to an old classmate. "Pyrrha, we're going to have to give them a long talk about this. Don't we?"

The red-head sighed. "Yes, it's a long story and a complicated one at that."