Please give me an F for Stoic boys... because that's soldiering!
Beacon Academy, The Sunday Dance
The night was coming to a peaceful end.
The students had their fair share of fun and entertainment. Some lovers had the satisfaction of taking the dance floor with their beloved. Friends exchanged words with one another. Other people finally felt relieved after stressing themselves out. Truly, the night deserved praise due to the joys it brought to everyone.
It was just unfortunate for everyone when the doors flung open as members of the Beacon Security Force stormed in. The armored boots made so much noise that the music stopped as the students looked in confusion as to why they were being interrupted.
Just then, Captain Sixers entered the room, his helmet looking down on the rabble of teenagers gathered in the hall. Then, as loud as he could, he yelled, "PLATOON! FIX BAYONETS!"
Fear suddenly gripped the room as blades were attached in a frighteningly menacing manner as the troopers followed the command like a well-oiled machine. It caused even more confusion when they noticed that none of the teachers were in sight.
Yang, ever so bold, if only slightly decided to ask the question everyone wanted to ask, "What's... going on?"
Sixers, in a voice full of anger, shouted, "ALRIGHT! EVERYONE GET OUT AND FORM 2 LINES OUTSIDE THE HALL! NOW!"
Students flinched when that last word emphasized the order, and sure enough, students began to follow the orders as they piled out of the hall as fast as they can. They made sure to avoid eye contact with the soldiers' unnerving helmets. It didn't take a star student to realize that something was wrong, especially upon leaving the dance hall.
Suffice it to say, Yang couldn't help but feel a sense of deja-vu when she saw the night sky busy with activity. She watched the BSF's gunships soar through the air, searchlights shining on the ground below. It was like the time Blake ran away, and if something like this was happening again then she won't doubt the thoroughness of the men of the BSF.
Once everyone was in line, the Captain of Toro spoke up again, "Listen up! There's been an attack on the CCTS, but we believe the attacker fits within your age group. As such, Security teams will be performing random searches of your rooms throughout the night!"
Murmurs began to spread around the crowd as Sixers continued his explanation.
"If you hear a knock on your door, answer it immediately," the Captain instructed, "Anyone who resists will be punished by Miss Goodwitch."
"If there's an attacker in here, maybe we should do something to help," a voice yelled, and when people began to back away from her, it was revealed to be Emerald Sustrai, a student from Haven.
Several heads turned in horrific synchronization as the white and blue colored soldiers burned a hole through her skull with their glare.
"Do that," threatened Sixers as he shoved the girl slightly, "and I'll make sure to ship you and your team back to Mistral."
The threat was very much impactful as no one else spoke up.
Satisfied, Sixers finally waved the students off, "Everyone back to your dorms! No one should be on the grounds at this point! Move!"
No one needed to be told twice when the audible sound of rifles clicking was heard.
RWBY Security
Chapter 21: RWBY, Ord Squad, and South East Vale
CCTS Tower, Beacon Academy
It was 0630 when the reinstated Tower Section of the 5th Fleet Marines welcomed the arrival of Field Marshal Azure as he walked briskly towards the tower. It wasn't an unusual sight for them to see a high-ranking officer get up so early, but to see one visibly pissed off with each step was something else entirely.
Murray watched dutifully as his men fell into a double-rank formation behind him, weapons in hand as they stood to attention as the Marshal passed.
"Morning sir," greeted the Marine Captain as Azure passed him, the latter stopping to turn and face him.
"To you too Murray," came a rather tired reply from the Field Marshal.
"Rough sleep sir?"
Azure snorted, "Very."
His eyes soon turned to Ozpin's office above.
"I take it the Headmaster is already there," mused Azure.
"Yes sir," nodded Murray as he clasped his hands behind his back, "Good luck sir."
Azure simply nodded as he walked forward, entering the tower where more 5th Fleet Marines were present, several of them equipped with Z6 Rotary Cannons. When did they get here, he would probably find out soon. Now, he had more pressing matters as he entered the elevator.
The affair was a very slow matter. Azure swore that whenever he was on this thing, it would always go slower than an AT-TE walker climbing a vertical wall, and even that's faster. Then, his elevator thoughts shifted to what the meeting would be about. He knew and he was very much tempted to shoot the Headmaster on the spot for it. It took some heavy convincing from Admiral Vaux during the previous night to not follow through with his idea.
"Speaking of the Headmaster," he thought as the elevator doors opened, revealing the office of the despicable Headmaster, mug in hand looking rather sternly at Azure. Beside him were Glynda Goodwitch and James Ironwood, both eyeing each other with disdain as they remained quiet.
"Ozpin," he nodded as he entered the room, his hands clasped behind his back as he moved forward.
The Headmaster nodded in return, "Azure, please have some coffee."
Gesturing to his desk, Azure noticed a mug of coffee already prepared. It was steaming hot and right now, he needed such a drink.
Picking it up, Garreth graciously took the mug and sipped its contents. It didn't take long for the effects to kick in, and sure enough, he felt more energized and perhaps a bit calmer. A cooler head now rested on his shoulders as he lowered the mug and muttered a small thanks for the drink. Then, his eyes met Ozpin's before he sighed, "Are you sure about this course of action Ozpin?"
There was the big question.
During the night before, Azure was preparing to storm the dorm room of their number 1 suspect. However, before he could deploy the entirety of Toro Company to drag their assailant out and have her clapped in irons, Ozpin intervened. He gave Azure and the BSF orders to not carry on with their raid. This did not sit well with a lot of people, namely Azure, Goodwitch, and Ironwood.
Ozpin's reasoning did not make matters any better.
"Any form of action against our uninvited guests will garner attention," Ozpin replied, "Attention that we cannot have."
"Then we make a cover-up story-"
"We will continue with the threat we are sure of," Ozpin pressed down, "That being said, we will keep a closer eye on her so that we can make a move in the future."
James gawked at the implications, "You can't be serious... Ozpin they were here... They were here!"
"Thank you, James," quipped Glynda, a scowl on her face betraying her words, "We are quite aware already."
Azure said nothing as he took another sip of his coffee. He would need it for the brewing storm that was this meeting.
"Oh! So you do know! Wonderful!" Ironwood scoffed as he slammed his fist on the desk, "Do you think that observation will do everything?"
Ding!
Ozpin's desk soon glowed as it displayed a notification, alerting him of a guest. He recognized this specific guest as he pressed the intercom, "Come in."
The doors opened and revealed the downtrodden Ruby Rose, uncertain and shy as she walked into the office. Azure couldn't help but feel sorry for what transpired last night. When he and a squad from the 4th Platoon arrived at the transmission hub, he completely ignored the possible shock that Ruby went through upon seeing the attack on Lieutenant Stoic. Shamefully, he did not say anything except for her to stay here and wait, angrily he might add, while he rounded up the entirety of Beacon's Security Forces to find the assailant.
"Miss Rose," Ozpin spoke softly, "Please take a seat. I can only imagine how tired you are after the events last night."
Ruby could only mumble in agreement as she took a seat. Her eyes looked down as she sulked silently. Azure, deciding she could use some comfort decided to speak up himself, "Miss Rose... I must apologize for last night."
This confused Ruby as she looked at the Chief of Security with wonder, "Wh-what for Professor?"
"That attack on Lieutenant Stoic has no doubt burned itself into your mind," Azure spoke, his voice trying to be soft as possible, "I did not help in that regard when I ordered you to stay as if you were responsible."
"Oh..." her eyes looked more downcast as she sighed, "Is Mister Stoic okay?"
Azure allowed himself a sad smile as he lowered himself to her eye level, "He is very lucky, but for now he's in a coma due to the severity of the attack, but take comfort that many of the BSF are happy that you arrived when you did."
Ruby then smiled, albeit just as sad, "Thank you, Professor..."
Garreth nodded as he rose and returned behind Ozpin's desk as he took yet another sip of coffee. With the situation now calmer, Ozpin addressed the elephant in the room, "I hope you won't mind Miss Rose when I say this, but are you able to answer some questions?"
RWBY's leader nodded diligently as she waited for the first question.
"Now both Mister Azure and General Ironwood have given me their accounts of last night's events, however, you fought the assailant personally, so we must ask if you can fill in the gaps."
"Anything notable? The way she fights? Her appearance?" pressed Glynda, emphasizing the details they were looking for.
"I... I can't exactly be sure but she wore a mask and never said anything to me. She also fought with glass and her clothes always lit up when she attacked," recounted Ruby as she thought about the events last night.
Azure raised an eyebrow, "Sounds familiar Miss Goodwitch?"
"Yes... save for the glass, the description is similar to the woman we fought when we met Miss Rose."
Ironwood was more dismissive of the possibility, "Dust-woven clothing isn't exactly new, could've been anyone."
"Not exactly," Azure replied, "I've studied quite about Remnant's clothes and I've come to discover that only 12 people have successfully woven dust into their clothes. 1 tailor in Vale went missing a year ago."
Ruby then tilted her head, "Wait, so this woman could be connected to the White Fang?"
Ozpin raised an eyebrow, "Possibly, though we cannot be certain about it."
"Well..." Ruby pondered as she began to form up her next words, "She didn't tell me anything, but I overheard her mentioning a base in the South East..."
The lie was found so easily by Azure as he cocked an eyebrow, "Before or after Stoic's..."
"Before!" she quickly answered, not wanting to explain further.
"Interesting..." mused Ozpin as he then waved her off, "Thank you, Miss Rose, you may return to your team and get more rest. Today's a busy day."
RWBY's leader stood up and made her way to the elevator, mumbling thanks before allowing the doors to close. When they did close, Azure had to ask, "She does realize that since we were there for the incident means that we know the White Fang are in the South East right?"
Ozpin then replied, "If that woman is connected to the White Fang, then perhaps we can find her trace there."
"Then it's settled," said Ironwood as he looked out the window, "We send as many troops as we can to the South East, find out exactly what's going on, and eradicate any opposition."
Glynda shook her head, "Why are all your solutions a grand display of military bravado?! You treat every problem like it's a contest of measuring di-!"
"Glynda!"
"Ahem!"
The two arguing teachers looked at Ozpin and Azure who were both reviewing a map of Vale. The latter, feeling the need to take a jab at the situation, spoke, "As amusing as it is to watch you two bicker like an old married couple, we would rather not."
"Now, as much as I'd like to have this entire situation put behind us, I must remind you that this may go beyond Vale, and beyond Beacon. If this is truly some part of a master plan that we know not of, then we mustn't be so hasty, less we create panic and we all know that we cannot afford that," Ozpin explained.
Ironwood didn't like this plan at all, "I have trusted you for years, but if your plan is to hold the line and wait for something to happen-"
"James, Azure, both of you are or have been generals," rebutted Ozpin as he gave the two military leaders a look, "When you prepare for battle, who do you send first? The flag bearers or the scouts?"
Azure raised an eyebrow, "You want me to send another scouting party? Foxtrot 9 can be reinserted within the hour."
"No," Ozpin held his hand up, "Your men have done a lot already, but if my own scouts are correct, then it would be more dangerous to send them considering the presence of Grimm."
"Oh..." as much as Azure loathed to admit it, both Besh-6 and Foxtrot 9 have expressed concerns about deploying in Grimm-infested territories. Avoiding contact was near-impossible and there have been some close calls with his SOGs. He would rather not lose any of them so he conceded his point.
"Very well," the Marshal nodded, "We'll do it your way, but I will be more aggressive on our observations with our guests."
"That is all I ask," said Ozpin as he gestured for the elevator, "You may all go now."
Beacon Docks, Beacon Academy
"Alright, this package's clear," a 5th Fleet Marine Sergeant called, "just some extra weapon parts for one of the students!"
Another trooper nodded as they received the package carefully before loading it into the cart. It was a busy morning for the Security Forces at the docks again. After the fiasco at the CCTS, the extra hands from the Tower Section were recalled to man their old posts again, much to the dismay of the Dock Section of the Marines.
Still, the half-company was happy for their brothers now that they were back on their original posts.
As their shift went on, a peculiar cylindrical package made its way to the scanner. Then, the scanner began to beep an alarming tone which caused one Marine to approach it and inspect the package personally.
The package then shook as if it were alive, startling the trooper who called over his Sergeant, "Sarge, might wanna take a look at this."
A sergeant did come over and took a look at the package himself. When it shook like earlier, this caused concern as the Marine NCO asked, "Whose package is this for?"
"Yang Xiao Long and Ruby Rose, sir," replied the trooper, unsure of what is going on, "Should we open the package, sir?"
"Ergh... yeah I think whatever's in this could be alive..." muttered the Sergeant as he pulled out a cutter.
Before the two clones could do anything, however, a voice called out to them, "Hey, sergeant! Do you have a package for team RWBY's dorm?"
The two marines looked towards the source of the voice and were met with the sight of Ord Squad, their own sergeant taking the lead as he led his squad to the docks. The Marine Sergeant, nodding, replied, "Affirmative. We were actually about to open it since something's off about it."
"Is it dangerous?" asked Gambit as he stood apprehensively. His marine counterpart shook his head, "No. At least from the scanners. The thing is, it's shaking on its own and one of my guys thinks the box's alive."
"Seriously?"
"Take it with a grain of salt, Sergeant, but I'm inclined to agree," the package shook once again in the Marine Sergeant's hands, emphasizing the point.
Gambit thought about it for a bit before he suggested, "Well, team RWBY requested an express delivery, and since we're rotating to the dorms in a minute, we might as well get it to them." It was a good suggestion, the Marine Sergeant admitted, and he would rather not deal with this unknown right now when it was barely seven in the morning. Nodding, he replied, "Sure, I don't want to deal with this anyway."
The other marine was about to protest, but a quick look from his sergeant shut him up. The package was now in Gambit's hands as the marines waved him and his squad off, "All yours Gambit."
Ord's Sergeant nodded as they walked away, the shaking package now in their hands which Gambit promptly passed to Killdane. The latter was not exactly happy with this, but sucked it up and continued forward.
The squad would soon be at the dorms, running their usual routine, with the exception of being more observant than they usually were. This garnered them a few odd stares from the students as they walked along. The looks weren't exactly bothersome for the clones, but it certainly made them bitter since it reminded them of a time when the Clones Rights Act wasn't in effect yet. The situation may be different, but they knew the loom of contempt and hesitation when they saw it.
A student that they passed by glared at Ord Squad before huffing away. Slick wasn't very happy about that as he shook his head, "I don't like this."
"Believe me," Gambit replied, "I'm not exactly sure if they know how serious the situation was last night."
"But after all the things we do for them, you'd think they'd show more respect." Slick, while believing himself to be reformed from his traitorous thinking, still showed some contempt towards individuals who showed him or his brothers, disrespect.
Ord's Sergeant shrugged, "Those were Beacon's students. We haven't exactly interacted with students from the other Academies."
Jest, pat Slick on the back ushered him on, "Could be worse brother, they could call us a dirty name."
Gus snickered, "Lot of good that did them the last time they did."
"We still got PT," deadpanned Killdane, his grip on the cylindrical package tightening as it shook harder. "Sarge, are there any rat Grimm?"
"Rat Grimm?" scoffed Gambit as he turned his head to his Corporal slightly, "Don't be ridiculous 'Dane."
"Hehe... space rats," chuckled Gus quietly, but it wasn't enough as the rest of Ord Squad broke into a mess of chuckles much to the chagrin of Killdane.
"It was just one time Gus!" complained the Corporal. Gambit, shook his head as he continued onwards.
It wasn't long until the squad arrived at the familiar door of team RWBY. Knocking on the door, Gambit and his squad waited patiently for the door to be opened, and soon, Yang Xiao Long revealed herself from the door, albeit concerned that the BSF was at their doorstep. "Um... can I help you, Gambit?"
"No need to fear Miss Xiao Long," waved the Sergeant as he gestured to Killdane. His corporal handed over the package he held as Gambit explained, "We're just delivering a package addressed to you."
Yang looked at the package in her hands, then back to the squad gathered outside, "Thanks..."
"Happy to help," was the Sergeant's reply as he turned to leave. The door behind him closed as he led his squad away to resume their patrol. Slick, silently muttered yet another grievance as they left the dorms.
Ord Squad continued on, meeting their checkpoints on time without incident, much to Gambit's delight. However, before he could order his squad to fall out and take a break, his comm rang. His caller's ID made him feel dread as he hesitantly pressed the answer button.
"Ord Actual speaking..."
"Sergeant Gambit, gather your squad to Golf Shed. You have a special assignment."
Fuck.
Beacon Amphitheater, Beacon Academy
Students of all years and academies arrived in the masses, leaving Beacon's Amphitheater more stocked than it usually is. By the sides, one could note the presence of 501st's Toro Company, watchful eyes looking for even the smallest hint of suspicions. Students gave them all looks, but the soldiers were unfazed as their discipline held firm.
Behind the stage curtains were Garreth Azure and Glynda Goodwitch, the former taking a peak outside before turning to his coworker, "Well, they seem excited."
"Last night didn't exactly end all too well," replied Glynda as she scrolled through her tablet.
Azure shook his head as he sighed, "No. No, it did not."
"Well, you might as well get out there and say what you have to say before Ozpin gets here." Her tone was rather dismissive, but it did give Azure the message to hurry up as he walked out from the curtains and onto the stage. All attention was now on him as he marched to the center of the stage before grabbing the microphone.
"Ahem!"
Now silence filled the room as wondering eyes looked at the Chief of Beacon's Security. His blank face not showing any emotion as he himself eyed the crowd before he spoke, "Thank you."
"Now, as a lot of you may know, I ordered and conducted a strict search last night due to an incident at the CCTS," he relayed, "Now some of those orders involved police-like treatment and have no doubt disturbed, if not caused panic among you as my men barged in."
Murmurs began to spread, but not loud enough to hamper Azure's speech, "I would like to apologize for the brash actions that I have ordered, and that anyone who was directly assaulted will be compensated for any distress caused."
As the students continued to discuss amongst one another, the Marshal continued, "With that being said, I would advise you all to be wary of anything suspicious within the campus. If you believe something is not right, report it to any of the staff, the BSF included. I thank you all in advance for your cooperation and understanding, and I would now like you all to listen to Headmaster Ozpin before the mission boards are open."
A small round of applause followed as Azure left the stage, allowing the waiting Headmaster to take his place. Ozpin nodded towards him as he passed by while Azure returned to the curtains where Miss Goodwitch stood. The Deputy Headmistress gave him a nod of approval as they listened to Ozpin's speech.
Azure's thoughts soon dwelled on Ozpin's plan for Mountain Glenn, and every time he ran the scenario in his head, he couldn't help but think that this was rather foolhardy than he initially thought. On one hand, if he inserted another SOG unit in Grimm-infested territory, stealth cannot be guaranteed, which was necessary for masking the presence of the entirety of the Aurek Corps. On the other hand, if they went on with this plan, the chances of a successful mission are lessened and perhaps even unknown.
He hated that, but he saw no other option to maintain discretion. Perhaps he should go over Captain Hound's report more the next time he can. Preferably within 30 minutes if the timetables are accurate.
Then, he noticed Ozpin's speech ending, thus giving the students the signal to begin filing for missions to participate in. In the distance, he saw team RWBY filing for search and destroy missions. A map of Vale's Quadrant 5 shone, the details of Mountain Glenn displaying on the screen. Oddly enough, it reminded him of his sector of the 2nd Battle of Geonosis.
Wait!
Azure began to trail back to a battle some few years ago and it struck him. He excused himself as he left the amphitheater in a hurry, a plan now hatching from his mind.
...
BSF Command Center "Golf Shed", Beacon Academy
Ord Squad fell in as they arrived at the HQ's briefing room, the table set up with a map of Vale. Waiting for them was Lieutenant Loch who had his arms crossed as he eyed the squad with the untelling look of his visor. Gambit, for his own sake, couldn't help but bite his lip behind his helmet in a nervous fit. It wasn't exactly a good situation when the platoon officer calls you to Headquarters for special assignments.
It was the unspoken rule that special assignments were code words for dangerous high-risk missions. Toro Company's 1st Platoon had their fair share of such missions, but that was usually as a platoon. When it was just 1 squad, then something was very off.
"Ord Squad reporting as ordered sir," announced the Sergeant as he and his squad stood to attention. Their lieutenant nodded at them to stand at ease as he continued reading the map.
Then, the door behind them opened again, revealing Marshal Azure in his usual formal apparel. The troopers immediately stood to attention, upon seeing him, to which he waved them down, sending them at ease again.
"Good, you're here," Azure said as he walked around the table. He tapped a few more buttons on the console before he began, "Gentlemen, I am going to be very blunt with you. I am sending you out there with a First Year team and a Huntsman to Mountain Glenn."
The holo table soon displayed the infamous settlement, red dots scattered all around it, most likely representing packs of Grimm.
"Officially, you're presence is to ensure that the students and the accompanying huntsman complete their objective without issue. You have skills and trades that some of them don't have, so support them as best as you can." The Field Marshal's orders were laid out for the squad, but that did leave one question...
"If I may ask sir, why are we there unofficially?" asked Gambit, hoping that he didn't speak out of turn.
Azure nodded, "Unofficially, you will be helping me to stage a raid with Foxtrot 9 who will be inserting in the AO later into the night."
Now Gambit really was nervous, but being the Sergeant, he had to steel his nerves as he nodded, "Very good sir, what are we working with?"
"Just your usual gear with extra munitions and ordinance," answered Loch as he handed over a datapad to Gambit. "I put your squad forward because you have some of the best within the platoon and the company as a whole. Don't prove me wrong."
The Field Marshal nodded to this, "Know this Sergeant, the team you'll be assisting will try something. Whatever it is, I want you to make sure they come back alive so they can live to hear a scolding. That order goes to your squad too. Do I make myself clear men?"
"YES SIR!"
"Good. Pack your gear. You leave in 20 minutes," ordered Loch, "and remember, don't die."
Slick, who built up the courage, spoke up, "Well if that's the orders I think we ought to not go then."
Eyes were now on him, but much to their surprise, Azure laughed, "Don't do a job unless you've guaranteed the best odds. Commander Rex used to say that."
Tensions soon eased up as the men began to pile out to get ready.
As they left, Azure had to sigh, "They have bad odds for this job Loch."
Loch nodded, "Indeed they do sir, but the odds may be low, but never zero."
Beacon Docks, Beacon Academy
Team RWBY finally arrived at the docks, and much to their surprise, waiting for them was Doctor Oobleck along with Captain Sixers and Ord Squad. The former of the three waved towards them.
"Why hello girls! Are you ready to fight for their lives?!"
Besides the doctor, Sixers palmed his helmet whilst shaking his head. He gave Ord's Sergeant one last look before saluting him and walking off. Team RWBY slowly approached the group nervous and unsure about what was happening.
"Professor Oobleck?" asked Weiss, confused as to why their history teacher was there.
The good Doctor paid no mind as he paced in front of them, "Yes, it is me, Miss Schnee. Now put down your bags and get ready to move out. I've packed everything we'll need for a reconnaissance mission. Also note, since it's a reconnaissance mission, we won't be establishing any permanent base. The BSF will also be accompanying us for this mission as Headmaster Ozpin wants assurance that we'll complete the mission without issue."
No one had a reply to that, but Doctor Oobleck carried on.
"Now, Sergeant Gambit!"
"Sir!" the trooper in question answered.
"Get your gear stowed in, we're about... 3 minutes behind schedule!"
Then, before he could speed off, he pointed towards Weiss, "And it's Doctor Oobleck! I didn't earn my Ph.D. for fun thank you!"
With that said, the History Teacher finally sped off, leaving a thin trail of where he once was. Gambit turned to his squad, "You heard the Doctor! Move it!"
Ord Squad nodded as they carried various cases of munitions and ordnance into the bullhead, with Gus holding a rocket launcher with much excitement. Team RWBY looked at each other, their leader rallying them, "Come on girls! Let's go save the world with Doctor Oobleck..."
"So that's what you guys meant!" shouted Nora as she and team JNPR approached them.
Ruby took a step back, in surprise at the sudden arrival, while Nora continued, "Why can't you just bring us along?! I almost feel like you're leaving us out of the fun! The betrayal! It makes me feel hurt! Maybe a little hungry, but that's not your fault... right Ren?"
Her partner did not dignify her with a reply, simply crossing his arms as he looked away.
"Well," Jaune said, "If it's any help, we wish you guys good luck wherever you guys go."
"What about you guys? What's your mission?" asked the Reaper.
"Ren and Nora asked us if we could take a mission to a village," answered Pyrrha.
"We'll be shadowing the sheriff for a day or two starting tomorrow," added Ren.
Just then, a shout from Doctor Oobleck prompted the teenagers to wrap this up.
"We're 4 minutes behind ladies!"
Ruby, now in a rushed voice, "Well, we gotta go! Wish us luck!"
Soon, the four huntresses were in the bullhead as it took off from the docks. Looking out the window of his office, Azure watched as the aircraft flew away before he returned to his papers on the table.
...
Compared to a LAAT, the bullhead's interior was more accommodating for non-military personnel. Gambit would observe this as he and his men watched the scenery outside the open doors. The pilots were currently following Doctor Oobleck's flight path to a safer landing zone that had far less aerial Grimm present. The Doctor in question was currently talking to the students about their mission.
"-and is home to one of Vale's greatest failures!"
"Mountain Glenn..." answered Ruby.
"Correct! It was an expansion of Vale back then, but it eventually got overrun by Grimm and was cut off from the Kingdom Proper," nodded Oobleck.
"And because it's abandoned, it makes a great hideout for criminals..." mused Blake.
"Precisely!"
So wherever this theoretical hideout was, it was most likely going to be the area of operations for Foxtrot 9. The Marshal's orders were straightforward, and it was more or less a plan that involved little risk for his squad. Their assignment was to break off from the huntsman and huntresses at midnight and make sure an LZ was clear for Foxtrot 9's arrival. After that, they will return to the team and carry on with the assignment.
That being said, the Marshal warned him and his squad about the possibility of team RWBY trying to investigate the area for any White Fang activity. If that were to happen, his orders were to assist them in any way possible. That was why they were permitted to use extra equipment, namely an RPS-6, a DC-15x sniper rifle, and some thermal detonators. The rocket launcher was being wielded by Gus, while Hex carried the sniper rifle.
Then, his train of thought was cut short when the aircraft shuddered. The troopers' first instinct was to hold on tight as they heard Oobleck ask the pilot what was wrong. A screech in the air gave the reason why, as Gambit noticed a flock of Nevermores swoop down on their craft.
"We got a problem!" he shouted as he and his men got on their feet. They began taking potshots at the Grimmas the bullhead maneuvered as carefully as it can, avoiding attacks from above.
"Everyone hang on," the pilot said through the PA system.
The bullhead doors closed, prompting everyone to sit down and buckle themselves in.
"Slick, secure the OD."
"On it sarge!"
"Gus, that launcher better be unloaded!"
"Never was sarge!"
Just then, the pilot spoke up again "We're getting close to the LZ, get ready to move cuz we're about to be a sitting duck!"
Before anything else could happen, the sound of an explosion tore through the doors, much to everyone's horror.
"Shit we're hit! Buckle up! We're gonna try and land our bird!"
At the cockpit, Captain Sully and his Flight Officer Skiles were in a controlled panic. Their smooth starting journey took a turn for the worst as they began to struggle to control their bullhead.
"1549er to Beacon Control, mayday mayday mayday! Our craft got attacked we're currently going down!" reported Sully as he grunted trying to regain control of the failing craft.
"Copy 1549er, do what you can to save your passengers and yourselves," replied the traffic control on the other side.
A hushed curse escaped Sully, "10-4, wish us luck."
When the radio turned off, Sully took a look at his Flight officer and nodded, "You ready?"
"Not much of a choice," was Skiles' reply.
The bullhead began to angle itself at a crash landing angle as the pilots moved her to the best possible zone.
"Eject fuel for both engines and turn them off."
"Roger, disengaging fuel for 1 and 2, turning them off."
"Activate all flaps, we're gonna be landing on solid ground."
"Flaps 1, 2, 3, and 4, engaged."
"Here we go..." resigned Sully as he now had a view of their makeshift runway.
"My bullhead."
"Your bullhead," echoed his partner.
Activating his intercom, he yelled at the passengers, "BRACE FOR IMPACT!"
His grip on the controls tightened as the ground that was once below him was now in front of him. Everything slowed down for him as his life flashed before his eyes. His final thoughts dwelled on his wife, his children, and his partner.
"Skiles..."
"Sully..."
"It's been an honor."
"See you on the other side Sully."
The next second, both pilots saw no more as the world around them turned black.
I hate cliffhangers as much as you all do, but we'll have to stop there for now. Hope you enjoy this chapter, and I hope the ending wasn't too shabby. That being said, the next chapter will follow the mission of Mountain Glenn, and the actions of team RWY, Doctor oobleck, and Ord Squad. Tell me what yall think of the story so far in the reviews, and remember, after Volume 2, I'll release a QnA chapter, so feel free to put your questions in the reviews or in my DMs in Discord user: Coffee-kun#1423.
Another thing, since fanfic doesn't email you for some reason when a chapter is posted, I advise some of yall to go back to stories that you've been waiting on and see if they were updated. That'll be it for now.
Until then, this is where I get off! Stay safe and stay frosty because that's soldiering!