Danielle watched amusedly, as Canard chased after his comrades. It was then her communicator beeped. "Angelwing,' Marcel's voice said. 'Report to the ready room!"

"Yes, sir!"

She quickly skated off the ice, took off her skates, and made a beeline for the ready she reached her destination, Danielle found the Commander with Thom and Marcel, who were getting ready to leave. "Reporting for Duty, Sirs." she saluted.

Thom, walked up to her. "Danielle, one of our sergeants and his squad have been reported missing. Marcel and I have been asked to go look for them, and the Commander asked that you come with us."

The female was stunned. She's had some bad experiences the first two times before. She got into trouble with the Captain, and with Hunter drones.

"Oh. Oh. Uhm...Excuse my asking, but why me Sir?"

Commander Duck cleared his throat. "Because Angelwing, I was hoping to get you some field experience sooner or later. Captain Thunderbeak has told me how you were without shelter for a few days before he found you. And around here, I make sure my soldiers adapt, and to be ready for anything."

"I-I understand, but... May I ask you something, Sir?"

"Yes."

"If I did go, what if I mess up? W-what if I panic or something?"

"You won't be alone, the boys are going to be with you at all times."

"I would like to help Commander, but... w-what about Captain Thunderbeak? I don't think he'll approve of me going out." She had noticed he had been a little protective of her lately.

"Thunderbeak may be the Captain, but I'm the Commander. If he's got beef with this assignment, he'll have to take it up with me.' Then the middle aged duck put a hand on Danielle's shoulder. 'But I want you to tell me, if you don't feel comfortable with this right now, I'll get someone else to go."

Danielle thought carefully, she felt very nervous. She knew the Commander had a point on adapting to situations, and she did not want to be useless. If the Commander will talk to Canard, maybe he'll go easy on her. But more importantly, there were soldiers out there who'll need help.

"I'll go."

Commander duck smiled at her. "That's the spirit! Then you're gonna need these."

Marcel came up, holding four teal pads, some white chest armor with gray shoulder plates, and a teal utility belt. Danielle slipped on the armor, stuck on the shoulder plates, and placed the pads on her elbows and knees. Then she untied her hair from it's ponytail and used the ribbon to re-tie it up into a bun.

"Fan-cy!" Marcel pointed out with a whistle.

Danielle covered the armor with her jacket. Then Thom handed her a First Aid satchel, a canteen of water, a flashlight, and a pocket knife. Danielle placed the satchel around her shoulder and tightened the strap, where on the end she clipped on the canteen. Then she put the knife and flashlight on her belt so she can reach them in a hurry. Now she was ready to roll.

"Ready for duty, Sir!"

"Excellent.' The Commander stated. Taking out his clipboard he gave Thom a map. 'Now, the squad was heading southeast on patrol. The path goes through Saurian territory. So, the three of you watch each other's tail feathers out there."

Thom and Marcel saluted. "Yes, Sir!"

While Danielle said more quietly." Yes, Sir!"

"Alright,' The Commander then pointed to the exit, then barked. 'Move out!"

So the three ducks made a beeline for the steel door, with Marcel checking the monitor.

"Clear!"

Thom pressed the button and the door opened with the silent hiss. "Let's go!" He urged softly.

'This is it, no turning back.' Swallowing her fear, Danielle followed the two drakes into the open world.

30 minutes after they left, things carried on like they should. By this time, Canard had settled down. (After he gave Greybeak and Wally a piece of his mind.) He was in the briefing room looking through a few battle plans, but...
'What's taking him so long?' He thought. Thom was supposed to be here with him. Maybe he got called on assignment?

'Or got caught up with Amy', Canard smirked to himself. After a few more minutes of waiting, he decided to check the usual hot spots: the mess hall, the medical bay, and sole recreation room within the facility.

When all three areas were searched with no sign of Thom or his brother, Canard stood near the medical bay, thinking. 'Did I miss a memo?' he thought to himself.

Right then, Amy walked by.

"Oh, Captain!" The female goose saluted.
"At ease, Vanderquack.' Canard replied. 'Have you seen Thom or Marcel?"

Amy shook her head. "No Sir. Both McMallards and Angelwing have left for a mission."
She was expecting him to blow up, but surprisingly he didn't. As if he didn't hear her say 'Angelwing'. Canard replied "Alright, carry on."

He turned around to head back to the briefing room. Canard had only taken a few steps when something clicked. He froze. 'Wait...Danielle?!' And he whirled around to face Amy again. She gave a jolt.

"Vanderquack," he said, "Angelwing is not on a mission."
Amy, still looking very startled, finally creased her brow. "But I was told-"

"You were told wrong," Canard huffed, crossing his arms in defiance. "She is my responsibility, and I did not authorize a mission for Angelwing."
The female goose looked confusedly at the captain, but his stern stare made her quickly glance away. "Yes, sir," she finally said. "Sorry, sir. Misinformation."

"It's all right," Canard responded. "You're dismissed."
Amy nodded quickly, returning in a hurry to the medical bay. Canard stood in the hallway, his arms still crossed and his eyes still frowning. 'Where is Angelwing, anyway?' he wondered.

There was definitely some false information floating among the ranks. After another few moments, he decided his best course of action would be to check in with the Commander. Later, he knocked on the door to the Commander's office. "Come in." Came the reply.

The tan drake entered and saluted to the older duck. "Commander."

"Afternoon Captain. What brings you here?"

"There's some false information going about Sir.' Canard stated. 'Vanderquack said that Angelwing was out on a mission."

Commander Duck just said, "I know. I sent her with the McMallards."

Canard nodded, not seeming to understand the commander's response. "Of course, Sir, supply run?"

Most supply runs consisted of a quick trip through known safety zones, where convoys would deposit commonly needed items in a hidden location for other bases to retrieve.
That would make sense. A safe, easy run for Angelwing to go on, with Thom and Marcel backing her up. Overkill, by even Canard's standards, since the trip to the hidden location was well-guarded and safe.
"No, not a supply run," The Commander answered absently, his eyes still on whatever he was reading.

"...what?" Canard whispered in disbelief while the feathers on his neck slowly fluffed up in shock and worry for the dolly.
"I sent them on a search mission.' The Commander explained. 'Angelwing needs the experience. And-...Somethin' wrong, Son?"
The Commander was looking up at him, but paused seeing the look on the younger drake's face.
"Permission to speak freely?"
"...Yes."
"Have you lost your mind?!"
Commander Duck did not even bat an eye at his outburst, years and years of serving the military can do that to you. But he stood up.

"Thunderbeak, I assure you I haven't." He stated firmly.

"Sir, where are they headed?"
The Commander had an idea of what the younger duck had in mind, but answered anyway.
"Southeast bound, patrol route."
Canard studied the map with that route, and he knew the path goes through enemy territory. The tan mallard nodded to the commander, turning around and walking towards the exit. "Thunderbeak."

Canard stopped, his eyes closing in annoyance, but he turned around and saluted nonetheless. "Sir, yes sir."
"Where do you think you're going?"
He took a steady breath. "To join Angelwing and the McMallards, sir."
"Absolutely not."
Canard gritted his teeth, but kept his attitude masked. "Sir, southeast is known enemy territory, and-"

"And that's why the McMallards went,' Commander Duck easily interrupted. 'Besides, I'll need your assistance in training some new recruits this afternoon."

"Sir, I mean no disrespect, but Angelwing is not fit for duty yet."

"Is that so, Thunderbeak? Word from the grapevine is that you were going to recruit her on your team."

It's true, Canard had thought about recruiting Danielle for his missions. It was partly because she did need field experience to be a combat medic, but it was mostly because he wanted to keep her safe himself. It does sound selfish on his part, but with drakes like Goldburd at the base he wasn't about to leave Danielle alone. But this situation was just as bad.

"In due time," Canard finally answered, purposefully keeping his answer vague. "But she is not trained to handle drones, much less Raptors, which southeast is riddled with, Sir."
"The McMallards know what they're doing," the older drake answered simply, his resolve never wavering. "As for you, I would like you to report to barracks to meet the new members."
"Sir-"
"You are dismissed."
"Sir, I am a captain!"
Commander Duck narrowed his eyes at the tan mallard. "Is that so?" He paused long enough to walk around his desk and up to Canard. "And how did you get to be a captain, Thunderbeak?"

Canard lowered his head for a moment, but lifted it back up again to look him in the eye.
"...Because of Captain McMallard's demise, Sir."

The Commander nodded only once, his glare never faltering. Then spoke calmly but with a strong voice.
"Son, you may be the captain, but you are still a soldier serving under me. And I don't have the tolerance for any foolish decisions made here by anyone, no matter their rank. Understood?"

Canard wisely acknowledged the question. "Yes, Sir."

"...Although if it will ease your concerns, you may check in with Angelwing every 2 hours. Dismissed."

"Thank you, Sir."

The younger drake walked out of the office and proceeded to the barracks as he was told feeling humbled, and he didn't like feeling this way at all. But Canard was still concerned for Danielle's safety. Maybe Thom and Marcel do know what they're doing, but still...At least now he can make contact once in a while to check in on Danielle and make sure she's alright.

He noticed he was about to pass the Medical Bay and a thought came to him. 'I...guess I owe Amy an apology.'