Sent To Protect and Serve Humanity

Chapter 7: Back In The Saddle

3rd POV

Two weeks had gone by since the remnants of the MDF set out to help Vale and the rest of Remnant. Two weeks of nonstop sorties, extractions, support missions, relief aid, and ground assaults, all of which were done covertly under the name of Vale. You name it, Ozpin gave the mission to his fleet, pushing them to their limits with an enormous workload even his finest assets would struggle with.

The most recent mission was one of them.

A full week of nonstop battle for Team CANA as they sought to escort a group of civilians to safety within the confines of the city of Vale. From the dangerous woodlands of Central Sanus, the team had to escort more than a hundred refugees from a destroyed village to the city, all while facing the constant threat of Grimm and bandits that would immediately be 'encouraged' to leave. The team couldn't sleep, take breaks to eat, bathe, or even think due to their situation.

Alas, the escort was a resounding success. Every single man, woman, and child made it to Vale, where they would sing praises of the Warriors in Black. Team CANA declined the Lien offered, even when pressured to take it, and opted for a mere 'thanks' instead. The refugees were ecstatic and happily settled down in the beautiful city.

Team CANA, however, was in awful condition. Their identical ODST BDUs were torn in many places where dried blood stained the fabric and armor which itself was covered in dents and scratches. Oklahoma walked with a slight limp due to several lacerations covering his right leg, Courageous had bandages wrapped around her neck because of a nasty slice, Valorous constantly clutched his jaw, and Onwards' left arm was wrapped in bandages that hid a deep gash. They were soldiers, and they could prove it.

As of now, the team shambles through the door to their dorm with weak legs and aching bodies. They were hungry, tired, smelled of blood and dirt, and merely wished to be left alone. Oklahoma held the hand of a wobbly Onwards, carried a sleeping Courageous on his back, and a dazed Valorous held his other hand.

"We're home..." Oklahoma tried to say with enthusiasm but was too tired for anything more than a groan.

Not even Courageous stirred in her sleep while Valorous fell face-first into the floor. Onwards could hold himself up better, but not by much.

"Get up, Naro." Oklahoma nudged the boy with his foot. "We need to wash up and eat dinner."

"Abendessen?" Onwards muttered before he walked in and closed the door behind them. "Wie spät ist es?" He tiredly asked.
("Dinner?") ("What time is it?")

"Like..." Oklahoma looked at the digital clock on his nightstand. "Five forty."

Valorous groaned loudly from the floor. "Ugh. Can we just stay here and eat?"

Oklahoma walked forward and picked the boy up from the ground to carry him beneath his shoulder. "Sure. We wash up, get to the cafeteria before anyone else, we come back."

He set the frigates down on the bed while he began to remove the armor portion of his BDU. Onwards took the opportunity to use the bathroom first, making sure to grab a set of pajamas beforehand.

"Azur, wake up." Valorous nudged his sister. "We're home."

Courageous rolled over to face away from her brother and groaned. "Cinq minutes de plus."
("Five more minutes.)

"We have to go get dinner before everyone else does!" Valorous whined as he shook her.

"Non."

"If you do, I'll let you braid my hair tomorrow." Oklahoma offered with a tap on the foot.

Courageous slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Good." She got off the bed and began to remove the armor pieces off her, starting with the specially designed helmet for her ears. "We better make it quick."