Sent To Protect and Serve Humanity

Chapter 17: Run-In

3rd POV

The ride to the ruins would be a time for questions and answers, specifically for the professor and warships.

"So, this European Union is where all of you are from?" Oobleck asked as he hastily jotted down notes in a small notebook.

"Most of us, yeah." Hastings nodded before gesturing behind her, where no one in particular was. "The only exception is Oklahoma, or Okie as we call him. He's from URNA."

"Ah, so I assume this 'Earth' planet is akin to Remnant when it comes to continents?" The professor asked, intrigued at the prospect.

"Mhm." Hastings hummed in agreement. "We have a total of seven depending on how you view it: Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, South America, and Antarctica."

"Ve're from Europe and her many countries zhat form zhe union." Onwards stepped in, finally finding an excuse to get away from the person who'd been hounding him the entire time.

Quickly, Courageous would correct him. "Well, technically, we're from a different planet entirely called Mars, where our shipyards are, but it can't hurt to feel a bit more human, y'know?"

The professor hummed in delight as he looked up from his notepad. "Indeed, which reminds me, what countries are you from?" He asked, preparing to write once more.

"Let's see, Godspeed and I are from the United Kingdom, Onnie's from the Unified German Republic, Courageous is from the Sixth French Republic, Valorous is from the Union of Iberia, all of which are in Europe, and Okie is from the United Republic of North America." Hastings listed off each person with a finger, making sure the professor was getting it down. "Aside from that, before the training incident that sent us here, our fleet was much more diverse."

"Interesting, now, could you tell me more about the extraterrestrials your people have encountered?" Oobleck asked, almost squirming with excitement.

Suddenly, the airship halted, and the side doors slid open, signaling they've arrived. With a sigh, the professor closed his notebook and gestured for the group to make their exits.

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The gentle sway of the Bullhead would be offset by the removal of its passengers. The first four, on their very first official mission, leaped out of the craft and struck poses as they landed, scanning the ruined intersection they stood in the middle of. The second four were used to the missions, so once they landed, they simply kept their rigging trained on open spaces and the windows of decrepit buildings. The last person to exit would be the professor as he appeared in no hurry. In fact, he appeared much calmer and more relaxed than the other eight.

The warships shared a collective thought as they reached for their rucksacks and produced less volatile weapons. At first, several of their weapons appeared to be a little more than metallic rectangles before they morphed out into their proper forms. A shotgun, pair of SMGs, a sniper rifle, and a magnum.

As the four warships fanned out to secure a perimeter, the other five were simply reminded that these teenagers were soldiers by heart.

"Ladies!" Oobleck regained the attention of the actual students. "You still may be students, but as of this moment, your first mission as Huntresses has begun! From this point forward, you need to do exactly as I say! Do you understand?" The girls nod, but he suddenly looks at the red reaper, startling her. "Ruby! I thought I told you to leave all of your bags back at school."

"Uh, well, you pushed us onto the airships before we could..." Ruby meekly defended herself.

The professor paused and acknowledged his mistake. "Ah, it appears I did so in my haste. No matter, leave your bags behind girls." He turned away. "We can pick them up on our return."