"Gray, what are you doing?" Blake called out as her and her squad mates were gearing up.

"I was asked to give an inventory report by the supply battalion as we were leaving." Captain Gray replied. "It should only take a moment, Major."

"All right. Catch up once you're done." Blake ordered as she left the supply tent with the rest of the squad.

"Yes, ma'am." He said with a bow of his head. Once Major Belladonna was out of earshot, Captain Gray tapped his earpiece to activate it.

A woman's voice came through his earpiece. "Your report?"

"Major Belladonna is leaving now, ma'am. She has a full squad as support for the infiltration of Fort Verraten." Gray reported.

"How many are in the squad?" The woman asked.

"Ten, including myself." Grey said as he slid his twin battle scythes into the harness on his hips.

"Good. Thank you for your report, Captain." The woman sounded grateful.

"If I may, I wish to state for the record I disapprove of this deception." Grey said in monotone as he continued putting gear into his utility belt.

"Disapprove all you like. It is necessary for me to make sure Major Belladonna stays alive." The other voice said dismissively.

Captain Gray sighed. "I understand, Lord Commander."

"Thank you, Captain Gray." Weiss said. "I'm sorry for making you lie to Major Belladonna, for what it's worth."

"Thank you, ma'am." Gray responded.

"Good luck on your mission, Captain." Weiss cut off the call.

"Hmph." Gray straightened his harness before jogging to catch up to Major Belladonna and the rest of his squad, who were about to mount their motor bikes. These sleek bikes were fast, maneuverable, and most importantly, quiet. Perfect for covert operations, Major Belladonna and her operatives would ride these bikes until they got within a day's run of the defensive perimeter of the fort. Then, they would sneak in and commence with their business.

Weiss cut off communication with Captain Gray before she sighed in relief. She felt bad for spying on Blake, but time and experience had taught Weiss that trusting Blake's word when it came to her own well being was a mistake. Blake was the kind of person to try to deal with her problems herself rather than ask for help, even if it wasn't something that a person could do on their own. And now that Blake had followed through with her promise to Weiss to bring a squad with her on missions, Weiss could focus more clearly on other tasks.

Weiss checked the time and saw that they still had an hour before they had to march for the day. It was only going to be a short distance today, but no matter the distance there was still a lot of packing and unpacking to be done. Their march would take them closer to Fort Verraten, which also meant that Blake and her infiltration team would have a shorter distance to go on their return trip. A small blessing in an otherwise dangerous decision to move closer to enemy lines. But Weiss was confident that after their victory yesterday, Vacuo's commanders would be regrouping and more hesitant to retaliate so soon.

"Lord Commander, your mail for today." One of Weiss' junior officers, Sergeant Cowen, handed Weiss a bundle of letters.

"Thank you, Samantha." Weiss said as she accepted the bundle. It looked like only three messages today, thankfully. Usually Weiss received stacks of letters at a time, ranging from requisition forms to inventory requests and everything in between. A short stack of mail today was a welcome respite. As Weiss looked at each envelope more closely, she set aside the first two as simple progress report requests from the Vytal Council, which she could order one of her subordinates do. The last was a personal letter, which surprised Weiss. This was the first time she had received a personal letter in nearly two years. An even greater surprise was the sender of the letter- Jīn Long, Yang and Ruby's father. Weiss opened the letter with trepidation.

Dear Weiss Schnee,

I'm writing a letter rather than calling because I've heard you've been rather busy since we last had the chance to speak, and I wouldn't want to interrupt anything important. I hope you are healthy and safe, and Blake as well. In addition to catching up, I wanted to apologize for being out of touch for so long. I spent several months with my brother-in-law, Qrow, who was taking care of me through my depression. Once I recovered, I followed in his footsteps to try to search for my daughter, but to no avail. I feel that all this is no excuse though, so I wish to apologize.

On a happier note, Ozpin has hired me as a teacher at Beacon, where I teach unarmed combat. The new school is magnificent, and I think that once you win the war and come home you should visit it. There is a memorial out in front now where the statues used to be, and the names of the students and teachers are etched in beautiful polished stone. Ozpin was courteous enough to add Ruby's name as well, even though she was a fugitive before she died.

Once again, I hope that you and Blake are healthy and safe. Please, visit me once you are victorious, and I will be sure to do my best to be a better father figure to the both of you this time.

With love,

Jīn Long

Weiss smiled. Jīn was a kind man, and Weiss also regretted forgetting about him in the time she had spent training and fighting. She was also saddened to hear that he had sunk into a depression, but glad to hear that he recovered. Weiss checked the time again, and decided that she had time to spare to try to see if she could call Jīn. "I'm stepping out for a minute." She told her officers, who gave their acknowledgement as Weiss exited the tent.

Weiss opened her scroll and pulled up Jīn's contact information and dialed. It only rang for a few seconds before a blond man's face popped up on screen. "Hello?"

"Mr. Long. It's me, Weiss." She said.

"Weiss! How are you? And please, call me Jīn." He said elatedly.

"I'm doing as well as can be expected." She answered. "And you? I just got your letter. How is teaching at Beacon?"

"Oh good, I wasn't sure if the letter would ever reach you. I'm doing much better than I was, thanks to Qrow and Ozpin. Teaching is a refreshing experience, though at the beginning I was having trouble being at the school. Lots of memories, you know?" He said, smiling.

"I understand the feeling. I don't think I will go back to Beacon any time soon." Weiss said. "Sorry for not trying to contact you sooner as well. Has Blake spoken to you?"

"She wrote me a letter last year, just after you guys finished the training you did and left for the war." Jīn answered. "It sounded like she was feeling a little better, but I thought it seemed a little forced. Is she doing well?"

"She's had her ups and downs." Weiss said sadly. "She's definitely been more down than up, though. She really misses Yang."

"The poor girl. I wish I could have done a better job of being there for her." He look saddened. "Is my daughter-in-law there, by any chance? It would be nice to speak to her."

Weiss shook her head. "You just missed her, actually. She left this morning for a mission. She should be returning in just a few days, would you like me to tell her to call you?"

"If you don't mind. I think I should speak to her too, to make up for lost time." He said.

"I'm sure she would be glad to speak to you too, Jīn." Weiss assured him. "I'll be sure to let her know once she gets back from her mission."

"Thank you, Weiss. I need to get back to finishing up this week's lesson plan, but it was nice speaking to you. Stay safe!" He waved.

"Farewell, Jīn." Weiss said as she turned off her scroll. She made a note in her scroll to tell Blake about calling Jīn before returning to the tent to finish preparations for the day's march.

"Lord Commander, Major General Nikos has begun leading the vanguard for the march. Major General Arc reports he will lead the rear guard. The rest of the hunters and squads have taken their usual positions." Weiss' aide reported as she handed Weiss a report.

"And Major Valkyrie?" Weiss asked.

"Refueling and restocking inventory with Hammer Company." The aide said. "A detailed list of their requested items can be found on page three."

"Thank you." Weiss said as she flipped to the appropriate page, skimming its contents. "Begin our own preparations for the march. Set our course to follow the northern edge of the Greatwood Forest. Send word for Hammer Company to shadow us from above on the cliffs north."

"Yes, ma'am."

"It's so cold." Pyrrha grumbled in displeasure. She was at the front of a column of soldiers that made up the vanguard of the army. "I hate winter."

"It will be spring soon, Major General." Colonel Sten said stoically.

"Spring is still cold. "Pyrrha complained. "Just wet instead of snowy."

"As you say, Major General." Sten answered emotionlessly.

Pyrrha just sighed. She appreciated Sten's professionalism as a soldier, but he just did not know how to comfort a person or engage in small talk. Or cared to do so. And forget about getting him to talk about anything personal, whether it's about himself or anyone else. She knew as much about him today as she did the day she met him a year ago. "Do you have word from the rest of the army? Have they left yet?"

"Major General Arc has reported that the main division is on the move and that the rear guard will be mobilizing within the hour." He reported, checking his scroll.

"No problems then?" Pyrrha asked.

"None that I can see or that have been reported." Sten said.

"All right." Pyrrha finished, dissatisfied. Trying to draw any sort of conversation out of Sten was like trying to push a mountain single handedly. It just didn't work no matter what you tried. "Well, keep me updated. I'm going to make my rounds with the soldiers while you lead the march."

"Yes, ma'am." Colonel Sten saluted with a fist to his heart as Pyrrha fell back to the soldiers.

Pyrrha spent a few minutes with each group of soldiers, either riding alongside them in their vehicles or marching beside them on foot. Simple conversations and light banter were all appreciated by both Pyrrha and the soldiers, more so the soldiers. The soldiers were all huge fans of Pyrrha and Jaune, and respected the pair greatly. By simply taking a little time to speak to the soldiers personally, Pyrrha could keep moral up and hopefully distract the soldiers from their lowered spirits. Though it wasn't exactly public knowledge, the soldiers knew the desperation of their fight against Vacuo, that despite all their victories they were still losing the war. It was all Pyrrha could do to try to keep the soldiers from giving in to despair.

Jaune stretched his back, arms above his head as his second-in-command walked up to him. "The main division has just started mobilizing, sir."

"Good." Jaune said as he straightened up. "Sound the horn to move out."

"Yes, sir." He saluted. "Sound the horn!" He turned and yelled.

Another officer nodded at the order, bringing a horn up to his lips. He blew a long, clear note that rang through the camp, signaling that it was time to move out. The soldiers in the rear guard were already packed and geared up, and immediately began their march behind the main army.

Jaune himself was at the front of the column, leading the march. His scroll began beeping to indicate a call. He opened it without confirming the caller. "Yello?" He asked nonchalantly.

"Is that really how you answer a call from a superior officer?" Weiss groaned.

"My bad." Jaune stammered, expecting the call to have been from Pyrrha rather than Weiss. "What can I do for you?"

"Is the rear guard moving yet?" Weiss asked, ignoring Jaune's foolishness.

"Just started moving." Jaune reported, rolling his eyes. "You don't have to check on me every time you send out a new set of orders, you know."

"Yes, I do." Weiss grumbled.

"Micromanaging us only makes your job harder." Jaune joked. "You can trust us to carry out orders once you give them."

"Sure, just like I can trust you to not use your aura recklessly." Weiss said pointedly.

"Okay, okay, I get your point." Jaune grumbled. "Geez, you and Pyrrha must have meetings about what to scold me on." He finished with a mumble.

"What was that?" Weiss asked, not catching what Jaune had mumbled.

"Nothing, ma'am." Jaune quickly replied.

"We're not marching far today." Weiss continued. "So don't push your men too hard."

"Yes, ma'am." Jaune saluted the air in front of him lazily. Weiss ended the call without another word. "Goodbye to you too." Jaune finished, to no one in particular.

"Rough call?" Lieutenant Songen said from behind Jaune.

"Nah, just Weiss being grumpy again." Jaune said as he pocketed his scroll.

Songen laughed. "She does know best. The Lord Commander has really grown into her position. But that comes with a lot of stress on her shoulders."

"Yeah, I know." Jaune looked down at Songen walking beside him. "You're not riding today?" Songen usually rode along in a vehicle rather than marching on foot, because of her age.

"I could use the exercise." She said with a shrug. "Since I'm not young enough for combat anymore."

"Still plenty beautiful, though." Jaune said playfully.

"Don't try it, kid. Or I'll tell your girlfriend on you." Songen joked with a smile.

Jaune's smile fell off his face. "Oh, don't even joke about that. She'd beat me even if it was a joke." He pleaded.

Songen couldn't contain a hearty laugh. "Possessive, huh?"

"She prefers 'loving' over… other terms." Jaune said carefully. "We're very fond of each other." Jaune blushed.

"Ah, young love. Always so dramatic." Songen smiled. "You going to ask her to marry you soon?"

"W-what?" Jaune sputtered. "What brought this on?"

"Well, from what I hear the soldiers say, you've been together for years." Songen explained. "And I can see for myself you two obviously care for one another. So, come on. Spill the beans." She poked Jaune teasingly in the side.

Jaune blushed. "I don't know. I hope to marry her, someday. But there's a war in the way. A war that it doesn't look like we're going to win." He finished somberly.

"That's no attitude for a young man such as yourself to have." Songen said. "I'm far closer to death than you are and I've got a better attitude than that."

Jaune chuckled. "You're right. You know what, then? I'll propose to her the day the war ends. I love her, and that's all that matters, right?" Jaune asked.

"Well, now that is a plan indeed." Songen said.

Weiss was correct when she said their march that day would be short, their march lasted barely four hours before they reached their new campsite for the day. The next day's march was longer, and brought them ever closer to Fort Verraten, the headquarters of Vacuo's army.

Meanwhile, Blake and her operatives finally reached the edge of Fort Verraten's defensive perimeter. "Radio silence from here on out." Blake ordered as they dismounted from and then hid their bikes in the undergrowth. "We don't know if they're looking for radio signals."

The operatives all silently acknowledged her orders as they double checked their gear to make sure they had everything. All the operatives wore and carried very similar gear- black battle fatigues made of a silk blend that was extremely quiet and durable, providing some basic protection and allowed for a full range of motion during infiltration missions, while allowing them to operate in necessary silence. In addition to the fatigues, each soldier had a utility belt filled with the necessary gear and their preferred extra bits of gear, ranging from vials of dust to climbing gear to poisons or recording devices. All in all, it was everything they needed to infiltrate and gather information.

"It's another day's jog from here." Blake said to her operatives. "Everyone ready?" Everyone nodded. "Let's go. We've got a lot of ground to cover. Gray, you have the rear. I'll take point."

After Blake's order, everyone took off through the nearby woods towards Fort Verraten. Though the 'jog' that Blake said they would be taking was more of a swift run as the group of eleven raced through the forest that was the border between Vacuo and Vytal. They ran for three hours before stopping for a ten minute break. Following this pattern, they stopped at nightfall after an entire day of running. "Gray, organize a camp while I scout a perimeter. No loud noises, no lights or fires."

"Understood." Gray said. "Up, men." The soldiers began scaling the pine trees, looking for thicker branches to set up a small hammock to rest for the night. Resting on the ground floor increased their chances of being detected, so hiding in the trees had become standard operating procedure. Blake took to the trees as well, more swiftly than her human comrades, to begin her scouting. She quickly and quietly leapt from tree to tree, using the thick branches and springboards to propel her to the next tree, then the next. The forest was thick enough with trees that Blake scouted the entire perimeter without needing to return to the ground.

Returning to the camp, Blake was satisfied to see her soldiers asleep and resting. Except for Captain Gray, who was keeping watch from the higher branches in a tree. Blake climbed her way up the tree to Gray, crouching down beside him at his perch. "No problems?" Blake asked softly.

"No, ma'am. Everyone has settled in nicely and a watch rotation has been set." Gray responded.

"Good to hear." Blake continued. "Do you have a moment?"

"Of course, Major." He said as he scanned the forest below.

Blake glanced over at Gray sneakily. "Why were you giving a report to Weiss about our mission?"

Gray froze up, staring at a single spot on the ground. It was a few moments before he finally relaxed with a ghost of a grin. "Orders, ma'am. The Lord Commander wanted me to report to her, discreetly." He looked over at Blake. "How did you know?"

Blake pointed to the ears on the top of her head, which twitched and pointed towards Gray. "I've got pretty good hearing." She grinned.

Gray chuckled, the first one Blake had ever heard from him in the last year. "I thought I had waited long enough."

"It's a common mistake." Blake smiled.

"The Lord Commander said it was to keep you alive." Gray continued.

"She does have a tendency to worry." Blake said as she watched the stars above. "She worries that she will lose me, like she lost the rest of our team."

"Your team?" Gray asked. He knew little about the schools of hunters; the only knowledge that he had was the bit of combat training that Blake had given him over the last year to improve his skills.

"I've never told you about my life before this, huh?" Blake realized. "I went to Beacon Academy, one of the most prestigious schools for hunters in the world. At initiation, we get paired up with a partner, and then with another pair of partners, to form a team of four. These other three people are your teammates and roommates for the four years you're there, so naturally you become close." She explained.

"And the Lord Commander was your partner?" Gray asked.

Blake chuckled. "Oh, heavens no. I don't think that would have worked out at all, especially in the beginning. Even being teammates was bad enough." Gray raised his eyebrows questioningly. "She had some… extreme views on faunus. In the beginning." Gray nodded in understanding. "My partner was a girl named Yang Xiao Long. She was a beautiful, blond powerhouse of a huntress. Weiss' partner was Yang's younger sister, Ruby Rose."

Gray could see the love in Blake's eyes when she said Yang's name, something that he had never seen before in his commander. "A powerhouse?" He asked. "Even stronger than you?" Gray had seen Blake fight, and had a hard time imagining someone outfighting the faunus.

"Much stronger than me. Imagine Nora, but faster and with more technical skill and with shotguns on her arms instead of a hammer." Blake smiled at the mental imagery her vague description evoked.

"Sounds terrifying." Gray shuddered. Major Valkyrie frightened him on a visceral level.

"She was so strong. When we were defending Beacon, and later escaping, she fought so hard. And when it looked like we weren't going to make it, she sacrificed herself to make sure we got away." Blake was staring wistfully into the sky, connecting stars in her mind to make her own constellations. "And then after we escaped, her sister broke down and killed some people. Then she went on the run, and died alone in some forest. It wasn't a fate either one of them deserved." Blake finished sadly.

"I'm sorry for your losses." Gray said. "Your partner sounds like an impressive woman."

"She really was." Blake giggled at a memory. "You should've seen how she proposed to me. It was a disaster. She had the whole day planned, and none of it went like it was supposed to." Blake smiled fondly as she recalled the events of that day. "What about you? You have someone waiting for you at home?"

Gray stayed quiet for a few moments. "Not anymore, no."

"I see." Blake said in understanding. She reached into her utility belt and pulled out a flask, then took off the lid and filled it with the clear liquid inside. She handed the small cap that doubled as a cup to Gray and kept the flask for herself. She held up that flask. "A toast to the ones we lost."

Gray tapped his little cup against Blake's flask before downing his shot while Blake drank a swig from the flask. Gray smacked his lips, eyes narrowing in confusion as he looked into the cup. "It's just water."

"Well, yeah. No drinking on the job." Blake deadpanned. "We've got work in the morning."