Author's Note: My first shot at writing Calzona fanfiction. I get quite busy for weeks at a time, but I'll update when I can :) Excerpts from the next chapters are uploaded pretty regularly on Tumblr with the URL wip-alterocentrist.

Dr Arizona Robbins frowned as the door opened while she was talking, forty-five minutes into her lecture. Latecomers, she thought. If they didn't have the courtesy to turn up on time, they shouldn't have turned up at all. Averting her gaze from the door, she continued summarising the key concepts to her class. By the time she looked up again, she realised that the newcomer was not a student, but instead, a diminutive black woman in a dark pantsuit with a stark white shirt underneath. Government? Arizona wondered. Intrigued, she promptly dismissed her students.

The last student closed the door behind her. The woman at the top of the stairs didn't take the opportunity to walk down to the front of the room. Instead, she watched until Arizona packed her books away in a backpack.

Arizona realised that the woman was waiting for her to climb up the stairs. "This might take a while. I only have one leg," she called out.

"I'm well aware of that, Dr Robbins. Special Agent Miranda Bailey. I'm from the FBI," the woman responded, showing a badge.

Arizona started walking up the stairs. Competently, but still slower than a person with two healthy legs. "Did someone I know get murdered?" she asked, only half-joking.

The FBI agent didn't find it funny. "No, ma'am. I don't do homicides."

"Good," said Arizona. She inhaled deeply once she got to the top of the lecture room. "So, how can I help you?"

"I'd like you to come with me to headquarters. My boss wants to see you."

"What does your boss want to talk to me about?" asked Arizona warily.

"This isn't the right place to discuss it, ma'am," said the agent. Her voice was tinged with urgency. "There's a car waiting for us already, and the Chief wants to speak to you, so we have to get there immediately."

"This Chief sounds a bit like my father," said Arizona.

"Just please don't tell him that to his face, ma'am. He doesn't like people to notice that he's getting older." The agent opened the door for the academic. "Let's go."

They sat in a glass-walled meeting room, the smaller one out of the two that were on that floor. Arizona was tapping the oval mahogany table lightly, but anxiously, with her fingertips. The FBI agent was standing by the door, taking the occasional peer into the bullpen below for any signs of the Chief.

"You nervous, Agent Bailey?" the blonde asked.

"The Chief is only a couple of minutes late, that's all. Just call me Bailey, ma'am," said the other woman.

"Only if you stop calling me 'ma'am'," said Arizona.

"The Chief's coming," said Bailey quickly.

A tall, imposing man entered the room, wearing - with no surprise to Arizona - a dark suit. She was surprised, though, when he smiled warmly at her. "Staff Sergeant Robbins," he said, saluting.

At the sound of her former rank in the Marines, Arizona hesitantly stood up and saluted him back. "Doctor Robbins is fine, sir," she said. "I don't really pull rank anymore."

The Chief dismissed Bailey with a nod of his head. "I'm Supervisory Special Agent Richard Webber," he said. "And I'm the head of the FBI's northwestern cyber crime division. You may call me Agent Webber or Chief. "

They both took their seats. "Am I here to be incriminated in a crime?" asked Arizona.

"No, Dr Robbins," said the Chief. "We're here to work together. Simply put, the FBI needs your help. Our division has been working with the organised crime division to investigate some events that have happened lately - the first was a subtle, but synchronised draining of funds from America's big banks, and the second was a six-hour server takeover on NASDAQ, held at ransom. All within the space of a week."

"I heard about those on the news, sir." Arizona scratched her head. "I teach computer science at a state university, Agent Webber. I fail to see how I could be useful."

"You've been an acclaimed academic since you left the Marines, Dr Robbins," said the Chief. "Your publications are interesting. I seem to recall one that analyses server vulnerabilities for banks and financial institutions, and it has case studies on how opportunistic individuals have compromised these systems. You have also done a series of public lectures on large scale online theft, and you teach a course on security. I believe that you have something we don't, Dr Robbins."

"Not the billions of dollars in cash you're looking for," joked Arizona.

The Chief cracked a small smile. Well, at least he found her to be marginally funny. "I know you don't," he said. "But you understand computers and you understand security."

"With all due respect, so does your cyber crime division, sir."

"That's true, but you understand how systems can be manipulated, and you understand how people can do it," said the Chief. "Your background in the Marine Corps and a PhD in computer science doesn't hurt either."

"How would I be able to help then?"

"The cyber crime division focuses more on crimes that compromise national security. The stuff that's happened, that's hardly a threat to the government, but it is to the financial institutions and the people that benefit from them. Even if you're not peachy keen on that - God knows we public servants aren't - lawbreaking is still being done, and as the FBI, we need to put a stop to it," explained Webber. "Between cyber and organised, we're assembling a task force to tackle the people behind this. I want you to be our civilian consultant."

Arizona exhaled loudly. "Agent Webber, you must know that I'm busy, right? I'm up for tenureship at the end of next semester, and a lot of my energy is being devoted to that," she said. "At the pace I'm working, I can't wait another year to present an application again."

"I understand," said the Chief, without really meaning it. "This isn't a pitch, though. You're my only pick, and I'm not taking 'no' for an answer." Before Arizona could interrupt him, he went on. "As a consultant, we can pay you on contract or on a retainer. When you've sat down with the other people on the task force, you can gauge the timeline and tell me how you want to arrange your payment." The Chief started getting up.

"All right," said Arizona. "Will I be driven back to my office now?"

"No, Dr Robbins," he said. "It's break time. I'm going to get some lunch at this great burger place across the road, and you're welcome to join me. Otherwise, there's coffee and something to snack on in the break room. When you're dismissed, we'll take you back to your car at the university." He started walking away.

"Sir, I don't have a car, I have a bike! Locked in my office!" Arizona called out to him, but he didn't hear her. She let out a low, exasperated growl. She needed coffee.

The FBI did have better stuff than her boring state university staff room. Arizona prodded the coffee machine sheepishly, but it did nothing. Sometimes better didn't mean easier to use.

"I got that," a voice from behind her said. A brown-skinned forearm reached over her shoulder and pressed a couple of buttons on the machine. Arizona's styrofoam cup began to fill with the fragrant liquid.

Arizona turned around to say thanks, but the words got caught in her throat as she faced the person who helped her - a tall, voluptuous Latina with thick, wavy black hair cascading down her shoulders, and full lips accentuated with red lipstick. You're beautiful, Arizona wanted to say. "T-Thanks," she stammered, not wanting to gape.

The woman grinned at her. "No problem at all!" she said sincerely. "We just got this baby a couple of weeks ago, she still confuses the hell out of people." She put a keepcup underneath the spout of the machine and pressed the buttons again.

She seriously calls the coffee machine a she? Arizona smiled back, shyly. "I bet she does."

When the coffee was finished, the woman picked it up and spooned some sugar into it before securing the lid. "Well," she said to Arizona, "I'll see you around." She exited the break room back into the rush of people in the bullpen.

Arizona leaned back against the counter. Who was that?

An hour later, she found herself in the same meeting room. The Chief was there, as was Bailey. Slowly, other people in suits filed into the room and took a place at the table. One of them was the Latina who helped her with the coffee machine. Arizona was less disoriented this time, so she noticed that unlike the other agents, who wore button down shirts with their suits, the woman wore a scoop neck royal blue blouse. She had done away with her jacket and had the sleeves of her blouse rolled up to her elbow.

Arizona looked away before anyone caught her staring.

The Chief cleared his throat after everyone was seated. He was holding a bunch of glossy laminated papers in his hand, and started passing them out. Arizona looked down at hers. It was a takeout menu for a Chinese restaurant. "I'm sending a rookie out for a dinner run, team. It's going to be a long one, so make your pick."

A few minutes later, a fresh-faced but frazzled brunette entered the room, pen and paper in hand. The agents told her what they wanted and she shuffled out, promising to be back as soon as possible. The agents in the room called out their thanks.

The Chief cleared his throat again and the room fell silent. "You are here because I've approached you with an offer for a spot in the new collaborative task force between the cyber and the organised crime divisions. It's no secret to some of you that you are the best of the best we have ever seen on the northwest, so it's an honour to have you on this team," he said. "Now, enough of the sappy stuff. This is Dr Robbins," he gestured towards Arizona, "and she is a civilian consultant for this task force. Why don't you tell us more about yourself?" Webber gave her a look.

"Uh." Arizona shifted anxiously. "I'm Dr Arizona Robbins and I'm an assistant professor at the University of Washington's computer science department. When I was twenty-two, I enlisted in the Marine Corps straight out of college, and served for almost four years, spending my last eighteen months as the Cyber Systems Chief on camp in Kabul until," she glanced wistfully at her prosthetic leg, "my early discharge." She noticed that people were staring at her. "When I felt better enough, I decided to study for a Master's degree with the intention of going into teaching. It's marginally less dangerous." The agents chuckled at this. "Agent Webber believes that I could be helpful to your case, but I guess that's up to us to decide as a group."

"Thanks, Dr Robbins," said the Chief. He started to introduce the other members of the task force. From the organised crime division were Owen Hunt, Mark Sloan and the gorgeous woman, whose name, she learnt, was Callie Torres. Besides Bailey, Derek Shepherd and Cristina Yang were from the cyber crime division. "Agent Hunt will lead the organised crime front, and Agent Shepherd will lead the cyber crime front." Arizona looked at the petite brunette at the back of the room that Webber hasn't introduced yet. Webber noticed, and followed her line of sight. "Oh, and we have Special Agent Lexie Grey as a tech analyst. I poached her from Science and Technology. She'll be working mainly under your direction."

Arizona smiled reassuringly at the younger woman, whose eyebrows were knitted with worry. "I'm looking forward to working with you, Agent Grey."

"I'd hate to get us started without dinner, team," said the Chief, "but I don't want to make a long night even longer, so we're going to get started on catching Dr Robbins up. Hunt, do you want to give us the rundown?"

It was almost ten o'clock in the evening when the meeting wrapped up. Everyone was having a giant stretch when Bailey approached Arizona. "Dr Robbins, the car is waiting to take you back to the university," she said.

Arizona sighed. "Actually, Bailey, would it be all right if the car took me straight home? My bicycle is locked in my office and the buildings are already closed this time of night so I have no way of getting there."

"I'm sure that won't be a problem," said Bailey. "Just tell the driver."

"Thanks." Arizona smiled at Bailey, who gave her a nod before heading towards the elevators. From the corner of her eye, she saw Callie Torres picking up her bag from her desk, holding a sleeping baby girl - perhaps just over a year old - in her other arm. Arizona did a double take and watched as the woman rocked the baby gently in her arms.

To her surprise, Callie was met halfway by Mark Sloan, who offered to carry the baby. Arizona couldn't peel her eyes away as Callie handed the baby to the strapping, handsome agent, who gave the baby a kiss on the forehead before getting her comfortable on his shoulder.

It's only been a day, and working at the FBI has already disappointed her.

"Honey, I'm home!" Arizona announced wearily. She collapsed on the couch, tugged her pants off and detached her prosthetic leg. Her best friend and flatmate, Dr Teddy Altman, emerged from her bedroom with a book and her glasses.

"Hey Arizona, you're home late." Teddy noticed her friend's bare legs. "You okay?" Teddy was a few years older than Arizona and served as a surgeon in the Navy, but was assigned with the Marine Corps in Afghanistan. If it wasn't for Teddy, Arizona would probably have lost more than her leg.

"Leg's just a bit sore," said Arizona. Teddy sat next to her and massaged the limb gently. "I had an interesting day today." When Teddy gave her an inquiring look, she continued. "This suit came to one of my classes and said that the FBI wanted to talk to me. I was there for the rest of the day."

Teddy looked concerned. "For what?"

"They want me to consult on a case. Some hackers stealing some money from banks and holding NASDAQ hostage. You've heard about it on the news," replied Arizona.

"Oh, you're helping them out on that? I can't imagine they'd be stumped by that."

"They're used to one person hacking and draining millions of dollars, and they're used to a group of people crashing a website for shits and giggles. But a group of people hacking and draining millions of dollars in a seemingly synchronised attack? Yeah, that sends the feds running for help."

Teddy nodded slowly. "You're holding out on me though, Robbins," she said.

Arizona frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Were there any hot agents there today? Anyone who would tickle my fancy?" Teddy wagged her eyebrows conspiratorially.

"Well, I'm not familiar with what tickles your fancy, Teddy, but someone tickled mine."

"Who is it?"

"Just a Special Agent working in the organised crime division." Arizona shrugged. "Curvy, gorgeous hair, hot, looks like a good kisser."

"Wow," said Teddy, eyes wide. "What are you waiting for? Make your move. Find out if she likes the ladies or not!"

Arizona swatted her friend lightly. "You act like such a frat boy sometimes," she remarked.

"No," said Teddy. "I've just been with Marines far too many times. They're basically like hyped up frat boys that know how to shoot a gun."

"Exactly," said Arizona.

"Anyway, this Sexy Special Agent of yours? What's stopping you?"

Arizona winced at Teddy's new nickname for Callie Torres. "I think she's married. She picked a baby up from the office daycare and she was being all family like and intimate with the baby with another agent."

Teddy patted Arizona's shoulder. "That sucks," she said. She adopted a more cheerful tone, "I'm pretty sure it's bad practice to sleep with your colleagues anyway. Especially ones that are potentially married and bearing children."

"Yes, you would totally know that, wouldn't you, Teddy?" teased Arizona. Teddy left the Marines five years after Arizona's discharge, and was subsequently offered a post as an attending trauma surgeon at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital. That hospital had a reputation for being a rather steamy rumour mill, and Arizona knew that Teddy was an active participant in keeping the mill spinning, if the young doctors doing the walk of shame in the morning were anything to go by.

"Let's go to Joe's tomorrow night," Teddy suggested suddenly..

"What? Why?"

"Well, you look like you're in dire need to cure a dry spell, and a bar full of doctors means that they might even find your leg sexy."

"Everyone finds my leg sexy," said Arizona adamantly. "And my dry spell hasn't even been that long. Maybe a week and a half, a couple of weeks at the most?"

"Sure, sure, whatever you say." Teddy smirked. "Do you need any help getting ready for bed or anything? Otherwise I'm going to turn in."

Arizona shook her head. "No, Teddy, I'll be okay. Thanks for the offer anyway. Good night." She listened to the sound of Teddy's footsteps head to her bedroom. When her friend's door clicked close, Arizona closed her eyes, took a couple of deep, slow breaths, then reached for her prosthetic.

The next afternoon, after finishing up her two classes and office hours for the day, Arizona rode her bike to the FBI headquarters. When she entered the building, Callie Torres, not Bailey like she expected, was waiting for her. "Good morning, Dr Robbins," she said, smiling warmly. She handed Arizona an ID card, and the blonde was hyperaware of their fingers brushing against each other. "The Chief asked me to run one for you, since you're going to be here a lot."

Arizona pinned the ID card to her hip, like she saw the other agents do. She followed Callie through the turnstiles to the elevators.

When the elevator doors shut, Callie turned to Arizona. "You rode your bike here?" she asked.

"It's not far from where I live," said Arizona.

"About eight miles," said Callie. She noticed Arizona's raised eyebrow. "I read your file." She cocked her head slightly to the side. "Cars make you nervous, don't they?"

Arizona was confused. "Sorry?"

"Bailey mentioned something last night. Apparently you were a little shifty in the car."

Arizona swallowed. She had to beg Teddy for a ride this morning, even if she hated Teddy's sensible doctor's sedan. She hated cars - all cars, she refused to enter one unless she absolutely had to. But she had to lie to Callie. "Bailey told me to come with her without telling me what the FBI needed me for," she said evenly. "What kind of person wouldn't be nervous in that situation?"

Callie considered this for a moment. "You're right," she said. "I apologise for assuming. I'm a profiler, you see. This stuff just comes out unfiltered."

Arizona smirked at Callie. "So, Agent Torres, you're just showing off then?"

Callie grinned right back at her. "Yes, I suppose I am."

Arizona sat by Lexie's office for most of the afternoon. They ate Subway sandwiches while talking about a plan of attack on getting intel on the unsubs. During a lull in their discussion, Arizona leaned forward, "I know my file is readily available for you guys to read, so those who bothered looking know about me, yet I know nothing about the people on the team," she told Lexie. "So, tell me something about yourself, Agent Grey. How did you get into the FBI?"

"I did my undergrad in computer systems engineering," said Lexie. "My sister's boyfriend when I was in my junior year was Agent Shepherd, who was fresh out of the academy. They're married now. Anyway, Derek's line of work seemed quite interesting and I got amazing grades, so I applied for a spot in the academy at his encouragement. I was accepted right after graduation."

Arizona asked more questions about the other team members. She found out that Owen Hunt was in Baghdad until three years ago, and was a decorated veteran who got straight into the FBI when he came home. Mark Sloan and Shepherd were buddies from the academy - codenamed by their peers as McSteamy and McDreamy, respectively, but were only reunited when Sloan was assigned to Seattle after a few years in New York. She found out that Bailey went to Yale Law School, and that Cristina Yang was lured from a booming career and rockstar reputation in Silicon Valley. Finally, she asked, "What about Agent Torres?"

"She studied psych and criminology in college, then she was on the forensics team in the Miami PD, and the FBI wanted her for their crime lab there," replied Lexie. "I was a rookie when she assigned here, so we were new together, and she told me she only had three years of experience in the FBI."

"I saw her with a baby last night," said Arizona.

"Oh, you mean Sofia? Isn't she the cutest?" the younger woman gushed.

"Is she married?"

Lexie lowered her voice. "No, Sofia is her daughter with Mark," she said. "They had a fling and Sofia happened. They're not together anymore though, but they have a weird parenting arrangement and it works."

Arizona had to fight herself from visibly sighing in relief. "Anyway, Agent Grey," she turned her attention back to the screen, "do you happen to have any screenshots of the NASDAQ ransom note?"

"Um, yes, I think so," said Lexie. She pressed a few keys and an image came up. The NASDAQ website homepage was a stark white, with bold black letters in the middle. It was a bog standard ransom note, and there wasn't a clear sign of a signature.

Arizona squinted and found something unusual on the bottom left of the ransom note. She took the mouse from Lexie, pulled the image into an editing software, and reversed the background colour. A silhouette of a white combat helmet, similar to the ones characters wore in games such as Counter-Strike, became visible. "Oh my god," said Arizona.

"What is that?" asked Lexie.

"A discovery." Arizona shot straight out of her seat and ran across the bullpen, up the stairs to the Chief's office. "Agent Webber!"

The Chief looked up from his computer screen. "Dr Robbins, what's up?"

"Agent Grey and I found something that you think may be of note," replied Arizona.

"Tell Agent Hunt or Agent Shepherd, Dr Robbins. I'm only overseeing the task force, I'm actually quite hands off on this," said the Chief.

"I'll tell them, sir," Arizona bit her lip, "but I want to ask if it's okay to take on another consultant."