(A/N) It's a Saturday, and you all know what that means! It's update time! This chapter was written by the incredible Ausphin, and introduces us all to the genius behind the 'stache, Mr Wyoming himself. Enjoy, and review if you feel like it. It gives us a warm feeling inside and makes our collective egos even bigger.


Chapter Three – In Armour Clad

Agent Wyoming

Written by Ausphin


"Conceit is the finest armour a man can wear." - Jerome K. Jerome


"Here we are," the so-called "Counselor" intoned, turning to face the Freelancers as the group followed the duo into the room. Immediately, Wyoming's attention slipped to the sets of armour, gleaming metal suits looking like nothing he had ever seen before. Certainly nothing like what the regular UNSC had access to. He noted that the majority of the group was also staring at them in varying degrees of awe.

After a moment, the Counselor cleared his throat, pulling the attention back to him. "As I'm sure you can see, we have the top-of-the-line in technology for Project Freelancer," he preened, clearly finding some level pride in the finance provided to his work. "Beside each suit is a datapad with the state name of the agent it's assigned to and instructions on its functions. Please find your armour now."

With that said, the Counselor stepped aside. After a short tentative pause to be sure they were really allowing it, the group went to the suits with Alaska and York eagerly hurrying at the head, Virginia and Pennsylvania tailing. York began calling out the names as he passed each, directing them to their armour until he reached his own, the one on the far right which was apparently a standard Mark VI tan suit. Alaska stood before a set of adapted red ODST armour marked with black trim. Carolina headed for a set of sky-blueish-greeny-turquoise armour, Virginia went to a bright green-and-orange Mark VI. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania admired a pale green Mark VI suit and a dark blue respectively. As Florida oohed and chuckled at his own 'Marvellous!' ODST suit, Wyoming eyed his off-white armour.

Not exactly the most amazing of the set, but it'll do, he decided after an examination. Picking up the datapad, he gave it a tap and the name gave way to a video, diagramming the suit and its various parts and functions. A wide majority of it seemed for show, as it was a bit doubtful that many of the agents cared about the finer features like the airproof seal, enhanced 'heads-up display', or even the helmet floodlights. It displayed various videos for a few more minutes, showing the suit in action, how it increased speed, strength, and much more.

The video ended with a picture of a team of soldiers suited up and charging into battle, fading to black. Wyoming looked up, seeing most of the others with their eyes still on the pads save for Carolina, Virginia, and York. He rolled his eyes as he noticed Florida opting to watch it again.

When he was sure that everyone had finished watching it at least once, the Counselor spoke up again. "Now that you have learned the basics of your armour, we may move on. You may further familiarize yourself with the equipment later on when the suit has been delivered to your rooms. I would like to remind you that these suits are not toys, and should be treated with respect. We believe that they are safe for use, but there have been examples of suits, similar to these, causing severe injuries to their wearers when not properly maintained and misused."

From further down the line, York muttered, "Maybe that's why there's only eight of us."

The Counselor transfixed him with a steely gaze. "Did you say something, Agent New York?" which was met with a mild flush and a "Nothing, sir!"

"Just as I thought," he replied smugly. "Now, the next area we are headed to is the weapons' armoury. Naturally, as a military branch, weapons are going to be a common part of the missions and you must be familiar with the tools you use."

As he said this, he stood by a doorway leading into the adjacent room, awaiting the agents. Carolina typically led the way, motioning for us to follow her. As they entered, Wyoming realised that this was a smaller room with four long tables in the middle. Each had a wide assortment of guns from pistols to submachine guns, battle rifles to sniper rifles, rocket launchers and a few missile pods lying against the sides of the room. All in all, it was a veritable candy shop of guns all gleaming, polished and ready for action.

"As I'm aware that most of you have a history in the military, I doubt I need to explain every individual weapon here. Instead, all of you take a few moments to familiarize yourself with them, deciding which you'd prefer for missions." The Counselor murmured, gesturing towards the weapons.

This time, the hesitation was much shorter as most of the group bustled over, eager to sort through the weapons. Many of them gave the magnums and knives appraising glances, trying to decide which weapon would be their favourite or which might save their lives in a tough situation. York gripped a shotgun approvingly while Carolina swirled a pistol around one finger. Alaska grinned at the wickedly-gleaming knives, giving one an expert flip before catching it and setting it back down with a nod, moving over to look at the selection of DMRs.

Wyoming walked around the table a while, taking in the various weapons, before grabbing the traditional sniper rifle he'd gotten used to. Lining up with the sight, he happily realized these came upgraded with heat and night vision and gave a small chuckle of appreciation. Florida gripped a tomahawk, murmuring how "Nifty!" it was, before setting it down on the table, his eyes caught by some adapted assault rifles. Some of the others stuck with the rudimentary pistol, or an assault or battle rifle.

After several minutes of this, the Counselor stepped forward. "I trust all of you have made choices about your weapon preference? Regardless, we're running out of time so you all must relinquish them back to where they were."

Anticipating the few groans of protest, he continued. "I must insist. The weapons are not to leave this room. And now, if you'll follow me, I'll show you to your rooms. You can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and getting acquainted with your roommate if you have one, or your armour. From this moment on, your induction has passed. Tomorrow, we begin for real. Welcome to Project Freelancer."

With that, he led the pack out.