(A/N) Hey all! It's Wednesday, Wednesday gotta get down on...whatever. New update time! Another incredible chapter from the genius that is OhSoDeadly (More like OhSoBrilliant) and you know what that means! Another Florida chapter! If you enjoy this even a fraction of the amount I did, then you will...have a lot of enjoyment. Which is good. This chapter occurs pretty much simultaneously to Georgia's, and the next few chapters will occur in the same time period. Just letting you know, so there's no confusion.

Our Grifball applications are officially CLOSED, and that fic will be up and running in a few weeks, so look out for it! We've got some big things planned. We're still looking for writers for our X-Ray and Vav fic, so get on down to our forum and apply! We won't bite...much!

Enjoy!


Chapter Forty-Four – Welcoming Committee

Agent Florida

Written by OhSoDeadly


"Welcome to the jungle, we've got fun and games
We got everything you want honey, we know the names
We are the people that can find whatever you may need
If you got the money honey we got your disease."

– 'Welcome to the Jungle', Guns 'n' Roses


Florida stared at the book in his hands. The text stared right back at him, uncompromising black lines. His eyes managed to pick out a few distinct words: "suddenly", "visitation" and "outsider", but the book as a whole was being stubborner than an Arcadian moose-mule. He just couldn't get into the darned thing!

Ahhh, well. It wasn't the poor ol' book's fault-it was just some paper'n'ink stuck together after all! No, Florida decided, setting the small novel aside, it wasn't the book's fault. The inability to focus was all up in his thinking cap, and he reflexively felt for it. Gosh, his hair was thinning out like a cornfield at harvest time! He would have to find himself a comb or something to make sure he looked his best when he was off-duty. 'It only matters what's on the inside of a man,his dad had said, but sprucing up the outside never hurt.'

But even this thought slowly became eclipsed and swallowed up like beans at breakfast as he turned to the reason why he was feeling so out of sorts. It had been on him ever since he, York, Massa and Virginia had been interrupted in the training room by the ship rocking around like a…he frowned, and kneaded his forehead. He couldn't' even conjure up a suitable analogy! What a bust.

It was just like the Director had said. War. And while Florida had fought in wars before, was no stranger to it, and was prepared to get out their and give the enemy heck…well. He just wasn't sure. Fighting those nasty aliens had been, if not easier, simpler. They were a bunch of monsters that needed to be put down, and humans were the plucky underdogs, just like in the stories! But fighting rebels was…tricky. They were sly. Didn't fight fair, by gum. How many poor guys and gals had died during Operation Trebuthingy? Too darned many.

He became dimly aware of talk going on around him, and he shook his head to clear the buzz. He had been sitting in the rec room, and-he glanced at the chronometer above the door-had been for quite some time! He frowned to himself. If he was going to insist on being bone idle, the least he could do was make himself sociable. He perked up his ears and paid attention.

"-and beat him! I still can't believe it." Massa was holding court, with Virginia and Wyoming listening keenly. All of them were in their armour, but helmets were off. Wyoming was stroking his lip-caterpillar meditatively, while Virginia's long dark hair pooled around her shoulders. He wondered what they were talking about.

"Personally, I'm surprised they didn't kill each other, m'dear," Wyoming said, in that affable way of his. "Pennsylvania is already a caveman wearing armour, but this new chap, Maine? Just as bad. No, worse, actually."

"How so?" Virginia interjected quietly. Always a quiet one, Virginia. Unless Carolina was in the same room. Those two needed to sort it out once and for all, Florida reflected. Heck, maybe an impromptu sparring match like he and Alaska had done…

Wyoming grimaced. "I was listening during their little bout. Penn might be a brute, but he can actually speak the Queen's good English. Maine snaps and snarls like a rabid hound. I haven't heard him say a bloody word; have you?"

The other two shook their heads. Florida did the same. He recalled the nasty scrap between their Penn and the newcomer, a hulking beast of a man who went by Maine. Such a small name for a big fella! That helmet of his gave Florida the willies. You couldn't see anything except that blank gold bubble, and he never depolarised it. Maybe he was just shy? Or he had some facial scarring left over from the war? Only the man himself would know, and like Wyoming had said, he wasn't much for talk.

"Well, I suppose we'll get to know him as time goes on," Massa said, shrugging. "First rule of Project Freelancer: learn to play nice. Even with those you'd rather not." Saying this, she sent a meaningful glance towards Virginia, who raised her hands indignantly. "What are you looking at me for?"

Massa laughed scornfully. "One word, starts with C. Nothing yet? OK, it has red hair. Ooh, come on, I practically gave you that one!"

"Carolina's the one with the problem, not me," Virginia responded coolly, flicking a strand of hair away from her right eye. "I get along with her most of the time. I get along with mostly everyone, as a matter of fact. Even you, Wyoming."

"Oh come now, Virginia," Wyoming interjected, seemingly ignoring her jibe, "you and her have been at each other's throat since our first day. My advice is, settle it once and for all. Leaderboard be damned." He pounded a fist into a plan to underline his point.

Virginia snorted. "Thanks, but I might just take a raincheck on that advice. The last thing we need around here is more fights. Especially with the new recruits onboard, they'd think we were an asylum, not a special warfare group." Massa conceded the point with an absent "too right, mate", and tilted her head back to stare at the ceiling.

Wyoming still hounded the point, however. "I'm telling you, a good fight is the best way to settle things. Take our good friend Alaska. He was cock of the walk until Florida here showed him a thing or two about combat!" He chuckled, folding his arms. "Bloody hilarious, that fight."

All eyes suddenly turned to him, and Florida found himself shrinking back a little. He wasn't accustomed to being the centre of attention-that is, unless it was a fight. The problem with being still is that it's easier for things to catch up to you that way,his pa had said ruefully once, and feeling a mite stupid was bound to be one of them. He swallowed a bit, and tried to laugh it off. It came out a bit forced. "Ah, well, you know, just seemed like a good idea at the time?"

"Well in that case, you should have good ideas more often, Florida," Massa said sardonically, still staring at the ceiling, "there are a few loose screws on this ship still. Like that goddamned medic, Killian Something. Gets the job done, I'll give him that, but have you seen the way he dresses? Like an acid trip in candyland."

They all had a good laugh at that, and the tension dispelled. Florida grinned openly, already feeling a heck of a lot better. Good times with friends, now there was the best medicine! A shame that they all weren't here, though. He looked around the room. "Where's York?"

"Getting in some quality time with that new guy, what was his name? North Dakota?"

"Yeah, "Virginia quietly confirmed.

"Looks like York might have found another dudebro type to hang out with on the ship!" Massa sighed, plumping her hands behind her head. "And having one was bad enough."

"Have you even met him yet, Massachusetts?" Wyoming asked dryly, polishing a gauntlet against his chest-plate. At her shake of the head, he continued, "Well, take it from one who knows, North Dakota seems like a capable young man. Easy-going, quiet. Seems like a perfect fit for the team, if you ask me. Being the lone sniper on this team was becoming tiresome."

"Lone sniper?" Virginia asked sharply, sitting up suddenly.

"Awww, was poor widdle Wyoming getting fed up with sniping?" Massa snickered, ignoring her roomates indignation. "Who knows, maybe North Dakota could give you a run for your money."

"I highly doubt that, seeing as he's a new arrival. Besides, you three have been here as long as I have, and…ahem. Well." He motioned vaguely in the direction of the leaderboard, glowing pale blue in the corner of the room, and smiled.

And just like that, the tension was back. Virginia and Massa glared venomously at Wyoming, who looked back at them smugly. It could only have been worse if Penn and Alaska had been there. Both a pair of men who were like volcanoes with arms and legs, and wouldn't have taken kindly to Wyoming's jibes.

He decided to intercede, before things got really ugly. "Now come on, Wyoming, "he said reprovingly, "that's not very nice of you. Mass and Virginia work as hard as anyone-"

"I don't need you to defend me, Florida, "Massa snapped suddenly, no longer looking skyward. "Just back off, ok? Both of you." Virginia nodded, tight-lipped but still looking ticked off. Florida shrank back into his seat, cowed but also feeling quite a bit resentful. 'Well I did my best, you stubborn ol' harpies, have it your way!'

Wyoming tut-tutted at this display of anger. "Typical Massachusetts."

"Come over here and say that, British-boy, and see how-"

The door to the room was suddenly flung open, and in stepped three people. None of them were readily identifiable to Florida, Massa, Virginia or Wyoming. Which meant…new recruits. The squabbling immediately ceased as all four of them turned or cranked their necks to get an eyeful of the newbies. Florida couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. New teammates, gosh, how exciting! What kind of folks would they be?

The first one to walk in was a lady with spiky blonde hair, who was clad in purple-green armour. It looked like it might be good for a stealth mission of some kind, and this thought made him perk up a little. Maybe they'd get paired up at some point? Or, heck, maybe Wyoming could join too! They'd be like three super spies!

The second was a young man in white armour, with black hair cut short, eyes like blue laser beams and a grin bigger than a peeled banana across his face. From the look on the first woman's face, he'd been razzin' her about something and she was none too pleased. More shenanigans! Still, it was nice to see a friendly face and not more gloomy Guses. A nasty burn scar crossed his face, but the fella didn't seem to mind that they could all see it. Good for him!

And last of all, trailing behind the last two, another young fella, also with black hair and blue eyes, but looking far less at ease than Mr. Brightside, as Florida had mentally named him. As a matter of fact, he looked like he'd love nothing better than to not be there, with all these eyes on him. Poor kid was probably still settling in! Well, a good welcome usually smoothed things over, so he got to his feet and cleared his throat. "Hi there!"

The woman shot him a glance, looked him up and down and snorted rudely. "And who the hell are you supposed to be? The janitor? You look old enough to be my dad, old man."

Oh, wonderful! More nasty ninnies! Before he could grab this young whippersnapper by the ear and teach her some manners, Mr Brightside quickly stepped in between them. "Now come on, South, "he laughed, "if you're going to insult him, at least show some respect first. That's probably CaptainJanitor to you!" At seeing Florida's expression, he tittered and slapped a hand on his shoulder. "Ahh, I'm just kidding buddy. You must be Agent Florida!"

Well now, that was more like it! Boy's got a firm handshake,he thought approvingly as they shook. "That's me! But how'd you know that?"

"Only guy in this project that's weird enough to wear a bandolier, "the woman, South, muttered. They both turned and frowned at her.

"Nothing wrong with a bandolier, young lady," Florida said sternly, shaking a finger. "And shouldn't you introduce yourself? That's how we do things here at Project Freelancer."

"Oh up yours, d-"

"WHOA NOW!" Mr Brightside raised his voice to a yell and brought the whole hubbub to a stop. "Let's rewind and take this from the top before someone loses an eye! I-" he pointed to himself dramatically-"am Cal, or Agent California if you've got the time of day. Pleased to meet you all, fellow badasses!" He leaned around Florida and waved at the others, who were still looking nonplussed.

"This tornado of feminine fire here is-ow!" He started hopping around as South stomped down on his foot. Massa laughed at the top of her lungs. Virginia rolled her eyes, Wyoming sniffed, and the third fella just continued to look elsewhere. Florida cocked an eyebrow in disbelief. 'What kind of loopy larries are these people?'

"I can introduce myself, asshole," she snapped. Pushing past both of them, she folded her arms and gave the others a glare. "I'm South Dakota. Who are you people?"

Massa chuckled. "Oh, you've got a spark. Name's Massachusetts, or Massa. Nice to have another chick on the team, the current crop was getting stale." South laughed as well, and the two bumped fists. Virginia sniffed.

South rounded on her. 'What's your problem? Afraid of new competition or something?"

Virginia treated her to a mirthless smile. "Of you? Hardly. I'm Agent Virginia, and you'll find I'm quite the challenge. So watch your attitude." Her voice was stone cold serious-no joking around here.

South snarled, but before she could get out any more jibes, Wyoming cleared his throat. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure," he drawled. "Pleased to meet you, my dear South Dakota. I'm-"

Faster than a flash, Cal jumped in between them. "And you must be the MONOPOLY GUY!" he shouted.

There was a period of silence. Wyoming narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. Florida coughed uncomfortably. He had no darned idea what the heck had just happened.

Cal scratched his head sheepishly. "'Cause…you know…the mustache. It looks like…yeah."

"Riiiight." Massa rolled her eyes and pointed at the final, unnamed soldier, standing in the back. "And who's this strong silent type?"

Cal's mouth opened again, but a quiet voice cut him off pre-emptively. "I'm Minnesota." The young man had lifted his head and was looking at them directly now. "I'm new."

"Well no shit you're new!" South threw up her hands. "You're introducing yourself, aren't you?"

Minnesota twitched a little, but he maintained his gaze. He shrugged one shoulder. He might not be much for talk,Florida talked, but he's now weakling, this one.

"Our orientation started a little while back," Cal was saying to Virginia. "Maybe you guys can give us some pointers? Always willing to listen to advice from experienced ladies." He winked at her, and she rolled her eyes again.

"Learn to be independent as well as a team-player." Virginia.
"Don't suck." Massa.
"Have a specialty. A real one, that is." Wyoming.

Florida grinned at them all. "And make some good friends along the way! Right, guys?"

They looked a little reluctant, but they all nodded. Cal rubbed his hands together. "Excellent! Can't wait to settle in!" He looked about the room, and jabbed a thumb towards the door. "Well, we're having ourselves a tour, so we're gonna roll out. Nice meeting you all! Massa, Florida, Wyoming and…" He snapped his fingers and pointed at Virginia. "Virginia, right?"

A cool nod.

Smiling sheepishly, Cal gave them all a farewell nod, and headed for the door. South followed him after a second, still muttering under her breath. Minnesota inhaled deeply, gave them all a curt nod, and left as well.

Massa exhaled, and shook her head. "Well, that was weird. What'd you think? They seem like they'll fit right in."

"Are you mad, woman?" Wyoming had found his voice again. "They're all insubordinate rascals! Completely unprofessional. I suppose Minnesota was rather inoffensive, but-"

"I'm sorry, did you just describe the newcomers, or the entire Freelancer outfit to date?" Virginia asked wryly. Massa and Florida both laughed, and Wyoming huffed.

Florida stood, and stretched his arms. "Well, we should make 'em feel as welcome as possible. They're our new brothers and sister now! They won't let us down, bet your bottom dollar." He smiled confidently.

Massa hummed in slight agreement, and tipped her head back again. After a few seconds, she said out loud:

"What the fuck is Monopoly?"