(A/N) Hey all, time for our new update! This update is another from our new recruits, from the POV of Agent Minnesota, written by the incredible XxXshadowkitsuXxX. Next chapter will complete the set, and the one after that will start the next story arc. We have some big things in store for you all, so make sure to stay updated. Shit is about to get real.

Enjoy!


Chapter Forty-Six – The Quiet One

Agent Minnesota

Written by XxXshadowkitsuXxX


"Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship." - Oscar Wilde


I roamed the hallways blindly, not really caring where I was going. It wasn't that I didn't know where I was going, which I didn't, but the fact that I felt I needed some time to myself. Where I came from, everyone was weaker than me. No matter the challenge, I would end up top dog and prove my worth to those that looked down on me. I'd just arrived a couple of hours ago to the ship, this Mother of Invention as it was called, and already my mind couldn't wrap itself around what was going on here. This place was bringing in the best of anything and everything the UNSC offered, and I felt like a nobody despite all my skills and talents. It seemed like that there someone else who was already better at what I could do.

I thought I was tough until I'd seen the duel between the behemoths known as Pennsylvania and Maine.

My journey continued in the search for the elusive Training Room. I would've asked one of the many personnel strolling about for directions, but I didn't feel like dealing with them at the moment. Other people tend to just get in the way. The doubles match had definitely proven that. I had been paired with Michigan of all people. I admit she was quick on her feet, though it didn't seem to matter when Arkansas showed up, which left me to deal with the others by myself. While I'm not much of a team player myself, I at least know when to work with someone to get the job done. It made me wonder how someone like her joined in the first place.

I entered the observation deck that overlooked the training room, at least I was getting closer. Much to my disappointment, Maine was already in there wailing on what looked to be the remains of a training dummy. My gaze drifted to the leaderboard above him plastered to the wall. I didn't know its true purpose, nor did I care. It would be of use to me when I clawed my way back to the top, letting everyone know just how useful I could be. The door behind me opened as someone made their way next to me.

"He just doesn't know when to quit does he?"

I glanced to find Agent York in my presence. "I think he's dedicated. Maine just wants to be at the top like everyone else."

"Yeah, the leaderboard will do that to people." he stared up at it, though I had a feeling it wasn't his name he was looking at.

"I'm gonna go down and wait for him to leave. I could use some exercise." I left him watching Maine ravage his toy.

"You want some company?" he asked, but I pretended not to hear him as the door slid shut behind me.

Somehow I managed to find my way down the locker room. Automatically, I threw on my armour as I relented to my thoughts once more. Maybe I should have let York come with me. I didn't trust anyone here, but he seemed decent enough to at least help me train. That's something I learned in UNSC. If you can't trust your partner to help you, they may as well be the enemy. I'd lost count on how many times my squad members would abandon me because things looked hopeless. Legions of enemies, low supplies, reinforcements taking their sweet time, it didn't bother me. I was given an order and I would see it through to the end.

I had been so lost in thought that I had failed to notice I wasn't alone anymore. Maine was rummaging in his locker as I sat there like an idiot. Placing my helmet on my head I went on my way to the training floor.

"Hello Agent Minnesota, what exercise will you be partaking in today?" F.I.L.S.S. asked in her usual cheery tone.

A weapons dispenser rose from the floor, a buffet of rifles and the like just for me. My eyes roamed the guns before settling on the large sniper rifle nestled on top. Of course, I was an expert marksman, but I always felt better letting my enemy know who killed them. That's why I preferred close range weaponry. My finger slid down the barrel as I examined the cold metal, it had been awhile since I had last used the firearm. The battle between Maine and Penn flashed through my mind, finalizing my decision.

"Put these away F.I.L.S.S., I want a hand-to-hand simulation."

"No problem." the dispenser descended back into the floor. Several greet targets began whirling around my body, "Round beginning."

I stared dumbstruck at the lights buzzing around me. This was supposed to be a training exercise? Reluctantly, I struck all the targets until they turned red. After a few more rounds, some lights spun faster while others slower. It turned out pretty good though it still felt lacking in skill. All I was doing was punching and kicking.

"Are you just going to do that all day? At least make it more interesting or something."

I turned to the source of the complaint. Propped against the wall was a soldier in white and red armour. I rolled my eyes as the Freelancer made his way over, helmet tucked under his arm.

"I don't recall saying I needed your opinion California. I was doing fine." I said.

"Fair enough," Cal stopped a few feet away, "But wouldn't you like to actually get better at it? I don't think we'll be fighting anything close to that out in the field." he pointed at the green lights that continued to dance around me.

"F.I.L.S.S, turn off the simulation." Cal spoke as he equipped his last armour piece on his head. The lights flickered into nothing.

"Punch me."

I stared confused, "You're ridiculous. F.I.L.S.S, turn it back on."

"Don't F.I.L.S.S. Come on, just hit me."

I could feel the smirk radiating under Cal's visor. This guy was getting on my nerves and I needed to get back to training. Only one way to get rid of him quickly, and I was more than will to oblige. My fist struck hard against the opposing Freelancer, causing him to stagger a little.

California rubbed the spot on his helmet, "Is that it? I bet the Director hits harder than that. Try it again." he tapped his cheek for emphasis.

A growled of frustration escaped me as I whipped around, stabbing my foot into the other soldier's stomach. Cal let out an "oomph" noise as he almost fell back.

"A little better, it tickled." he chuckled, "Come on, one more try. Hit me."

By this point, I was getting pissed. Pulling my arm back, my fist rocketed forward as hard as I could. Cal grabbed my wrist and twisted until my own arm was pinned painfully against my spine. With a swift kick to the back of one of my knees, I fell only to be caught by an arm wrapping around my windpipe.

"Now give me your lunch money." the agent laughed as he released me.

I turned and faced my roommate, delivering a roundhouse kick to his head. California was still laughing as he lay on the floor for a moment, "I know it was a bad joke, but you don't have to throw things at me."

"Leave me alone. I'm done with your 'training'. Go find someone else to bother."

"I was just having fun." Cal said, "If you lightened up a little you would be-"

"I don't do fun." I cut him off, "Fun doesn't take down the enemy. Fun doesn't protect your team. Fun doesn't complete the mission. Now go away or I'll-"

"Or what?" the other Freelancer asked, "You'll throw another hissy fit? You don't get it. I know you have to be serious and stuff out there. But when you're not fighting you need to relax or you'll explode. Look, I don't know what happened with you, but don't let it slow you down. If it's too much let me know, that's what friends are for."

"I don't need friends. I can do just fine on my own." I said as I made my way to the exit.

"Nobody needs friends, but everyone wants one. Don't you? I know I did."

His words froze me in place, "What do you mean?"

"You didn't answer my question." the Freelancer responded, ignoring my own.

I remained still. Something weighed down on my shoulder. It was Cal's hand. Every part of me wanted to say no, and yes. My head began to hurt as I battled for control of my thoughts and emotions.

"I-I don't know." I finally replied.

"Well you do anyway, so tough luck because I'm hard to get rid of."

"That's the truth." I chuckled.

"I knew I could get you to laugh, it's a start at least." Cal laughed with me.

I smiled under my helmet, shaking my head, "Are you always like this?"

"Only on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

"It's Monday." I pointed out.

"I'll have to fix my schedule then." Cal joked.

It was a start. Maybe a friend wouldn't hurt.