StV: Florida Man, part four

"Lost him again," Gaunt said. "He's south of us, but... pretty far south."

Nightfall swore softly in Spanish. 

Cloudburst said, "We're coming up on Miami. If I'm reading the map correctly, we can cut through there and follow 9336 further south. Probably close enough for you to pick him up again."

"You're the navigator," said Tempest. "Let me know when to turn."

"Will do." Tempest minimized the map on her phone and pulled up the app for their support line again. "Any more news?" she asked. "We're getting close to Miami. Gaunt thinks he located him for a little bit, but he's lost him again. We're head south to try to get closer."

"Florida Man has really gone deep, hasn't he?" said Jinx. "We think he stole a boat in Everglades City and headed east from there, so you're either taking the long way around or you're going to be in a good position to cut him off. There's a manhunt -- law enforcement and park rangers are cooperating -- but so far it doesn't sound like anybody knows where he really is."

"We can work with that," Cloudburst said. "Gaunt said his connection felt... hazy. Any idea what might be causing that, if it isn't just distance?"

"Not off the top of my head," said Jinx. "Have you considered asking Tempest?"

In the driver's seat, Tempest rolled her eyes and shook her head. Cloudburst chuckled. "All right. We'll update again when something changes."

They drove on.

"Cloudburst?" asked Tempest. 

"Yes?"

"Would you try something for me?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"I know I just said you were the navigator, but... can you try taking charge for this mission?"

"Testing me?" asked Cloudburst, glancing at the team leader. 

"Testing out a theory," Tempest corrected. "You've worked very well with us during practice. I want to see how we do if we put you in charge during an actual mission."

Cloudburst frowned throughtfully, then glanced back at the trio seated behind them. "Any objections from the rest of the team?"

Gaunt looked at Tempest. "I still think you're good leader," he said, "but I know you've been thinking about this. I'm game to try it out."

Nightfall nodded. "I'm in. I mean, if Tempest cuts in and starts yelling orders, I'll probably do what she says, but I trust her judgement on this, too."

Cloudburst glanced at the remaining member of the team. "Armor?"

Armor looked up from her design pad. "Huh?" She paused. "What was the question?"

Tempest and Cloudburst exchanged a glance. "Do you mind," said Tempest, "if I put Cloudburst in charge of this mission?"

"Oh. No, I don't mind. As long as I get to test the upgrades I made to the armor..."