"it's that damn left side..."

"...just need a minute."

"...wait wait tex don't let..."

Agent York, knew those were some lame last words. But that part of the story would come later.

Real name Daniel or Danny but it had been so long ago he no longer cared. His parents were long gone, as was the only woman he ever loved.

And then there was the cancer (or at least that was the analysis his internal ai device Delta told him; there was late stage cancer in his stomach and lower intestines.)

There was a possibility it had metastasized past those areas, but he told Delta to keep it a secret from him (his life was already so desperately sad, knowing how long he had left to live would not help matters.)

But how had he survived for that long? After leaving project freelancer, just over 6 years ago, with only his skills and his armor (and Delta) he had to find a way to survive while keeping a low profile.

He knew of 3 who got out before the s-it hit the fan. Agent Wisconsin (James),Agent Iowa (Rosa), and Agent Delaware (Lucy). they were never at the top of the leader boards, in fact a few were in the bottom on several occasions. But they were all good people and he knew they would at least offer him a hot meal or a place to sleep.

So when he left with Agent Texas all those years ago, first stop was agent Delaware

At age 19, Lucy, (a 5'3" blonde with shoulder length curls and a face that made her appear much younger) had been recruited primarily for her computer programming and data analysis background. she was a brilliant mind that could backward engineer her way in to any system. She was a fast learner and the inventor of several control systems commonly used in combat vehicles and digital weaponry. But she was terrible with actually firing any kind of gun and her combat skills just could not keep up with the rest of the team. It was not a pretty sight.

After failing several field missions she was sent to do work that was more appropriate for her skill set; and then she was transferred out. But Agent York was always a friend to her. She genuinely wanted to be there; she was excited by the idea of being a freelancer, which made all her failures hurt so much more. And certain older agents (the main cause of getting her transferred out) stated that she was so un-trainable they felt unsafe with her on their teams.

She cried herself to sleep at night. York would always try to get people to stop bullying her, after all she was just as kid and she had real talent if someone could fins a way to use her skills correctly.

When she left, back to a civilian life she got a job at a homeless shelter, teaching basic job skills to people in need.(saving the world one life at a time.)

She was off the radar of any military surveillance. So York felt safe making contact.

He stole some normal clothes and as pack, just so he could be out of his armor when he met her.

"OMG! it's really you!" she said as kindhearted and child-like as she was when he first met her.

They met at her office where she ordered take out.

"have a seat. I can't believe it's been 4 years since I left military." she said, overjoyed to see him again. Agent York's friendhsip was the one positive memory she had for her time in the service- beyond that the 3 years she served had been a living h-ll.

York told her his story; of the AI implementation and all the repercussions it bore (including Agent Maine going psychotic and shoving Agent Carolina off a cliff). How he learned of what project really was, and how he finally knew to escape with the help of Agent Texas.

"Wow, they really starting putting a robots in your brains?!" she said, genuinely shocked that the AI program actually came to fruition.

Out of armor he could not really show her, but she had worked on the early stages of the AI development so she pretty much believed his story.

"I guess i got out just in time." she said taking a sip of her water. The uncomfortable silence made her realize she was being a little insensitive. "and I'm sorry about Carolina, I know you loved her, everyone did." she paused and back petaled.

"Not that everyone loved Carolina, she was a little on the mean side and she threatened to kick any girl's ass who even looked at you. But we all loved you and she made you happy." she said stuffing her mouth full of food to stop any further idiocy.

"you know what.." she opened her purse and pulled out all of her cash, it was well over a thousand dollars.

"I can't..." he needed the money, but knew she was not wealthy, so he felt a little ashamed about accepting.

"you need help, that's why you asked me to meet you." she said putting the money in his hand. "this will be enough for you to keep moving. You have always been good to me. It's the least i can do. I'm sure you have other people you can ...go to... for more." again those words felt wrong. He wouldn't have contacted her for just money. if he went rogue; if he was a fugitive he needed real help; help that she was in no position to give. she was trembling, she felt her voice cracking.

"but f you need a place to stay I'm sure I can get you a bed at the shelter for a few days." she said, feeling bad about not offering to let him stay at her apartment. But she had 2 roommates, of whom was her fiancee, so the situation wasn't ideal. but Agent York's kindness was the only reason she had not taken her own life years ago. He was always there to remind her, she had talent and she had worth. He was like the big brother she never had.

"that ok, I have a place i can head to. It's been nice to see you." he said, seeing how awkward the moment had become.

"good luck. and be safe." she gave him a hug that lasted longer then it should have. she knew she would never see him again and even after 4 years apart there was a part of that was really affected by that. When he closed the door she involuntary started to cry.

York knew of one person who might give him a place to stay, (at least until he could figure out something more permanent- or any idea of what his life could be.)

So he bought a used 8 year old motorcycle (that looked like ti had seen better days) it would hopefully get him as far as he needed to go.