Church clutched the little paper photograph in his hands tighter. He remembered when he first showed it to Tucker, he had remarked about how no one carried around paper photographs. He had of course proceeded to find a firm punch to the ribs coming his way from Church, but that was because this photo was special to Church. It meant so much to him. The photo in question displayed Church happily hugging an eye-rolling Tex in a firm hug. They were unmasked and both dressed in suits (Tex didn't really DO dresses) it had been the night of the Sidewinder blue team Christmas dance. That was almost 4 years ago. They had been so happy then, Church could still read every sarcastic expression Tex ever put on by heart, and the one she wore in that photo? That was one of affection.

But she never actually felt anything for you remember?

Church silenced the internal voice in his head. Despite him having initially believed a part of it for a reason she left him, some new developments left him thinking. Did Tex really not love him? She must have had some kind of reasoning to not stay with him right?

"You are such an asshole Church you know that?"

A memory from one of their earliest conversations replayed in Church's head. He knew she had been right. He was always an asshole, though he never changed. Tex had told him not to.

"You are who you are cockbite."

She had told him a lot of things though, and while she was gone it became increasingly difficult to believe she meant a good portion of it. Or even meant any of it at all.

"I mean every word I have ever said Church."

...Well that's a little bit of an ironic memory huh? But she could've lied about that too.

Church sat on the ledge overlooking the canyon for a good hour or so, holding the photo that also held the only thing he had left of a person he thought long gone. Of a memory he had hoped was long buried. Or had he really hoped for it? This whole goddamn day was tripping Church out.

"You okay there champ?" Church turned to see Florida, who looked not as cheery as usual, standing behind him.

"Yeah, thanks sir."

"I don't blame you for feeling a little out of it. This day has been-" Florida was quickly silenced when he saw the photo in Church's hand, "Whos that?"

"That's my uh...ex-girlfriend." Church handed the photo up to Florida.

"Really now?" Florida spoke softly, as he stared at the photo.

"Yeah, she was pretty awesome."

"Still hung up on her?" Florida asked sympathetically.

"Yeah, Tex was the best asshole I ever knew."

Florida's head snapped up from the photo suddenly.

"Tex? As in Texas?" Florida asked, a sudden air of...something in his voice.

"Yeah," Church snorted, "Funny name huh?"

Florida was quiet for a moment, staring at the photo before looking up again.

"Yeah that's pretty strange...Hey Church? I need to go make a call, you good?" Church looked up at his commander, suppressing his suspicions a bit as Florida handed back the photo.

"Yeah I'll be fine." Responded the blue sim trooper.

"Great. Get some rest." With that Florida left, and Church was again left to wallow in his memories.

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Florida stood in his small quarters, tapping away at a keyboard and turning a few dials, until finally he was satisfied.

"Command this is Agent Florida, I've finally something to report from my sector. I've located the Alpha, and possibly Agent Texas. I need a pick up soon. Don't wanna risk this getting unwanted attention, Florida out." With that Florida pressed a button and sent the holo message.

He sighed, hoping it would reach them.

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Meta made sure it didn't.
As the white-clad giant of a man stood overlooking the canyon with a growl, he surveyed the territory.

Florida had found something here? Suppose Alpha was good at hiding. But there was no use in that now.
With that thought in mind the Meta leaped down into the canyon. With two goals in mind,

Destroy the Alpha.

Kill anyone else that tries to stop them.

Okay maybe three goals.

Kill the agents.