She dropped the cigarette she had been smoking onto the ground and extinguished it with the toe of her boot.
He was late.
She had been searching for the elusive Morpheus for over a year now. Finally she had gotten a response. A man named Apoc had replied to her questions. He seemed to know a lot about Morpheus and had agreed to meet with her to discuss "the Truth." And here she was, waiting.
She had never been a patient woman. Few friends would stick around long enough to really get to know her. Her attitude could change with the flip of a…well…switch. Most people didn't want to be around someone like that. She didn't mind. For some reason there seemed to be more important things than having friends. At the age of 20 she still hadn't quite figured out why she felt that way.
She was just about to turn around and leave when a tall figure emerged from the end of the alley.
"Switch. Glad you made it," he said.
"You're late. I assume you are Apoc?"
"Yes."
"So, when do I meet Morpheus?"
"I need to ask you something first. You need to understand that once you make the decision to learn the truth, you can never go back. Are you still sure you want to see him?"
She didn't even hesitate.
"Yes, and I won't tell you again."
"Then let's go."
They walked around the corner and entered the old abandoned building. He led her up to the 4th floor. There was a woman outside the door. She was tall and had looks that were completely opposite her own. Where Switch was thin and pale with white hair, this woman was slender with dark hair and bright blue eyes.
"Well, here she is. Is Morpheus ready?" asked Apoc.
"Hello Switch, my name is Trinity. Morpheus is ready. He's just through that door," the woman said.
Switch slowly turned the doorknob and entered the room indicated. At his request she took the seat opposite him and began to listen to his proposition.
So, here she was. The real world. It wasn't what she expected. She hadn't gotten very close to anyone on the Neb, except for Apoc. They became friends very quickly. Trinity was somewhat of a loner so it was difficult to even approach her, but as the only two women on board the ship, they got along okay. Morpheus was like a magnet. He drew people in and made them believe in the things he believed in. He was an excellent leader, worthy of her allegiance, she thought.
Yes, the real world wasn't so bad. At least it was real. At least she was doing something important, something that mattered. She liked that.
Morpheus was planning on taking her to see the Oracle. He took everyone after they had finished their training. She had been told that the Oracle would know about what her role in the rebellion would be like. Switch had never believed in that sort of thing, but maybe she would learn something. She was excited to do her part.
Switch walked alongside Morpheus as they entered the apartment building. When they reached the door to the Oracle's home, he paused.
"Switch, remember that what she tells you is for you and you alone. It may help you to understand the future or it may serve to confuse you even more. But it will be the truth, no matter what it is."
"I understand, Morpheus," and she entered the room.
The Oracle had been relatively vague about her future. All she had really told her was that she had some sacrifices to make and that the decision to do so would not be within her control. That was not encouraging, but she was always in control. No one could take that away from her. No one.