Expanded Summary/Explanation: For this story I'm playing with the idea that people considered to have specific intellectual/cognitive/neurological disabilities are influenced/controlled by the Matrix differently. Therefore they wouldn't respond the same way to learning the truth during the process of freeing their minds as a typical person. (Mainly because of the difference in how they interpret the world to begin with.) The idea is they will be more accepting of the truth of the Matrix and any interactions with the Matrix once the truth is confirmed could result similar situations to the Oracle's children and Neo.
Hopefully it will make more sense from the second chapter when I delve into these concepts. Chapter one is just an introductory chapter setting up the mission of locating one such individual.
(I won't specify the disability in the story but those who are familiar with the condition should recognize it.)
Author's Note: Three canon characters appear in this first chapter. There names will at first be withheld but by the last set of dialogue each one will be named.
Sorry Neo fans but he won't appear until later chapters.
The story will be laid out in a more script style way then a traditional format.
Timeline wise this story would fall between the events of the first and second movie. There will also be some influences later on from the Animatrix (Specifically Kid's Story and World Record) which occurs during the same time frame. I'm considering this a slight AU since it won't fit perfectly into the canon timeline and the concept I'm focusing on with the OC is not addressed within the movie trilogy.
Chapter 1: Target Acquired
A lone man keeps watch over an unfeeling world of coding and signals. He scans tirelessly for his mark, a rogue anomaly that has been difficult to lock down. During another sleepless night of the vigil, an older man and a woman join the tech to discuss the progress made from a reliable lead.
'
Man 1: "This may be it. The description matches and it's remained stable for a decent amount of time."
Man 2: "But can you be certain?"
Man 1: "Give me another minute and I should have a more definite answer."
'
The first man swivels his chair to a secondary monitor and types furiously. After what seems like an eternity of keystrokes later, he finishes and faces his superior.
'
Man 1: "It's what we have been looking for. I'm sure of it this time. The signal has been more consistent and steady then it's been in a while. I have a clear lock on its position. From what I can tell it will continue to remain stationary for a while still. Thirty minutes at least, if it sticks with the normal pattern that's been reported."
Man 2: "Then this may be our best opportunity to move in. We may not get another chance for some time."
'
The woman placed her hand on the older man's shoulder so he would turn to face her.
'
Woman: "Are you sure this is a good idea? That area isn't isolated. There are plenty of un-freed minds nearby for Agents to control.
What if it's a trap? The machines are evolving. New types of programs have been surfacing lately. Some even mimic the signals of minds read to be set free."
Man 2: "Which is precisely why Neo will be staying behind this time. I will be the one to approach the target and make contact. He's the one they're after."
Woman: "And what about you? They might try to capture you again. There's no way they have given up on obtaining a Captain's access codes.
You're not going alone. I am going with you and don't try to stop me. I won't stand by and watch you almost die, again."
'
With that said the woman strode over to an old, beat-up, reclined chair and defiantly sat down, daring anyone to challenge her decision. The older man just smirked and sat down at his own station.
Once they were seated, the first man plugged in the other two up to a machine and checked the main connections at the at the back of their necks near the base of the skulls. Then he turned the monitors that corresponded with the occupied stations. Vitals appeared normal and stable. Everything else checked out so the mission received the go ahead to proceed.
It was time to enter the simulated reality in the realm of the Matrix. Unbeknownst to these three individuals, this would become a dangerous mission with the very existence of a human mind hanging in the balance.
Inside the Matrix the two freedom fighters found themselves inside the heart of a bustling virtual city teeming with the consciousness of thousands of minds still tethered to the false world. Emerging from an unoccupied side street, the pair headed with purpose toward the location of the signal they were on a quest to locate. The older man paused in his walking to withdraw a cell phone from his jacket pocket.
'
Man 2/The Man: "Operator?"
'
Back in the physical world the younger man spoke into a headset in response to the call.
'
Man 1/Operator: "I read you."
The Man: "Where to now? Is the target still in the same position?"
Operator: "Yeah, it's still there. Hasn't moved since you entered.
Go straight ahead. Enter the park and take the path to your right when it branches off.
When it splits the second time follow the center path and walk until you reach the pond. I'll update you when you arrive."
The Man: "Thanks."
Being it was a weekday, luckily there were less people then usually would be in the park on a weekend. Mostly it was joggers too occupied with their run to notice the man and woman on their mission. This worked in their favor as they would stand out otherwise because of their style of dress. Combat and motorcycle boots, bold designed sunglasses, dark jeans and leather duster style jackets were not exactly typical attire for a stroll through the park.
Even though it was the lunch hour, most business professionals and other various workers who had chosen to eat outside generally wouldn't be in this stretch of the park. A central plaza with an oversized fountain and statues of historic figures was the more favored spot. Generally speaking this was because it was more open and had better reception for cell phones. Across from the plaza was the playground where the stay-at-home moms, grandparents, and nannies brought young children to work out their extra energy while getting some fresh air. Since these types were more likely to report suspicious persons to the authorities, and therefore alert Agents to their presence, the two individuals were glad to be far from that area.
A homeless person was asleep on a bench they passed, but he barely stirred in response to the bodies passing by. For now he posed no threat but should he become overshadowed by an Agent all that would change. It would only take one Agent to jeopardize the mission. A clanging bell in the distance alerted the pair to the approach of a food vendor pushing his cart in their direction. The woman kept watch as a lookout while the man dialed the operator for the second time since entering the Matrix.
The Man: "Operator."
Operator: "I'm here. How's it going in there?"
The Man: "We're almost at the pond. How should we proceed?"
Operator: "Once you pass the grouping of tress you're near now you should see a switch from plain trees to decorative flowering trees. The pattern alternates between pink flowered cherry trees and white flowering pear trees.
On your left hand side, look for the third bench in as the path curves around the pond. That's where the target will be watching the ducks on the water."
The Man: "I'm heading there now. Tell me if you see any changes. And Link, prepare an exit just in case."
Operator/Link: "Will do boss. Good luck."
The man hung up the phone and faced his female partner.
'
The Man: "It will be easier if I approach the target alone."
Woman: "Fine. Then I'll hang back behind the tree line and keep watch for Agents. If I see anything I'll signal you at the first sign of trouble. Morpheus please be careful."
The Man/Morpheus: "You too Trinity."
'
Soon after this exchange, Trinity took up her position hidden among the trees. Morpheus slowly approached the target so as not to startle the person and cause a scene.
Author's Note: In the next chapter Morpheus meets with target and their identity will be revealed. It's the introduction of my Original character who will then become a main character.
There will be at least 9 chapters to this story the way I have it outlined. Depending on the length of the chapters one or two chapters will be released at a time. No definitive timeline of the release of future chapters.
A sequel may be created depending on the response to this one by the time it's finished.
Side Note: If you like my writing style check out my profile for information on fanfictions I have written for other fandoms and general announcements for all my stories and upcoming chapters before they are posted. Most of my fanfics are anime/manga related (Naruto, Bleach, Hetalia, Free!, G Gundam) and span multiple genres but there are ones for a cartoon (Thundercats) and a video game (Fire Emblem Awakening) as well. Eventually I'll expand to ones for TV shows and Books too.
Reviews, favorites, alerts, and pm's about this or any other story are welcome and thanks for reading.
