Disclaimer: I don't own the Matrix concept or anyone - yes, even the Agents - in it. Nemo IS mine. Oh, and so are Heather, Pixy, Nova and Alex.
I Know Who I Am II
"Ms. Munro," Nemo spoke first in a soft, friendly tone.
"Yes?"
"How would you like to work with us?"
"As an Agent?"
Her green eyes widened in surprise. She obviously hadn't expected this turn of events.
"Well, of course. Working as an FBI agent, isn't a bad thing you know." Nemo offered her a reassuring smile. "You're out of work and we need talent like yours on our team. You'll report to Agent Jones here."
Gesturing to Jones, she smiled again and waited for Alex to reply.
"Well..."
'Bloody hell, Alex. It's a decent offer. Take it.'
"...why not?"
"Then, it's done. You're one of us now."
Staring at Nemo's big smile, Alex half-wondered if she'd just made a deal with the devil.
"Why don't you follow Agent Jones. He'll give you the papers to sign in another room."
"Yes...uh, thank you."
"My pleasure."
Alex hesitated for a moment at the door that Jones held open. Then with one last look at Nemo, she walked out.
Alex followed him done the hall and into the elevator. She watched uneasily as he punched the button for the much lower levels of the building. It was a short ride on the super-speed elevator and they quickly reached their floor. She followed him down the dim hallway and stopped behind him at a plain white door. There was no label on any of the identical doors in the hall, making her even more nervous.
"Are you sure this is the right door?" She asked, eyes darting up and down the empty hall.
"I'm sure."
She took one last look at the hall as she stepped into the room. When she did look inside it, she stifled a scream as she saw the strange machinery that filled it. She tried to run, but her feet seemed frozen in place. Suddenly, there was an iron grip on her arm and Jones was beside her.
"Escape is futile, Ms. Munro."
Her eyes widened in surprise as she suddenly remembered. Those words. That voice. He'd been the man in her dream. Damnit. What the hell had she gotten herself into?
*Is it finished, Jones?*
*Almost, Nemo. I'm at the last stages of the process. I gave her the original memory we gave her the first time. Is that fine?*
*That's fine. Did she struggle much?*
*Yes. But, I subdued her soon enough.*
*Good. When it is finished, place her in the new apartment we set up for her.*
*As you say.*
"I hope it works out as you planned," Smith said coldly from across the table they sat at.
"It will work."
"How do you think Morpheus knows her? It would be hardly a surprise for her to know him, seeing he is an important member of the Resistance. But, for him to know her?"
"You found no connections between them in her past life?"
"None. But then, things are different outside the Matrix. They could have known each other in Zion."
"True. And if they were close to each other..."
"We could use it to finally catch Morpheus."
The two exchanged sharklike smiles, for once in agreement.
Alex hummed softly to herself as she made her way to her boss's office. She stopped at a door with a fogged glass window. The title Special Agent Jones was etched on the glass. At her knock, a loud voice was heard from the other side of the door.
"Come in."
She entered and stopped before his desk. He was hard at work on his computer - as always - and did not acknowledge her presence.
"Sir?"
"What is it, Munro?"
"I have the analysis you wanted on the latest terrorist update as well as the transcript of the code you wanted me to break."
"Hmmm...place it on the desk."
"Yes, sir."
She did so and waited to be dismissed. He looked up for a moment and glanced at her. A slight look of what appeared to be frustration flashed across his face for a second then it was gone. Though she caught his look, she did not hear his soft sigh.
"You're dismissed."
"Thank you, sir."
She left, shutting the door behind her with a shake of her head. Her boss could be so out of it at times.
"Went to see your boss again, huh?" A husky voice said from next to her.
Looking to her side, Alex wasn't surprised to see her brunette officemate, Heather Williams. The office gossip and flirt, she had no problem sharing with Alex her theory that Jones had a crush on her. Alex had never heard of a more preposterous idea. Her boss had anything BUT a romantic interest in her. He might be a whiz at work but he was as dense as a block when it came to romance.
Alex just rolled her eyes and continued on her way to her cubicle. Undaunted, Heather trailed behind her still chattering away.
"Oh, come on! It's obvious he's got a thing for you! He's always calling you to his office..."
"To receive my reports."
"...and giving you those intense looks."
"To make sure I'm not loafing around."
This time, it was Heather who rolled her eyes.
"Whatever. It is SO obvious he has a crush on you. I don't see why you don't see it."
"Maybe because I'm not delusional and don't see things that aren't there."
Heather sniffed in that I-know-better way as she left, hips swaying for the benifit of their male colleagues as well as the few present male Special Agents. Alex smiled wryly and sat down at her desk. Just as she was about to start on her next assignment, the elevator doors opened and she looked up out of habit to see who it was. Her eyes widened as she recognized her boss's colleague and superior, Special Agents Smith and Moore. Agent Moore nodded at her as they passed, while Agent Smith ignored her as usual. Alex knew the two vaguely from working with her boss and she wondered what they were here about.
"So, how is it going?" Nemo asked as she took one of the seats in front of Jones' desk.
Smith sat across her on the other chair and they waited for Jones to stop his typing and answer.
"Fine...I suppose."
"I suppose?" Nemo asked with a raised eyebrow.
"She is driving me crazy with her yes-sirs and no-sirs. She even refuses to leave until I dismiss her."
"I should think you would be glad at how polite and cooperative she is."
"Too much for her own good, if you ask me," Jones grumbled. "And I also have to put up with that hussy, Williams."
Nemo's lips twitched slightly as she repressed a smile, and even Smith smirked at Jones' remark.
"Well, you'll just have to bear with it. This was the only possible opening available for Alex's insertion without adjusting too many people's memories," Nemo said as she went over the reports Alex had left. "Hmmm...not bad. We have a lead on Neo's latest plans as well as a key to the Resistance's transmission code."
"Then, shall we get to work?" Smith cut in sharply. Nemo nodded and got to her feet, as did Smith.
"Oh Jones, you're not coming with us," she said, upon noticing him following her and Smith.
He frowned in confusion but refrained from commenting.
"Instead, you're suppose to go with Munro and check this hacker out." Nemo handed him the thick file she'd been holding.
"Aren't you worried about leaving me in constant contact with Munro?"
"The System isn't, so I don't see why I should. But, you do understand that if anything happens and I have to terminate you...it's nothing personal. Just work."
"I understand."
Nemo smiled and headed for the elevator. Smith started to follow her but stopped for a moment.
"Watch your back, Jones."
"I will."
Smith nodded slowly then turned to follow Nemo.
*Are you sure he'll be fine alone with that woman?*
*'That woman' couldn't possibly do anything to hurt Jones, Smith.*
*That doesn't change the possibility that she could manipulate him to her way of thinking.*
*And what is her way of thinking but ours? I should think that Jones is proficient enough in brainwashing people...*
*Still...*
*...besides, I inserted a bug in her program. Any rebellious thoughts will be reported to me. I for one believe in taking percautions.*
This was a direct jab on his failure to completely purge Alex's memory bank the first time around, and Smith knew it. He scowled, scaring a few innocent bystanders as they walked towards the elevator.
*Why didn't you tell me or Jones?*
*You never asked.*
She gave him a sickeningly sweet - and equally false - smile as they got into the elevator.
"Do you think the two of them are together?"
The two Agents with their extra sharp hearing heard from the back of the elevator as it plunged downwards.
"Nah...what do you think she'd see in him?" The person's companion replied.
Smith glowered and clenched his fists, while Nemo's lips twitched suspiciously.
"Beep...beep..."
Alex's head snapped up at the sound of her inter-office intercom. She clicked the answer button and spoke.
"Munro."
"It's Agent Jones. I want to see you in my office."
"Oh. Yes, sir."
'Did I hear him sigh?' She wondered, unsure whether to be amused at the thought or nervous about being called to his office.
He'd never done so before. He always gave her assignments via typed memos left on her desk. They were always there without fail every morning when she came for work. There never had been a time when she'd come earlier than he had. It made her wonder what time he got to work.
'Maybe he lives here,' she thought in amusement.
She knocked on his door and went in as she heard his voice. She waited patiently in front of his desk and waited for him to speak. A few minutes passed and still he did not stop his typing.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes. ...I did."
She waited again for him to speak and again he stayed silent. She barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes.
'What the hell is his freakin' problem?'
"And so, sir?"
Finally, he turned away from his computer to face her. Picking up a folder from his desk, he took out a few sheets and handed it to her.
"Sit down and read this."
"Yes, sir."
She obligingly sat down and began to read the sheets he gave her. It wasn't very long and she finished reading it in minutes. It was a report on a female hacker by the name of Pixy, short for Pixel. They suspected her of being approached by the terrorist known as Neo.
"What are we going to do about her?"
"We are advised to approach her and see if we can convince her to cooperate with us."
"I see."
She waited for him to speak again, but he just looked right back at her in that intense way of his.
"So, when are we going to do that?"
"Now."
"Right."
*Could you ease up, Jones?* Nemo asked.
*Sorry, it's not like I've ever dealt with one particular human on a daily basis.*
*Well, get used to it. She's only 21. She's got some more years to live. Unless she dies an early death, which is definitely NOT one of the System's options. We want to put her to as much use as possible.*
*Yes, ma'am.* He replied, sarcasm obvious.
*Have a nice day.*
"Well, let's go," he said, getting up and heading for the door.
"Yes, sir."
She silently followed him down to the basement level that served as a parking lot. They got into the standard Bureau car and drove off to the home of one, Andrea Wang, hacker extraordinaire.
Jones parked the car outside the small apartment building. It looked out of place in between two towering brand-new buildings. Alex absently noticed the sign nailed to the door that condemned the building. It would be demolished in the coming week and replaced with a parking lot for the new buildings beside it.
Jones firmly pressed on the antique looking intercom button with the name Wang underneath it. He was rewarded minutes later with the sound of static and a cranky voice.
"What da hell do ya want? It's freakin' eight in the mornin'."
"Ms. Wang?" He asked coldly.
"Who wants to know?"
"The FBI does. We'd like to speak to you."
Muffled cursing was heard for awhile before the woman on the other end spoke again.
"Fine."
With a loud beep, the door screeched open and the two agents walked into the decript building with its cracked walls and filthy floor. As if he did not notice the trash liberally scattered all over the floor, Jones began the trek up the stairs. Alex was right behind him. Her nose wrinkled at the strong smell of rotting refuse coming from who knew where as she followed him up the stairs and down a dimly lit hall.
They stopped at a door with no markings but a lopsided number three. The two rusting screws that flanked it suggested that there'd been other numbers to go with the one that remained. Only the identical pistachio-colored doors near it proved that the door before them was the one they searched for.
Jones knocked loudly on it and they heard a woman yell just as loudly from the other side that she was coming. They heard the sound of a bolt being undone and the door knob twisted as the door was opened. A young Chinese-American woman peered out from behind it, a dangling chain holding it back from fully opening. Seeing the badge that Jones flashed before her eyes, she shut the door with a soft curse and undid the chain before opening it again to let them in.
The apartment was not very big, sparsely furnished with what was mostly second-hand furniture. The pull-out couch was still open, the covers rumpled and the pillow thrown to the floor. The carpeted floor itself could hardly be seen for the magazines, used pieces of clothing, and empty food containers that covered it. A small kitchenette stood at one corner of the room next to a sink, toilet, and bathtub. The bathtub with its claw feet and perky duck curtain looked bizarre in the dimly lit room.
Sunlight streamed in from the tightly shut blinds at the far end of the room. That and a small lamp illumined what appeared to be the only clean area in the room. It was a wooden table that had seen better days with a well-kept computer on top and a tall stool sitting before it.
Having surveyed the room, Alex turned to look at its owner. The sulky young woman couldn't have been more than sixteen. She ignored Alex, prefering to stare defiantly back at Jones who was obviously in charge. Her delicate porecelain features were marred by an ugly, day-old bruise on one cheek.
'Probably her boyfriend,' Alex thought to herself. 'An ex-one at that from the look of the carton with guy stuff in the corner.'
"Miss Wang."
"What?" She snapped impatiently. Alex had to admit that this girl had guts. Not many had it in them to stand up to her superior.
"I'll be brief..." Jones continued in his bland voice.
"Thank God," the young woman muttered under her breath.
"...for we both know that the terrorist known as Neo has contacted you. Now, we want to catch him and to do so we need your cooperation. If you agree to cooperate, we will drop the charges against you and give you a fresh start."
"What charges?" She asked, her startling azure blue eyes narrowing.
"The charges involving your illegal computer activities...as well as a number of unpaid traffic violation tickets."
"I see. Can you prove those charges?"
"Of course. ...So, do we have your cooperation or will we arrest you for - among many things - illegal access to confidential and highly sensitive government material?"
"Do I have a choice?" It was a statement, not a question. She grabbed a black leather trenchcoat that was on the pull-out couch, pulling it over her dark blue turtleneck sweater and black pants. Then, she turned to look coldly at Jones before heading for the door and opening it. "Shall we go now?"
Jones nodded and followed her out the door. Alex knew him enough to see that he was surprised at the young woman's cooperation. She'd barely caught the quick flicker of surprise in the brown eyes hidden behind dark shades. He had obviously expected resistance from Miss Wang...as did she. The woman was a strong character - not one to give up easily - so, why had she so quickly surrendered?
Alex pondered on that as she followed the two outside. Jones opened the back door of the car in order for the woman to get in then waited for Alex to follow. She did so still puzzling over the unexpected good behavior of the woman next to her. Her suspicions were definitely aroused and she kept a sharp lookout for trouble as Jones cut through the heavy traffic of the main streets.
When trouble did come, it caught her by surprise. They'd turned a corner - a shortcut she'd suggested to avoid more traffic - to discover an unusually quiet side street. Alex instinctively reached for her gun, well-hidden by the dark jacket she wore. She did not miss how Jones tensed up or Miss Wang's cool, unconcerned manner.
Before she knew it, gunshots were being fired from an abandoned building nearby, causing Jones to crash the car into a lamp post. She winced as her head banged against the window next to her. Jones cursed under his breath and undid his seatbelt quickly to get out of the car. He used the car as a shield from the continous gunfire as he pulled out his Desert Eagle. Not hesitating, Alex took out her own gun and pointed it at Miss Wang, who held her bleeding head.
"Out now," she said bluntly in a harsh voice.
The young woman did so, still clutching at her head. She crouched in between Alex and Jones as the two agents exchanged gunfire with their attackers. Alex was no fool. She knew an ambush when she saw one - or rather was at the receiving end of one. How the hell did they now that she and Jones would take this route? It wasn't like they'd planned it. Putting in a new clip of bullets in her gun, she shouted to Jones over the loud gunfire.
"We need backup!"
He nodded, but as he did so his head jerked back as a bullet found its mark on his forehead. She gasped in surprised, turning to face the direction the bullet had come from - right behind her. Her green eyes widened as she turned to see a dark bald figure in black attire. He was the last thing she saw before the familiar darkness enveloped her.
Nemo's hand came down from the ear that held her earpiece. She'd just recieve Jones' report that they'd been ambushed. Not only was Miss Wang now with the rebels, Moore had been caught, too. The latter piece of news was more important for they all knew how badly the Resistance wanted to get the hacker formerly known as Nova back. She ignored Smith's angry mutterings as she quickly formulated a plan to get Moore and possibly Miss Wang back.
*Jones can you track Moore? ...Jones?* She repeated when he did not respond immediately.
*I lost her signal soon after she was captured. I think Neo cut the connection.* He admitted hesitantly. He'd failed in his duty to guard Moore and he knew it.
She silently fumed as she quickly checked if her own connection to Moore was still active. It wasn't. Damnit. She had to give Neo credit from thinking that there was more than one connection to Moore.
*That changes things. We'll just have to do it the hard way then. Access her pod files and trace her from there.*
*As you say.*
*What if we can't find her?* Smith cut in.
*We will in time. She cannot leave the Matrix. She is somewhere in here and we WILL find her.*
*And if we are too late?* There was a long pause before she finally answered.
*Then, we pull the plug.*
Alex moaned as she regained conciousness. She felt like she had a major hangover, which was funny considering she hadn't gone out recently. As the realization came to her, her green eyes quickly snapped open and she examined her surroundings sharply. It was difficult to concentrate with the room spinning as it was. What was wrong with her?
She felt the presence of someone else in the room and immediately noticed when that presence approached her. She moved away, roughly jerking away the arm that the presence held. The presence, however, would not let go. It just held her tighter and helped her back to the cot she'd been laying on.
"It's alright, Nova. You're safe here with us."
"My name is Moore and I am a Federal Agent. You do realize that holding me here against my will will result in a more severe punishment for you?"
"What have they done to you, Nova?"
The voice - definitely, a man's - was tinged with what was undeniably saddness. Why was he like that? He was a terrorist, wasn't he? And he knew her to be an FBI agent. Why was he treating her like this?
"My name is Moore," she repeated in a harsher voice as she tried again to pull away from his grasp.
This time he released her with a soft, almost unheard sigh. She felt him move away and heard the door open and then shut. He was gone now, leaving her alone in the cold dark room. She could barely make out the lightbulb dangling from the high ceiling above as well as the metal chair that was the only piece of furniture in the room aside from the cot. Where was she?
She dozed off again with her head still pounding. When she woke up hours later, her sense of stability had returned. As she assessed her surroundings in an obvious scrutinizing manner, she subtly eyed the dark bald man seated on the chair across her.
"How are you feeling, Nova?"
She recognized his voice immemdiately as well as the genuine-sounding sympathy in it. This only served to confuse her further...and Alex didn't like to be confused. Her eyes flashed in anger and annoyance. Who was this lunatic and why did he insist on calling her Nova?
"My name is Moore," she began to hiss before he cut her off wearily.
"I know, I know. It is now, but it wasn't always so."
"Yes, it was. I should think I know who I am," she snapped angrily back at him.
He choose not to reply, instead he shook his head as he removed the dark shades he wore. She looked into his dark eyes when he'd finished. Surprised at the depth of unconcealed feeling in them, she looked away and forced herself to continue in a cold voice tinged with annoyance.
"Who are you and what do you want with me?"
"I am Morpheus..."
"Morpheus..." Her green eyes narrowed as she repeated the name like it was a curse. "...the same Morpheus wanted worldwide for terrorism and numerous computer crimes?"
"The same." He nodded. "As for what I want with you...well, I want my wife back."
"Well, I certainly don't have her. And I wouldn't know if the government does. If they do, do you seriously think they'd exchange an important pawn like her for me? The government doesn't deal with terrorists."
"A pawn..." A wry smile crossed his face. "It was a never a game, Nova...and they never knew I had a wife. If they did, who knows what they'd have done to you."
"Me? What do I have to do with your wife?" She asked a sudden feeling of apprehension - or was it fear? - growing within her.
"YOU are my wife, Nova."
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Shocked into silence, she stared disbelievingly at her captor. How could she be the wife of a man she didn't even know? And not just any ordinary man, but the most infamous terrorist of all, Morpheus himself. Her green eyes grew dark with confusion as she leant back on the cot to rest against the cold cement wall. Why was this happening to her?
"I told you I am NOT Nova. And I am definitely NOT your wife," she finally said in a firm, no nonsense voice as if there was no room for argument in the matter. She tried furiously to supress the strong emotions that raged inside her.
"Yes, you are," he said calmly as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
'I'm not Nova. I'm not his wife. I know who I am. I'm me.' She told herself in an attempt to regain control over both herself and the situation. Her face hardened as she strengthened her resolve. She didn't need this man to tell her who she was, she knew who she was.
I Know Who I Am II
"Ms. Munro," Nemo spoke first in a soft, friendly tone.
"Yes?"
"How would you like to work with us?"
"As an Agent?"
Her green eyes widened in surprise. She obviously hadn't expected this turn of events.
"Well, of course. Working as an FBI agent, isn't a bad thing you know." Nemo offered her a reassuring smile. "You're out of work and we need talent like yours on our team. You'll report to Agent Jones here."
Gesturing to Jones, she smiled again and waited for Alex to reply.
"Well..."
'Bloody hell, Alex. It's a decent offer. Take it.'
"...why not?"
"Then, it's done. You're one of us now."
Staring at Nemo's big smile, Alex half-wondered if she'd just made a deal with the devil.
"Why don't you follow Agent Jones. He'll give you the papers to sign in another room."
"Yes...uh, thank you."
"My pleasure."
Alex hesitated for a moment at the door that Jones held open. Then with one last look at Nemo, she walked out.
Alex followed him done the hall and into the elevator. She watched uneasily as he punched the button for the much lower levels of the building. It was a short ride on the super-speed elevator and they quickly reached their floor. She followed him down the dim hallway and stopped behind him at a plain white door. There was no label on any of the identical doors in the hall, making her even more nervous.
"Are you sure this is the right door?" She asked, eyes darting up and down the empty hall.
"I'm sure."
She took one last look at the hall as she stepped into the room. When she did look inside it, she stifled a scream as she saw the strange machinery that filled it. She tried to run, but her feet seemed frozen in place. Suddenly, there was an iron grip on her arm and Jones was beside her.
"Escape is futile, Ms. Munro."
Her eyes widened in surprise as she suddenly remembered. Those words. That voice. He'd been the man in her dream. Damnit. What the hell had she gotten herself into?
*Is it finished, Jones?*
*Almost, Nemo. I'm at the last stages of the process. I gave her the original memory we gave her the first time. Is that fine?*
*That's fine. Did she struggle much?*
*Yes. But, I subdued her soon enough.*
*Good. When it is finished, place her in the new apartment we set up for her.*
*As you say.*
"I hope it works out as you planned," Smith said coldly from across the table they sat at.
"It will work."
"How do you think Morpheus knows her? It would be hardly a surprise for her to know him, seeing he is an important member of the Resistance. But, for him to know her?"
"You found no connections between them in her past life?"
"None. But then, things are different outside the Matrix. They could have known each other in Zion."
"True. And if they were close to each other..."
"We could use it to finally catch Morpheus."
The two exchanged sharklike smiles, for once in agreement.
Alex hummed softly to herself as she made her way to her boss's office. She stopped at a door with a fogged glass window. The title Special Agent Jones was etched on the glass. At her knock, a loud voice was heard from the other side of the door.
"Come in."
She entered and stopped before his desk. He was hard at work on his computer - as always - and did not acknowledge her presence.
"Sir?"
"What is it, Munro?"
"I have the analysis you wanted on the latest terrorist update as well as the transcript of the code you wanted me to break."
"Hmmm...place it on the desk."
"Yes, sir."
She did so and waited to be dismissed. He looked up for a moment and glanced at her. A slight look of what appeared to be frustration flashed across his face for a second then it was gone. Though she caught his look, she did not hear his soft sigh.
"You're dismissed."
"Thank you, sir."
She left, shutting the door behind her with a shake of her head. Her boss could be so out of it at times.
"Went to see your boss again, huh?" A husky voice said from next to her.
Looking to her side, Alex wasn't surprised to see her brunette officemate, Heather Williams. The office gossip and flirt, she had no problem sharing with Alex her theory that Jones had a crush on her. Alex had never heard of a more preposterous idea. Her boss had anything BUT a romantic interest in her. He might be a whiz at work but he was as dense as a block when it came to romance.
Alex just rolled her eyes and continued on her way to her cubicle. Undaunted, Heather trailed behind her still chattering away.
"Oh, come on! It's obvious he's got a thing for you! He's always calling you to his office..."
"To receive my reports."
"...and giving you those intense looks."
"To make sure I'm not loafing around."
This time, it was Heather who rolled her eyes.
"Whatever. It is SO obvious he has a crush on you. I don't see why you don't see it."
"Maybe because I'm not delusional and don't see things that aren't there."
Heather sniffed in that I-know-better way as she left, hips swaying for the benifit of their male colleagues as well as the few present male Special Agents. Alex smiled wryly and sat down at her desk. Just as she was about to start on her next assignment, the elevator doors opened and she looked up out of habit to see who it was. Her eyes widened as she recognized her boss's colleague and superior, Special Agents Smith and Moore. Agent Moore nodded at her as they passed, while Agent Smith ignored her as usual. Alex knew the two vaguely from working with her boss and she wondered what they were here about.
"So, how is it going?" Nemo asked as she took one of the seats in front of Jones' desk.
Smith sat across her on the other chair and they waited for Jones to stop his typing and answer.
"Fine...I suppose."
"I suppose?" Nemo asked with a raised eyebrow.
"She is driving me crazy with her yes-sirs and no-sirs. She even refuses to leave until I dismiss her."
"I should think you would be glad at how polite and cooperative she is."
"Too much for her own good, if you ask me," Jones grumbled. "And I also have to put up with that hussy, Williams."
Nemo's lips twitched slightly as she repressed a smile, and even Smith smirked at Jones' remark.
"Well, you'll just have to bear with it. This was the only possible opening available for Alex's insertion without adjusting too many people's memories," Nemo said as she went over the reports Alex had left. "Hmmm...not bad. We have a lead on Neo's latest plans as well as a key to the Resistance's transmission code."
"Then, shall we get to work?" Smith cut in sharply. Nemo nodded and got to her feet, as did Smith.
"Oh Jones, you're not coming with us," she said, upon noticing him following her and Smith.
He frowned in confusion but refrained from commenting.
"Instead, you're suppose to go with Munro and check this hacker out." Nemo handed him the thick file she'd been holding.
"Aren't you worried about leaving me in constant contact with Munro?"
"The System isn't, so I don't see why I should. But, you do understand that if anything happens and I have to terminate you...it's nothing personal. Just work."
"I understand."
Nemo smiled and headed for the elevator. Smith started to follow her but stopped for a moment.
"Watch your back, Jones."
"I will."
Smith nodded slowly then turned to follow Nemo.
*Are you sure he'll be fine alone with that woman?*
*'That woman' couldn't possibly do anything to hurt Jones, Smith.*
*That doesn't change the possibility that she could manipulate him to her way of thinking.*
*And what is her way of thinking but ours? I should think that Jones is proficient enough in brainwashing people...*
*Still...*
*...besides, I inserted a bug in her program. Any rebellious thoughts will be reported to me. I for one believe in taking percautions.*
This was a direct jab on his failure to completely purge Alex's memory bank the first time around, and Smith knew it. He scowled, scaring a few innocent bystanders as they walked towards the elevator.
*Why didn't you tell me or Jones?*
*You never asked.*
She gave him a sickeningly sweet - and equally false - smile as they got into the elevator.
"Do you think the two of them are together?"
The two Agents with their extra sharp hearing heard from the back of the elevator as it plunged downwards.
"Nah...what do you think she'd see in him?" The person's companion replied.
Smith glowered and clenched his fists, while Nemo's lips twitched suspiciously.
"Beep...beep..."
Alex's head snapped up at the sound of her inter-office intercom. She clicked the answer button and spoke.
"Munro."
"It's Agent Jones. I want to see you in my office."
"Oh. Yes, sir."
'Did I hear him sigh?' She wondered, unsure whether to be amused at the thought or nervous about being called to his office.
He'd never done so before. He always gave her assignments via typed memos left on her desk. They were always there without fail every morning when she came for work. There never had been a time when she'd come earlier than he had. It made her wonder what time he got to work.
'Maybe he lives here,' she thought in amusement.
She knocked on his door and went in as she heard his voice. She waited patiently in front of his desk and waited for him to speak. A few minutes passed and still he did not stop his typing.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes. ...I did."
She waited again for him to speak and again he stayed silent. She barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes.
'What the hell is his freakin' problem?'
"And so, sir?"
Finally, he turned away from his computer to face her. Picking up a folder from his desk, he took out a few sheets and handed it to her.
"Sit down and read this."
"Yes, sir."
She obligingly sat down and began to read the sheets he gave her. It wasn't very long and she finished reading it in minutes. It was a report on a female hacker by the name of Pixy, short for Pixel. They suspected her of being approached by the terrorist known as Neo.
"What are we going to do about her?"
"We are advised to approach her and see if we can convince her to cooperate with us."
"I see."
She waited for him to speak again, but he just looked right back at her in that intense way of his.
"So, when are we going to do that?"
"Now."
"Right."
*Could you ease up, Jones?* Nemo asked.
*Sorry, it's not like I've ever dealt with one particular human on a daily basis.*
*Well, get used to it. She's only 21. She's got some more years to live. Unless she dies an early death, which is definitely NOT one of the System's options. We want to put her to as much use as possible.*
*Yes, ma'am.* He replied, sarcasm obvious.
*Have a nice day.*
"Well, let's go," he said, getting up and heading for the door.
"Yes, sir."
She silently followed him down to the basement level that served as a parking lot. They got into the standard Bureau car and drove off to the home of one, Andrea Wang, hacker extraordinaire.
Jones parked the car outside the small apartment building. It looked out of place in between two towering brand-new buildings. Alex absently noticed the sign nailed to the door that condemned the building. It would be demolished in the coming week and replaced with a parking lot for the new buildings beside it.
Jones firmly pressed on the antique looking intercom button with the name Wang underneath it. He was rewarded minutes later with the sound of static and a cranky voice.
"What da hell do ya want? It's freakin' eight in the mornin'."
"Ms. Wang?" He asked coldly.
"Who wants to know?"
"The FBI does. We'd like to speak to you."
Muffled cursing was heard for awhile before the woman on the other end spoke again.
"Fine."
With a loud beep, the door screeched open and the two agents walked into the decript building with its cracked walls and filthy floor. As if he did not notice the trash liberally scattered all over the floor, Jones began the trek up the stairs. Alex was right behind him. Her nose wrinkled at the strong smell of rotting refuse coming from who knew where as she followed him up the stairs and down a dimly lit hall.
They stopped at a door with no markings but a lopsided number three. The two rusting screws that flanked it suggested that there'd been other numbers to go with the one that remained. Only the identical pistachio-colored doors near it proved that the door before them was the one they searched for.
Jones knocked loudly on it and they heard a woman yell just as loudly from the other side that she was coming. They heard the sound of a bolt being undone and the door knob twisted as the door was opened. A young Chinese-American woman peered out from behind it, a dangling chain holding it back from fully opening. Seeing the badge that Jones flashed before her eyes, she shut the door with a soft curse and undid the chain before opening it again to let them in.
The apartment was not very big, sparsely furnished with what was mostly second-hand furniture. The pull-out couch was still open, the covers rumpled and the pillow thrown to the floor. The carpeted floor itself could hardly be seen for the magazines, used pieces of clothing, and empty food containers that covered it. A small kitchenette stood at one corner of the room next to a sink, toilet, and bathtub. The bathtub with its claw feet and perky duck curtain looked bizarre in the dimly lit room.
Sunlight streamed in from the tightly shut blinds at the far end of the room. That and a small lamp illumined what appeared to be the only clean area in the room. It was a wooden table that had seen better days with a well-kept computer on top and a tall stool sitting before it.
Having surveyed the room, Alex turned to look at its owner. The sulky young woman couldn't have been more than sixteen. She ignored Alex, prefering to stare defiantly back at Jones who was obviously in charge. Her delicate porecelain features were marred by an ugly, day-old bruise on one cheek.
'Probably her boyfriend,' Alex thought to herself. 'An ex-one at that from the look of the carton with guy stuff in the corner.'
"Miss Wang."
"What?" She snapped impatiently. Alex had to admit that this girl had guts. Not many had it in them to stand up to her superior.
"I'll be brief..." Jones continued in his bland voice.
"Thank God," the young woman muttered under her breath.
"...for we both know that the terrorist known as Neo has contacted you. Now, we want to catch him and to do so we need your cooperation. If you agree to cooperate, we will drop the charges against you and give you a fresh start."
"What charges?" She asked, her startling azure blue eyes narrowing.
"The charges involving your illegal computer activities...as well as a number of unpaid traffic violation tickets."
"I see. Can you prove those charges?"
"Of course. ...So, do we have your cooperation or will we arrest you for - among many things - illegal access to confidential and highly sensitive government material?"
"Do I have a choice?" It was a statement, not a question. She grabbed a black leather trenchcoat that was on the pull-out couch, pulling it over her dark blue turtleneck sweater and black pants. Then, she turned to look coldly at Jones before heading for the door and opening it. "Shall we go now?"
Jones nodded and followed her out the door. Alex knew him enough to see that he was surprised at the young woman's cooperation. She'd barely caught the quick flicker of surprise in the brown eyes hidden behind dark shades. He had obviously expected resistance from Miss Wang...as did she. The woman was a strong character - not one to give up easily - so, why had she so quickly surrendered?
Alex pondered on that as she followed the two outside. Jones opened the back door of the car in order for the woman to get in then waited for Alex to follow. She did so still puzzling over the unexpected good behavior of the woman next to her. Her suspicions were definitely aroused and she kept a sharp lookout for trouble as Jones cut through the heavy traffic of the main streets.
When trouble did come, it caught her by surprise. They'd turned a corner - a shortcut she'd suggested to avoid more traffic - to discover an unusually quiet side street. Alex instinctively reached for her gun, well-hidden by the dark jacket she wore. She did not miss how Jones tensed up or Miss Wang's cool, unconcerned manner.
Before she knew it, gunshots were being fired from an abandoned building nearby, causing Jones to crash the car into a lamp post. She winced as her head banged against the window next to her. Jones cursed under his breath and undid his seatbelt quickly to get out of the car. He used the car as a shield from the continous gunfire as he pulled out his Desert Eagle. Not hesitating, Alex took out her own gun and pointed it at Miss Wang, who held her bleeding head.
"Out now," she said bluntly in a harsh voice.
The young woman did so, still clutching at her head. She crouched in between Alex and Jones as the two agents exchanged gunfire with their attackers. Alex was no fool. She knew an ambush when she saw one - or rather was at the receiving end of one. How the hell did they now that she and Jones would take this route? It wasn't like they'd planned it. Putting in a new clip of bullets in her gun, she shouted to Jones over the loud gunfire.
"We need backup!"
He nodded, but as he did so his head jerked back as a bullet found its mark on his forehead. She gasped in surprised, turning to face the direction the bullet had come from - right behind her. Her green eyes widened as she turned to see a dark bald figure in black attire. He was the last thing she saw before the familiar darkness enveloped her.
Nemo's hand came down from the ear that held her earpiece. She'd just recieve Jones' report that they'd been ambushed. Not only was Miss Wang now with the rebels, Moore had been caught, too. The latter piece of news was more important for they all knew how badly the Resistance wanted to get the hacker formerly known as Nova back. She ignored Smith's angry mutterings as she quickly formulated a plan to get Moore and possibly Miss Wang back.
*Jones can you track Moore? ...Jones?* She repeated when he did not respond immediately.
*I lost her signal soon after she was captured. I think Neo cut the connection.* He admitted hesitantly. He'd failed in his duty to guard Moore and he knew it.
She silently fumed as she quickly checked if her own connection to Moore was still active. It wasn't. Damnit. She had to give Neo credit from thinking that there was more than one connection to Moore.
*That changes things. We'll just have to do it the hard way then. Access her pod files and trace her from there.*
*As you say.*
*What if we can't find her?* Smith cut in.
*We will in time. She cannot leave the Matrix. She is somewhere in here and we WILL find her.*
*And if we are too late?* There was a long pause before she finally answered.
*Then, we pull the plug.*
Alex moaned as she regained conciousness. She felt like she had a major hangover, which was funny considering she hadn't gone out recently. As the realization came to her, her green eyes quickly snapped open and she examined her surroundings sharply. It was difficult to concentrate with the room spinning as it was. What was wrong with her?
She felt the presence of someone else in the room and immediately noticed when that presence approached her. She moved away, roughly jerking away the arm that the presence held. The presence, however, would not let go. It just held her tighter and helped her back to the cot she'd been laying on.
"It's alright, Nova. You're safe here with us."
"My name is Moore and I am a Federal Agent. You do realize that holding me here against my will will result in a more severe punishment for you?"
"What have they done to you, Nova?"
The voice - definitely, a man's - was tinged with what was undeniably saddness. Why was he like that? He was a terrorist, wasn't he? And he knew her to be an FBI agent. Why was he treating her like this?
"My name is Moore," she repeated in a harsher voice as she tried again to pull away from his grasp.
This time he released her with a soft, almost unheard sigh. She felt him move away and heard the door open and then shut. He was gone now, leaving her alone in the cold dark room. She could barely make out the lightbulb dangling from the high ceiling above as well as the metal chair that was the only piece of furniture in the room aside from the cot. Where was she?
She dozed off again with her head still pounding. When she woke up hours later, her sense of stability had returned. As she assessed her surroundings in an obvious scrutinizing manner, she subtly eyed the dark bald man seated on the chair across her.
"How are you feeling, Nova?"
She recognized his voice immemdiately as well as the genuine-sounding sympathy in it. This only served to confuse her further...and Alex didn't like to be confused. Her eyes flashed in anger and annoyance. Who was this lunatic and why did he insist on calling her Nova?
"My name is Moore," she began to hiss before he cut her off wearily.
"I know, I know. It is now, but it wasn't always so."
"Yes, it was. I should think I know who I am," she snapped angrily back at him.
He choose not to reply, instead he shook his head as he removed the dark shades he wore. She looked into his dark eyes when he'd finished. Surprised at the depth of unconcealed feeling in them, she looked away and forced herself to continue in a cold voice tinged with annoyance.
"Who are you and what do you want with me?"
"I am Morpheus..."
"Morpheus..." Her green eyes narrowed as she repeated the name like it was a curse. "...the same Morpheus wanted worldwide for terrorism and numerous computer crimes?"
"The same." He nodded. "As for what I want with you...well, I want my wife back."
"Well, I certainly don't have her. And I wouldn't know if the government does. If they do, do you seriously think they'd exchange an important pawn like her for me? The government doesn't deal with terrorists."
"A pawn..." A wry smile crossed his face. "It was a never a game, Nova...and they never knew I had a wife. If they did, who knows what they'd have done to you."
"Me? What do I have to do with your wife?" She asked a sudden feeling of apprehension - or was it fear? - growing within her.
"YOU are my wife, Nova."
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Shocked into silence, she stared disbelievingly at her captor. How could she be the wife of a man she didn't even know? And not just any ordinary man, but the most infamous terrorist of all, Morpheus himself. Her green eyes grew dark with confusion as she leant back on the cot to rest against the cold cement wall. Why was this happening to her?
"I told you I am NOT Nova. And I am definitely NOT your wife," she finally said in a firm, no nonsense voice as if there was no room for argument in the matter. She tried furiously to supress the strong emotions that raged inside her.
"Yes, you are," he said calmly as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
'I'm not Nova. I'm not his wife. I know who I am. I'm me.' She told herself in an attempt to regain control over both herself and the situation. Her face hardened as she strengthened her resolve. She didn't need this man to tell her who she was, she knew who she was.