"Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil." - Plato
It was good to see him again; he was looking more like his former self. Muscles were forming nicely beneath his skin; the needles had done their job and had been removed. He wasn't looking as pale as before. Edward stared down at him from his seat; it was ok to stare this time, he was asleep after all.
'There's no need to worry about him anymore.' Tank smiled, watching him from his monitor by the table side. 'We'll be able to move him to his own room soon.'
"You've certainly done a good job on him." Edward smiled with gratitude.
'Well, it's not like I've not done this before.'
The door opened and Edward turned to face Morpheus.
'We're just a few minutes away from Zion. Once they drop the dock's shield, we need to be ready to get off.'
"We need to get off the ship? How come?"
'We need to let the engineers repair the damage that you caused, remember? Unless you'd rather that Apoc and Switch freeze in the cock-pit?' Morpheus raised a questioning eyebrow.
"No, of course not." Edward sighed. "Then what about Roy?"
'I'll be staying here to watch him.' Tank answered.
"Alright." Edward nodded gratefully.
-/\*_;)(-
Mouse jumped around excitedly. 'Zion! Zion! We're almost at Zion!'
"Will you calm down?" Edward frowned; he was waiting at the door of the ship, ready for the ship to make its landing. Neo and Trinity were waiting nearby, surrounded by bags on the floor.
'Why aren't you excited? This is Zion! The last human city!'
"I know it's the last human city, but it's just a city! It's not going anyway!" He made ready to throttle the jumpy teen where he stood.
'How can you be so sure?' Morpheus asked, walking up from behind.
"What do you mean?"
'This is the last human city, because all other cities have been wiped out by the machines. The only reason this city has survived the last 100 years is because the machines haven't found it yet, but it's only a matter of time before the machines will find us, invade and even destroy this city. That's why the Resistance exists and we have you and Neo to help us.'
Edward looked down out of his steely gaze when suddenly a sensation of weightlessness pervaded him. He felt like his stomach had jumped into his throat.
"What's happening?"
'We're going down!' Neo grinned at Edward's helplessness.
The ship shuddered as it halted suddenly, minutes later, it descended once again and halted finally. The door began to open to form the ramp for the exit.
'Ok! Everyone to a bag!' Neo called. Each member grabbed one and Mouse ran excited down the ramp. Edward followed and stepped down it carefully; he stared down the large cavern, all around was an electric blue glow, illuminating the rows of guns and turrets based along a long corridor. He stared about the place with awe.
'You like it?' Morpheus smiled.
"So this is Zion?"
'Not quite, this is just the entryway into Zion. This is The Dock, where hovercrafts are received and also part of our defence system. It's the only entrance into Zion, so if machines attack, we'll know about it.'
"The place looks heavily guarded to say it hasn't been attacked before." He smiled.
'As I said before, it's only a matter of time. Anyway, with the damage you caused, they'll be plenty of time to show you around Zion; we have some business to attend to.'
"We do?" Edward asked, but Morpheus called out to Mouse.
'Yes boss?' Mouse chirped.
"Take mine and Edward's bag. We've got some business to attend to." Morpheus put his bag on the floor, and Edward did the same.
'What kind of business?' Mouse asked excitedly as he hefted them up on his back. 'Won't you need Neo?'
'This doesn't concern Neo; we'll let you know when we get back.' Morpheus began to retreat from Mouse and Edward followed behind.
"Business that doesn't concern Neo? Now you have to tell me what it's about!" Edward grinned.
'Naturally.' Morpheus chuckled at the teenager's excitement. 'Now that the existence of the Beta-Matrix has become known to other operators who share our network line, I have to introduce you formerly to the Supreme Council as the first citizen of your matrix to be freed.'
"So I guess that makes me pretty important?"
'In a way, but how this introduction goes could be what forms the reputation of your world. If this goes badly, then all preceding citizens of your world may not even be taken into the city of Zion. Of course, that would be the worst case scenario, but you can see how important this is.'
"Then the Supreme Council must be the equivalent of the Top Brass in my matrix."
'Exactly.'
"Way to put pressure on me." Edward frowned.
'Don't worry, and don't be nervous, it'll be over before you know it. If you do well, then I'll let you visit the Colonel before we settle into our accommodation.' Morpheus smiled reassuringly.
"Couldn't we just sleep in the ship?"
'Not while the engineers are working, besides, wouldn't you want to sleep in a proper bed for once? It'll be much better for you than staying cramped up in your cabin.'
"I guess so."
'Come on.' Morpheus smiled.
Reaching the end of the corridor, they found a much larger cavern. Inside, rows up on rows of large mud wall buildings were visible. Above them the cavern's ceiling seemed to stretch up for miles, the ceiling was enveloped in a shroud of darkness that could only be seen through personal investigation and an attempt at scaling the walls of your own accordance.
He remembered the voice that had perpetrated his dream so long before, Are you afraid of what might be on the other side? Don't be. Open it, and find the answer. He stopped walking.
'Edward?' Morpheus stopped walking and turned to him.
"I can remember seeing this place in a dream." Edward answered slowly. "I saw these caverns and everyone was dancing at the bottom, but then, the machines invaded through the walls and…"
Killed me.
'Edward?'
"Do you think, that maybe I've put everyone in danger by coming here?" Edward asked.
'Edward,' Morpheus sighed, 'I brought you out of your matrix because I felt sure that you could help us in the fight against the machines. I knew that there were risks in bringing you out, as there is with every bluepill that leaves the Matrix, and took full responsibility. The events that have taken place because of your arrival have happened because they were meant to happen.'
"Even Cypher's death?"
'If you hadn't had disobeyed me, Cypher's true colours would've been revealed, possibly at the cost of the lives of the see, Cypher was brought out of the Matrix because I thought he was The One. The Oracle told him he wasn't, and he's remained in our crew ever since. Incidentally, this wasn't long before Neo was released from the Matrix himself. I should've known he would one day take some drastic action, possibly because he felt Neo stole his thunder, but I didn't take any action because I had faith that he would help us still. If any of the crew had died at his hands, then I would've taken full responsibility for his actions, as I was the one to take him out of the Matrix. It's the same as if you were to kill someone on the ship. I would take responsibility for your murder, as it was my fault from the start that you're among us.'
"Then, you're taking responsibility for Cypher's death because of me?" Edward asked.
'Cypher was killed by a machine. It was a tragic loss and yet just a fragment of the giant example that is the machine's true terror.' Morpheus winked and Edward brightened up with a hopeful smile. 'Just remember, whatever happens to us and to Zion, I have no regrets about the choices I have made. I believe that the war will be brought to an end at the hands of you and Neo, and that's all I need to know so that, if we die, at least we died trying.' Morpheus patted his head and they continued on their path.
-/\*_;)(-
They were walking through a great corridor, having entered the largest building that Zion could offer, and easily the most grand. Along the white plaster walls were great portraits of past council members, and Edward stared upon them with some interest. Finally, they came upon great blue doors and Morpheus motioned him to stop.
'Before we enter I will tell them you're here, but remember: Be polite, no rude manners, gestures or words of any kind and speak when spoken to. These are very highly respectable people after all; you could say they are the joint rulers of Zion.' Morpheus went for the door, 'wait here.'
Morpheus knocked on the door, and once summoned by a grand, old voice, entered. Edward leaned against a wall, waiting as his stomach did somersaults.
-/\*_;)(-
'Morpheus? What are you doing here?' The man turned towards him from before the arched table of the Supreme Council with a deep look of disgust. But Morpheus turned to the arched table and bowed to the Supreme Council.
'Morpheus, what is the meaning of this return?' An old, white-haired man asked of him.
'If I may, Councillor Hamman, I would like to introduce to the council the first citizen of the Beta-Matrix to be freed.'
'The Beta-Matrix? What kind of absurd-?' The man blurted.
'If you don't mind, Commander Lock, I was speaking to Councillor Hamman, not you.' Morpheus shot him, a small smirk, but rectified it as he turned back to the Council.
'Morpheus, I was just addressing a proposal to the Supreme Council for all hovercrafts to be returned to The Dock.' Commander Lock glared at him.
'Can it wait, Lock?' A councillor asked.
'But this is an important decision! With each attack the machines impose on our ships, the closer they are to Zion!'
'Yes, but they are not likely to attack right now, are they?' Councillor Hamman smiled broadly. 'I have been hearing from other operators about this new Beta-Matrix. Please, Morpheus, bring him in.'
'Thank you.' Morpheus nodded, and he opened the door at the side of the room from which he'd entered.
-/\*_;)(-
'Edward, the council will see you now.' Morpheus had poked his head through the door, and Edward walked quickly to enter through. As he entered the room, he looked upon it with a measure of awe and curiosity. The walls were a grey plaster, resembling the metal of the hovercraft walls and as he turned to face them, there was a great arch table at which twelve members in all sat. Behind them were tall translucent windows. Upon seeing them all, staring at him expectantly, he hurriedly bowed for them and spoke nervously,
"I'm honoured to make your acquaintances."
'The pleasure is all ours.' The white-haired man smiled. 'I am Councillor Hamman, and you are?'
"E-Edward Elric, sir." Before him, two councillors murmured to each other and he looked at them and gulped. They must be talking about him, he was sure they were talking about him. What could they be saying?
'You don't need to look so nervous.' Hamman chuckled, 'Calm down, you should feel right at home here. Now, tell me, how old are you?'
"Sixteen, sir."
'Sixteen! My, you're already a man.'
'What is your homeland like? What can you tell us about it?' A deep skinned man on the table asked, he was different to Hamman, he had brown afro hair and a beard. Edward was already imagining Morpheus with the same hair do and facial feature, and it made him smile inwardly, almost like he could burst out laughing. It eased his anxiety.
"I come from a village in the east of Amestris called Resembool. It's mostly countryside, with farming as its main resource and it's quiet." He smiled. "Of course, if it weren't for the Ishbalan Civil War that had started 14 years ago, I'm sure Resembool would have developed into a town."
'Yes,' Hamman answered, 'as always the ravages of war are severe and soul destroying. No matter the country or Matrix, the effects are inarguably the same, as I'm sure we can both agree. What were the reasons for the war's beginning?'
"A child, sir. An Amestrian soldier of the State Military shot and killed a child and it caused uproar from the Ishbalan side. There had always been a friction of culture and religion between us and the Ishbalans, though we were neighbours in the same country. The child's death was all that was needed to start the war."
'Then it is fair that I tell you how the war between humans and machines began.' He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. 'It began upon the invention of Artificial Intelligence and the birth of the first robots. They were used to replace labourers, and as we were able to live easy lives, we did not treat the robots with respect. As they grew more intelligent, they began to notice this. The peace between us went on for some time until a housekeeper robot attacked and killed its human masters when it realized they were planning on scrapping him for a newer model. Many peaceful demonstrations later and many robots left their masters to create the Machine City 01. They still didn't get the respect they deserved and it grew into an all-out war. The war itself lasted for nearly a hundred years, but it was the machines that came out the victors.'
Edward, having listened and taken it in, thought for a moment, "Then the result of the war must be why the Resistance itself exists." He reasoned.
'Yes, Zion began when the One freed the first of us. But, let's have no more of this morbid chatter, I'm sure you must be bored already by our history.'
"Not at all, I don't want to be ignorant of the forces we're up against or its history."
Hamman smiled, 'You are certainly a knowledgeable young man.'
'Honestly Morpheus, why did you bring this boy out of his Matrix? What purpose could he possibly serve?' Commander Lock glared from the wall side where he was leaning and leered at Edward.
'Yes, why did you free him from the Beta-Matrix? Surely he was happier there than getting mixed up unnecessarily in our war.' An old woman stated and Edward turned to her. She was thin and dressed in a lilac coat, her hair was grey and decorated with a purple and red fake- flower headdress. There was a twinge of familiarity in her voice and appearance that he wasn't likely to shake off.
'Upon discovering the Beta-matrix,' Morpheus began, 'I conducted some meetings with the Oracle, where she confirmed for me that the One existed there as it did for the Matrix we already know, and I'm sure that the Oracle has confirmed for Edward that he is that One, although, his purposes are different to Neo's.'
'It seems that Neo's novelty has already begun to wear off. Obviously he has not quite lived up to his expectations and you wanted to start anew with someone else. You're faith in Neo must be wavering.'
'On the contrary, Jason, it is stronger than before. You see, with both Edward and Neo working together, I believe we have assured our victory over the machines. After all, two sticks are harder to break than one.'
'But even two sticks can be broken one at a time.' Commander Lock sneered.
'But what does Edward say, to this duty he has been forced into?' The woman eyed Edward expectantly; putting aside Commander Lock's depreciated comments.
"At first, I felt I was being forced, but I've come to realise how grateful I am to Morpheus. He saved my life when the Agents attacked me and my brother, and I have come to fully accept my duty in helping the resistance against the machines. It's the least I can do for what Morpheus has done for me." Edward looked up to Morpheus, smiling, and Morpheus returned it.
'Then we fully accept your help against the machines in the future.' Councillor Hamman smiled gratefully. 'Now, as for your request, Commander Lock, I believe the Council was telling you before that the request has been given far too soon. The machines have not found Zion's location, and so we would like to respectfully decline your request. Are we all in favour?' The majority of the councillors put their hand up, 'Your request has been overruled.' He picked up a gavel by his side and banged it upon the table. 'That is all.'
Morpheus gave a self-satisfied smile and Commander Lock's face contorted with anger.
'But sir-!'
'I have given my word, did you not hear me? That is all!' Councillor Hamman ordered. 'You may leave now. It has been a pleasure meeting you Edward, and we hope to hear of your achievements in the future.' He smiled expectantly at him, and Edward bowed.
"Thank you, Councillor." And he left the room with Morpheus by his side once he had given his bow.
Outside of the room, Edward sighed heavily and leaned back against the wall.
"Phew!" He laughed, almost giddy, "I'm glad that's over!"
'You should be proud of yourself, you did very well.' Morpheus smiled, patting his back.
"You think so?" he breathed.
'Of course, you were polite, you spoke in a level-headed manner and you certainly impressed Councillor Hamman, West and Dillard! We don't need to worry anymore; your people will be granted a safe passage into Zion should anymore be freed in the future.' Morpheus smiled reassuringly. 'Come on, I'll take you back to the Nebuchadnezzar.'
The doors behind them opened suddenly and slammed shut. The angry footsteps of Commander Lock were closing in on them. Morpheus and Edward turned to face him.
'You, Morpheus, just cost me my appeal!' Lock roared. 'Everything was going fine until you showed up with that golden boy of yours!'
'As Hamman told you, they were about to decline your request anyway.' Morpheus frowned, 'It wasn't our fault.'
'What brings you back to Zion anyway? At least if the request had gone through I would've been ready for you, but now of all times? What is the meaning of this? I thought you were busy with the One?'
'I was, but our hovercraft was in need of repairs.' Morpheus replied icily.
'Your golden boy must be a loose cannon, am I right?' Commander Lock smirked. Edward snarled at him. 'Ah, so I am right. You have always had the worst choice in bluepills, Morpheus; you couldn't even bring your entire golden boy out.' He eyed the artificial hand that he had spotted from the sleeve of Edward's shirt, 'He'll be useless to the Resistance. I'm starting to think you picked him out of pity.'
"Useless?" Edward screamed, he wanted to dive for the Commander, but Morpheus held him back, his arms securing themselves around Edward's waist.
'Calm down Edward!' Morpheus ordered.
"You come over here and say that! I'll show you useless!" He roared after the Commander, but Lock laughed at his correctness.
'Once again, Morpheus, he's a loose cannon. An animal that needs caging up, don't you agree? In the future, I would be more careful about the pets you pick, because I'm sure you picked up a dirty stray mutt.'
Edward struggled harder against Morpheus's strength. He wanted that man silenced, anything to stop him spewing his ignorant trash. His arms were stretching for any kind of reach towards his face, but Morpheus included them in his grip. Everything but his legs was restrained. Commander Lock gave a satisfied smile and he walked towards them, grabbing Edward's chin by his index finger and thumb.
'Yes, his eyes are a tell-tale sign, Morpheus; I would've expected you to be more observant. Amber, like a dog's, honestly, how could you make such a careless mistake?' He glared at Morpheus, who stared at him hard. Suddenly, he yelped, and he found Edward with his fingers between his teeth. He crunched down harder on them, and the Commander beat him across the face. Edward relinquished his fingers, spitting blood onto the floor.
"You forgot that this dog has teeth." Edward growled.
'Animal!' Commander Lock spat. His fingers were bleeding, and he wiped the blood away on his trousers. 'I don't want to see any more of your dogs among the good people of Zion! God forbid should your poison spread and intoxicate our ranks! Your mangled offspring would be easy prey to the machines!'
"Ha! Coming from me, that's not going to happen!" Edward scoffed, "I have better things to do with my time than to cavort with your sluts!"
'You may have won against me this time, Morpheus, but remember:' He neared closer to Morpheus until they were side by side, his mouth close to his ear, 'I still have your prize, and there's no way you can win it back, not while you're playing daddy to the One and your golden mutt.' He slunk away before Morpheus could react.
"Bastard." Edward growled as Morpheus released him.
'Leave him, Edward, he's not worth it.' Morpheus sighed, 'Let's head back.'
-/\*_;)(-
"Wow! This place is amazing!"Alphonse grinned. He looked out from the balcony of his accommodations, holding onto the rail and laughing giddily.
Suddenly, he felt himself tipping over the edge and he was quickly pulled backed.
'Saved your life!' Sparks laughed.
"Don't do that!" Al squealed and he backed into the room proper. He collapsed himself onto a bed next to Ghost.
'Anyway, Al,' Sparks began, 'Ghost and I were thinking, and we've decided that, now you're a member of the Logos, we're going to give you a hacker name.'
"A hacker name? I feel so accepted!" Al grinned happily, "So, what were you guys thinking of?"
'Well, we thought you should be called...Reggie!' Sparks announced; Ghost rolled his eyes at him.
"...Reggie?" He uttered.
'What? You don't like it?' Sparks smile faded.
"No, no, I like it, it's just...I get the feeling you guys aren't very imaginative." He laughed nervously.
'Well what do you expect after being stuck in a hovercraft for months on end?' Sparks laughed.
"I guess you've got a point." Alphonse turned to the woman leaning against the wall by the door, and asked, "Captain, do I look like a Reggie to you?"
She thought for a moment, considering it lightly, 'As long as you are helping us fight the machines, I would call you anything.' She smiled, but finally she sighed, 'I'm going out for some fresh air. Alphonse, I'm leaving you in charge of the bozos.' She stepped out and shut the door behind her.
"I'm in charge?"
'You sure are, Reggie!' Sparks grinned.
"That's Captain Reggie to you!"
-/\*_;)(-
As Edward and Morpheus passed by a building, a woman exited it, making her way towards them. She glanced downwards at her feet as she passed them, but Morpheus stopped and turned towards her.
'Niobe?' He called in questioning, and she turned towards him, stopped in her tracks.
'Morpheus?' She spoke and she walked towards them, 'What are you doing here?'
'Your Commander was asking the same question.' Morpheus answered, Edward wondered whether he could detect any spite in his voice from the stings of earlier, but couldn't find any.
'You ran into Commander Lock?'
'The very same.'
'I guess I must apologize on his behalf.' She sighed. 'It's a shame that it's becoming a habit.'
'Please, save yourself the trouble.' Morpheus smiled lightly. 'He can apologize for his own mistakes, of course, his biggest one being that he lets you do all the leg work for him.' But she dismissed his intentions.
'How long are you going to be in Zion?'
'Until our ship is repaired, we ran into some machines and lost a crew member along the way.'
'I'm sorry to hear that.' She answered without sympathy. Her strong straightforward tone was a reminder to Edward, and he gulped in remembering who such a voice could've belonged to once before. She's just like Teacher!
She looked down into Edward's eyes curiously and back up at Morpheus.
'Is this a new crew member?' She asked.
'Yes, we found him upon the discovery of the Beta-Matrix. I'm sure you've heard about it, right?'
'Yes, Sparks has come across it too. But you do know that the Supreme Council will have to hear of him.' She spoke carefully.
'We've just come back from there; incidentally that was where we ran into the Commander as well. He was requesting that all of Zion's ships be returned to the Dock to promote the defence forces.'
'He's going to have some trouble getting that one past the councillors.'
'Indeed, he already has.' Morpheus chuckled; Edward smiled broadly to remember the man's humiliation.
'What is your name, young man?' She asked, bending a little and offering her hand.
"Edward."
'Do all of your people have gold eyes like yours?' She asked, an eyebrow rose curiously.
"Not especially." Edward growled.
'I see.' She nodded, 'Anyway, I'd better go and find Jason before he causes more trouble.' She sighed, 'It was nice seeing you again.' She left the pair back in the direction she was going and they both carried on their way.
"Is she going out with that Lock bastard?" Edward asked.
'You caught on to that? Well, yes she is, sadly.' Morpheus smiled.
"He doesn't deserve her." Edward scowled.
'I can't help but feel that same way, but not everything in life is fair.' He sighed.
"I can see why you like her though," Edward smiled, "She kind of looks like her from the magazines. You know, Halle Berry."
Morpheus chuckled, 'Yes, I believe she does.'
-/\*_;)(-
On their ship, engineers were climbing about its top with tools in their hands, their beams made sparks that skittered across the top and down onto the metal floor of the dock. Edward watched them work as he and Morpheus walked towards the ramp of the ship. Seeing them, he couldn't help but think of the auto-mail engineers at home.
Inside the ship, Edward rushed for the recovery room, and there he found Roy trying to sit up and Tank holding him by the shoulders.
"How's he doing?" Edward asked eagerly.
'Great, but I wish I could communicate with him. I've been trying to get him to put some clothes on, but he just keeps talking nonsense.' He sighed.
"Let me talk to him." He looked to Roy, and spoke in Amestrian, "Tank wants you to get some clothes on."
"Honestly?" Roy laughed, "I thought he wanted me to get up or something. I was wondering why he wanted me to walk around naked."
"Don't worry about it, you just sit there and we'll see to it." He turned to Tank, "Where are the clothes he's got to put on?"
'They're on that stool behind you.' Behind him, Edward found a large, red, flannel shirt and a pair of black trousers and shorts. By the stool there were a pair of shoes and Edward collected them up in a bundle and placed them on Roy's lap.
"Thanks." Roy murmured, "But do you think you guys could give me some privacy while I change?"
"Y-Yeah, sure." He began to blush again, and he hid his face away as he made a quick exit from the room.
'We'll leave you to it.' Morpheus smiled, 'Come on, Tank.' He grabbed Tank's shoulder and led him away.
Minutes later, Roy stepped unsteadily where he found Edward, Morpheus and Tank waiting patiently outside.
"How do they fit?" Edward asked.
"Great!" Roy smiled gratefully. "But, walking's still hard."
'You've been laid down awhile, and you're using your legs for the first time.' Morpheus smiled with understanding.
"Fantastic, I feel like a kid again." Roy scowled sarcastically. "Anyway, where's everyone else?"
"They've gone to their accommodations. Come on, I'll lead the way." Morpheus answered. Together, they helped Roy up the ladder and they met the ramp. 'I'll support you from here, Roy. Tank, you don't have to stay with us anymore, your brother must be visiting his family. They'll want to see you too.' He smiled to Tank.
'Well, if you're sure you don't need me anymore. See you later, guys!' Tank waved his good byes and ran from the dock in a hurry, a smile spread along his face.
-/\*_;)(-
The door opened and Mouse, Neo and Trinity looked up expectantly. Morpheus, with Roy at his shoulder, stepped in clumsily and smiles were clear all around. Edward followed in close behind, staying by the doorway.
'Pull him up a chair.' Morpheus ordered and Mouse jumped up from off the bed and set a chair down by the wall. Roy collapsed into it, huffing from exhaustion.
"I-Is this place really big," He breathed, "Or did we go the long way round?"
'No, it's just really big.' Morpheus chuckled, 'This is the shortest route I could think of.'
"It needs more thinking." Roy scowled.
'Anyway, welcome to the crew.' Neo smiled, offering his hand, 'It's great to see you're finally off that table.'
"Thanks," Roy shook it, "Is this everyone?"
'No, two of our operators, Tank and Dozer are visiting their families and Switch and Apoc, actually, where are they?' Morpheus asked.
'They're in the room next door.' Neo answered.
"I'll fetch them." Edward offered and he left the room.
'Ok, let's start with introductions.' Morpheus began, 'the kid sat on the bed is Mouse. He is our expert computer programmer who assists in creating training programs for us.'
"Pleasure." Roy shook Mouse's hand.
'What did he say?' Mouse asked, looking up to Morpheus.
'As you'll have noticed, Mouse doesn't speak Amestrian; the only ones who do are I, Neo and Edward obviously. Until we leave Zion, you'll only have us to converse with; but carrying on.' He motioned to Neo, 'You've already met Neo. He isn't necessarily a computer programmer for us, although he does have some skill, but he is very important to us. I'm sure you'll both get on well.'
Edward, Switch and Apoc came back into the room, and Morpheus nodded at the acknowledgement of their presence.
"And who is this?" Roy got out of his seat and stepped to Trinity, bowing and kissing her hand; she blushed but snatched it away. "Don't be so rash, it is an honour to meet you." He grinned smoothly.
'This is my girlfriend, Trinity.' Neo accentuated it pointedly as he pulled her close with his arm. 'You can't have her.'
Roy smirked, "Very well. She's off limits, but for how long?" He chuckled. Edward, watching from the wall, made an audible sigh of disappointment. Neo caught it on the air, and gave him a sympathetic look.
'As you now know, this is Trinity.' Morpheus smiled, 'She is first-mate aboard our ship, so you shall acknowledge her higher rank, and should show her respect accordingly. You will also do well to acknowledge that she's not free to hit on. Neo will make that perfectly clear in case you forget.' He motioned for Roy to turn and he was facing Edward, Switch and Apoc. He smiled and nodded to Edward, who smiled back. 'This man is Apoc.'
"Which one?" Roy asked, "Him?" He pointed to Switch.
Neo snorted a laugh.
'No,' Morpheus strode over to the man stood by Switch. 'This is Apoc. He has many duties on board our ship, but primarily he serves as the main driver of the Nebuchadnezzar.' He motioned to Switch. 'This is Switch. She is also a driver of the Nebuchadnezzar, and as such both she and Apoc take shifts. I'll also point out that she isn't free either; she is with Apoc.'
Roy grumbled inaudible curses of free women being near impossible to find, and Edward chuckled at his reaction.
'I'll assume you already know Edward. On board the ship, he is also important to us, just as Neo is, but as of late he has been demoted to the position of the ship's janitor. All cleaning duties are his responsibility, so feel free to walk over him a little; put him in his place.' Morpheus winked.
"Of course, not like that was hard to do in the first place." Roy quipped.
"Hey! I heard that!" Edward howled and Roy laughed.
"May I ask why he's been demoted?" Roy asked.
'He failed to follow my orders, and as a result we lost a crew member. He's still being punished.' Morpheus informed.
"Why does that not surprise me?" Roy sighed, "When he was working under me, he was disobeying me left, right and centre. Of course, I decided against punishment because he seemed to have a miraculous gift for his disobedience tending to work in our favour."
'Well, this time his disobedience wasn't so miraculous.'
"Clearly." Roy frowned.
'Now that introductions are out of the way, let's sort out sleeping arrangements. There are two double beds in each room and there are eight among us.' He nodded to Switch and Apoc. 'If you two are already settled in, you can take a bed next door.'
'Alright.' Switch nodded. 'We'll see you guys later. Nice meeting you again by the way.' She shook hands with Roy but he was stuck for an answer. The couple left and so began the arrangements.
'It'll be Trinity and Neo to a bed, then Edward and Mouse and finally myself and Roy.'
Roy perked at the use of his name.
"You're sharing a bed with Morpheus." Edward translated.
"What? Me and the big guy?"
"Yeah, but trust me, I doubt they'll be any funny business." Edward grinned.
"I hope not."
'Trinity, would you rather share a room with Switch and Apoc, or stay here?'
'I'll stay here.' She nodded and sat down at the bed behind her.
'Very well, then Edward and Mouse can take the room next door. Is that ok?' He asked Edward, who sighed and nodded.
"I'll see you later then." Edward smiled at Roy who returned the gesture. He left and stepped into the next room.
He scowled at Switch and Apoc, who were making themselves comfortable on the bed they had chosen. It was clear then that Mouse and Edward's bed would be right by the door, and right next to any possible drafts.
"You guys better not be doing any funny stuff," Edward frowned as he sat on his bed.
'What ever could you mean?' Switch teased.
"I mean with you two in bed together; anything could happen."
'Same goes for you and Mouse.'
"As if anything would-." Suddenly, the door opened and a weight catapulted itself into him. He was sprawled now on the bed with the attacker straddling his hips.
'We're going to have so much fun!' Mouse screamed with glee as he was balanced on top of him, but was quickly silenced as Edward pushed him away.
"You can stay on the floor!" Edward ordered.
-/\*_;)(-
He pulled himself from underneath the covers and he rubbed his eyes blurrily. Pulling on his shirt and shoes he stepped out from his room. He left the building; the air was cool against his skin and the ground dry and dusty against the soles of his shoes. Before him there was a rail, protecting him from a fall into the deep cavern below. In it great metal tanks, heat and steam were boiling away, clanking and humming the hardly soothing hymn of Zion. He sighed lowly, this wasn't his home after all, but there was nothing much he could do but get used to it. He was already aware, Spark had told him many days ago, there was no true way he could return; only as an entity and illusion to ones who knew him, and for strangers, a brief person that they wouldn't care to know personally.
He rested his chin against the cool metal. Here, forever, there, briefly. What choice did he have? How could he make an opportunity for a third choice? Ha, what third choice?
-/\*_;)(-
What you've done to me…It's inhumane…I should hate you…DESPISE you for what you've done…and yet…I find myself…connected…completely tangled…trapped even…but I can't…pull myself free…this force…it's maddening…and cruel…your touch…torturous…I should get away…resist you…but…how can I…?
He started awake; the whispered words still lingered on the air of his mind. Their master's voice low and familiar, and yet, they were new and unheard of. It was a state he'd never heard it in. It scared him.
His mind was becoming more alert now; the warmth that had pressed itself into his back as the master of those words spoke was still present. Not a lingering figment, but a disturbing reality. He turned quickly to find Mouse spooning into him as he breathed deeply and slowly in his ear. Mouse groaned finally and an arm heaved itself heavily around him, as if weighed down. He rolled his eyes and pushed the arm from on top of him and pulled his cover away. He clambered over the bed and tip-toed for the door; he made his escape into the cool night air. He was on the balcony, or rather, something akin to a long corridor that railed itself around the building and connected to each new room and the balconies below by a series of ladders.
He glanced down towards the cavern of machinery that seemed so far away from his feet. He would have to jump to his death to make it anywhere close to the cavern, but that was a menial sacrifice just for a closer glance. It wasn't worth any risk in the world.
A figure stood by the rail that guarded others from the cavern, a sort of golden dot from where he stood. It seemed almost ghostly, as all other people he had seen in this place were either darker in complexion or old and greying. He leaned further over his rail, trying for that closer look, wondering if it would be worth it to drop from the rail to find out the identity of the impossible ghost. A door suddenly clicked open behind him, and he righted himself and turned for the new figure.
Roy stepped out to the rail, smiling towards him. He glanced upwards, before finally a low chuckle escaped his dry throat.
"What's so funny?" Edward asked curiously.
"When I woke up just now, I was sure this had all been a dream and I was back in my apartment. When I found Morpheus by my side, I had convinced myself that the man was just a drunken encounter that I would surely regret in the morning. I stepped out here, and found it odd that my apartment had such a big balcony,"
"Your apartment's too crap to have a balcony." Edward smiled memorably.
"Yeah," Roy chuckled, "And when I looked up, I was sure I was looking up into a starless sky. That's when I thought to myself, a starless sky? I'm sure that's impossible. I found the large cavern walls and realised that the sky I was supposedly looking into was a reminder, that despite this being the true reality, our eyes are still too primitive to see into the dark crevices of the cavern roof where our human selves can't possibly reach or belong." He sighed finally, "This is the real life. I've just woken up from a dream, haven't I?" He looked to him from the corner of his eyes, waiting for the confirmation he needed.
"Yeah, this is reality." Edward nodded and Roy turned back to look out into the city before him; the great buildings that rose and fell like the waves of the sea, of which its people hadn't seen in so long. Despite the supposed night time of this place, it was partially lit by the orange glow of the deep cavern below and the scantly lit windows of the buildings before them. Even fewer were the lit torches that had been lit along the man-made streets of Zion.
"This place, it's beautiful in its own amazing way. It reminds me of Central, does it you?"
Edward nodded in agreement, "It's so big, I doubt I've seen everything of it yet; it wouldn't surprise me if that were true." He glanced towards Roy, but Roy didn't face him, he continued to look out distantly.
"Why do you think they call this the last human city?" He asked finally.
"This reality has been ravaged by a war between humans and machines, and despite the best efforts of man, machines have a hold over them and have beaten them back underground. I would say that hardly 10% of human life is still left on this Earth. No, maybe even 5; possibly less than that." Roy winced a little, but persuaded a small smile to form his lips.
"So are you saying that the engine of my car will one day revolt against humanity and try to kills us?"
"No, it's already happened." Edward stated forlornly, and Roy's persuasive argument had failed to win out; it dropped away in defeat.
"Edward," He turned his whole body to face him. Edward responded by facing him proper. "Why did you bring me out of my old reality?" His face was serious, that smile was definitely gone. "The message on my window, those suit-wearing killing machines, why any of it?" Edward looked downcast, his heart was thrumming loudly. To answer him honestly was to bear his soul. He knew that well, so much so that he wanted to escape from this interrogation. But there was no way out. He couldn't run away. He owed him an explanation. Roy's face creased into rage, "Who were the ones that died for me? Huh?" Edward winced, his mouth opened, stuttering on noises. "Witnesses!" Roy answered for him, "Innocent people who were uninvolved and they're dead! How am I worth all of those people? It doesn't add up! You know that better than anyone! Well?" He seethed furiously, "Why?"
He couldn't muster the sound or the strength to answer him fully. Roy's narrow eyes narrowed further and glared into his very soul, the very strength of them stole away his energy until he could feel his morale beginning to crumble. The result of it seeped into his eyes. He wanted to turn away and hide his hot flushed face, but he was aware that those eyes were still on him. He couldn't bear to let Roy see him cry, yet the older man's gaze was inescapable.
"You can't even face your own convictions, can you?" Roy growled finally, "you can carry through a plan, I'll give you that, yet you haven't the strength to face up to your own consequences. To think, for the past four years I was commanding a coward. True, you have the gall to disobey me, but even now you try and run from it like a scared and guilty child." His words weighed heavy on Edward's soul and stung him to the core. "Coward." He snorted the stinging word finally and turned for the door of his room. Edward's heart jumped suddenly, he had to redeem himself.
"I promised myself before you got here that I would answer you honestly." Edward called, and Roy was stopped in his tracks, but he didn't turn. His hand grasped the handle of the door. "The reason I did all this was because I …I-I…" Roy turned to face him, looking over him with a curious concentration as Edward stumbled and choked on his words. Edward's flush was beginning to spread through to the contours of his hairline. Roy could feel his cheeks beginning to smoulder in an almost heated embarrassment, afraid that he might hear the words that could be uttered. "I…I missed you!" Edward blurted finally. He looked up to Roy's eyes from his downcast gaze, but was faced with a rage he hadn't seen before now; he could feel the air of disgust radiating from him. Edward was ready to hear him scream.
"All that…" Roy uttered, "All that sacrifice, all that risk…all because of selfish nostalgia... All because you missed me." He shot him a glare of absolute disdain and disgust, "You're pathetic. You make me sick." He spat and he turned back to the door and entered his room quietly.
His hot flush drove his emotions out of control and tears glistened down his cheeks as he hugged the rail and sobbed. He had resigned himself to this defeat, he was sure he could take it if the Colonel should shoot him down, but this wasn't a simple no thanks. This was hatred; he was sure, in its purest form, a hatred that was almost silent, but burned like hell's bonfires. He wanted to say he'd seen this coming, but that was nothing compared to this. The words had punctured him like a red hot bullet, and the wound was sure to fester. Fester, until he was no more.
His tears dropped heavily down his cheeks to the dusty ground of Zion's sands, and his eyes looked back to where the ghost had been standing. It was gone, scared by the shouts of hatred in the air. Even a ghost of goodwill could be scared away by misfortune. His goodwill was gone.
A door opened behind him, and light footsteps told him the stranger was small. He quickly wiped the tears away to face the figure. Mouse was stood behind him.
"Mouse, what are you doing up?" He asked, smiling falsely.
'I heard someone shouting outside.' He yawned, 'couldn't tell what they were saying, but it woke me up.'
"Oh, sorry." Edward apologized.
'It's fine.' But the smile fell as he peered in closer to him. 'Have you been crying?' Mouse asked.
"W-What?" Edward rubbed away the residue of his tears, hoping the redness of his cheeks would quickly fade and prove him wrong. "N-No, just tired still. I've been yawning a lot, you know?" He tried to laugh his sadness away.
'Yeah, let's get back to bed then.' Mouse smiled and they both headed back into the room. Suddenly, something pierced the air and hit Edward square in the forehead. He lay on the floor, crippled in pain by the boot-shaped mark on his head.
'I said, SHUT UP!' Switch screamed, and the rustle of bed covers showed how she turned over to sleep.
He couldn't sleep that night; the effort of muffling his tears had kept him up, ready for him to sit up from a wet pillow in the morning to come.
Author's note: This chapter actually worked out longer than chapter 10; though I'm sure you guys have noticed that already, nothing gets past you do they? Anyway, this chapter is called Ignorance, coming from the song by Paramore; from the Brand New Eyes album (I'm pretty sure that's the right one). I feel it was named because it was addressing the issues of ignorance of race and of issues, plus the song is just that damn good that it had to be used for a chapter title.
With this chapter being so long though, I can't even be sure whether I should write an omake to finish this off. Probably not, I don't think it needs one, besides; you guys had two in the last chapter, so I redeemed the lack of one with the length of this one. There you go, those are my reasons and I'm sticking to them.
You're probably wondering though why I stuck a quote at the top of this chapter. Well, while I was looking through quotes by Niccolo Machiavelli for a Hamlet essay, I also found other quotes by Aristotle, Descartes, Plato and Edgar Allan Poe, all of whom had quotes that were relevant in some way or another with this story. It helped that they all either preached military discipline, such as it is better to be feared than loved (Machiavelli) or Knowledge. Plato's thoughts especially seem much directed towards the Matrix's main concept; I guess he's not the only one who's thought of life in a dream.
Finally, I will apologise for any of the sections in this chapter and in future chapters (though I'll keep apologising for their sake) that can be interpreted as blasphemy. It's not a commandment that I would want to knowingly break, and if i have, and you find it offensive, then I really am sorry. The last thing I want to do in the writing of these chapters is offend people. To be honest, Matrix is the kind of story where you can make many uses of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, because they are the kind of themes used, well, that and philosophy; take the name Trinity for example. Whenever Neo says God or Jesus in the films (first film especially), Trinity replies with "What?" as if he's talking to her. Keep an eye out should you decide to watch that film again. I hadn't noticed it myself, but it's true, I'm sure. Anyway, I'll say it again, I apologise for everything in this chapter that can be interpreted as blasphemy.
Once again, please read and review; hope you've enjoyed your half-term and of course have a great weekend!
Ophelia Davis
P.S. It probably makes this chapter more legible if I make a split between the chapter and my rambling author's note. I should start and keep doing this in future for you all. Heck, that way you'll now when to stop reading! I'm kidding, but if you do get bored with these author's notes of mine, then there's a helpful marker for you all.
Chapter 12 will be out in the next two weeks; Chapter 11 is long enough to warrant that, that and I want to have enough time to get to Chapter 16 by 12's release. I'm always working hard on it!
