Title: Shadow Stalkers
Author: trin_chardin
Summary: What if viruses were vampires?
Categories: Action/Original Character
Author's Note: This follows the brief prequel "The Monsters Are Real". I'm certain most have already deduced what my wild idea was. For the benefit of those who haven't, the summary sums it up pretty well. Thanks also to the people who reviewed "Monsters" and "Emotion", especially the flattering 'welcome back' of Zephyr and MTS. It was much appreciated. ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own the Matrix concept or anyone/anything in it - but I do own the original characters.

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Shadow Stalkers
Chapter 1

"Why can't I go in? People are dying!"

Morpheus entered his office and nodded for Neo to follow. His unreadable expression remained blank while they were in view of the others. However, as soon as the door closed, he took on a stern look.

"Never criticize me in front of the crew. We have to keep some semblance of order here."

The younger man was silent for a long moment, then he let out a shaky sigh and sank down in a chair. Distractedly running a hand through his hair, he closed his eyes as if to compose himself.

"I'm sorry," he finally whispered. "I'm just worried."

"I understand. We all are. But, you know Trinity will be fine. Her condition's stable. You managed to get to her and pull out together in time."

Neo opened his eyes and smiled wanly.

"I know. ...But, people -are- dying. Something has to be done. -I- have to do something."

"Go off half-cocked and you'll get yourself killed, Neo. You're the One, but these...things... If they can kill an Agent, they could be able to kill -you-."

Morpheus sat down behind his desk and winced as he rubbed his forehead.

"Besides, Zion has ceased operations as of the moment. Everyone has been pulled out of the Matrix. We've already lost more than a dozen operatives. And that's more that we can afford with or without you around."

"So, they're taking this threat seriously."

"They may be bureaucrats," Morpheus snorted, "But, they're not -that- stupid."

"Then, what're we going to do about it?"

"I've already given Tank the order to dock at a way station. We will be meeting a few Zion delegates there to discuss the situation. ...I spoke to one of my connections," he continued in a softer voice.

"And?" Neo prodded.

"It seems that the System has sent out broadcasts requesting an audience with Zion through selected representatives."

"The System chose you."

It was a statement.

Morpheus nodded slowly.

"For the System to contact us... This is bad."

The other just gave him a grim smile in return.

*****

Morpheus straightened his collar and grimaced at his reflection. He hated his dress uniform. It was a drab olive with no insignas whatsoever. He might as well just wear a sack. With one last longing look at his usual clothes, he stepped out of his room and noticed Zaa, one of the new crew members. The dark-eyed Chinese man gave his standard half-bow. Traditional respect for authority was ingrained in the man. The bow was a habit Morpheus couldn't break in him, so he just nodded in response.

"Tank said that we've arrived at the way station, sir."

"Thank you, Zaa. ...Are the others ready?"

"Yes, sir. But, the One is still at the med station."

And there was -that-, too. Zaa refused to call Neo anything but 'the One'. The man still got flustered when that happened. Trinity found it funny.

Speaking of Trinity...

She'd gone out to check out a new recruit with a team of four. However, as soon as the thing came out of nowhere, she gave the order to scatter and make a run for it. One of the known facts about this new enemy was that, not only was it as strong as an Agent - it was also as -fast- as one. His Ex-O had taken point as usual and so she was the last to fall back. Fortunately, Tank had noticed the encounter and alerted Neo. The man had gone in soon enough to freeze time and get Trinity out of there. But, she still suffered from a serious gash at her throat. She'd come back from the Matrix unconscious and in a seizure. The new medic managed to stabilize her condition and she'd just regained consciousness the day before. Ever since then, Neo had spent most of his time at the med station.

When he reached the place, he found the medic going over Trinity's charts. Del, the blonde programmer, sat on a nearby stool, singing softly as she sterilized some instruments. Morpheus wryly wondered how long it would be before the absent-minded doctor noticed the girl's crush on him.

"Alt."

The man peered over his make-shift spectacles at the sudden interruption.

"Sir."

There was that 'sir' again. Sometimes being a living legend was difficult. He missed his old crew and their casual, yet respectful behavior. The officiousness of the new members made him uncomfortable. He hoped they'd relax later on, rather than him having to get used to them.

"How's your patient?"

"She's fine, sir. I removed the IV today. She can eat on her own now."

"Good." Morpheus nodded.

He moved towards the curtained off area and coughed softly. Neo's head popped out from behind the screen and the man smiled brightly.

"We're going already?" He asked.

"We don't want to be late."

"Go on, Neo." Trinity's voice said.

Morpheus stepped around the curtain and smiled at his old friend. The woman smiled wanly back at him. Her face was still pale, but she did look better than she had the day before.

"Yes, ma'am."

Neo gave her a jaunty salute and a quick kiss.

"You ok?"

"I'm fine, Morpheus," she told him firmly.

"Alright."

"Just make sure Neo doesn't put his foot in his mouth around the delegates." She smirked.

"Hey!"

She laughed at Neo's offended look and kissed him.

"Go!"

Her lover rolled his eyes and together, he and Morpheus left. As they walked down the gangplank, Neo cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"So, what will these delegates be like?"

"Oh, your average bureacrats."

"...That doesn't sound good."

"It's not supposed to," was the affable return.