Title: Shadow Stalkers
Author: trin_chardin
Summary: What if viruses were vampires?
Categories: Action/Original Character
Author's Note: Thanks to those who reviewed the first chapter. It was a rough start, but I seem to be getting my groove back. ^o^
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 2

Members of the Zion Elite Guard flanked the three delegates. At the head of the triumvirate sat a man with graying temples and a stern face lined with age. A younger man was at his right with a plastic smile and watchful eyes. A woman completed the trio. Her eyes were downcast as she took shorthand notes. Morpheus sat opposite the older man with Neo next to him. But, the seat reserved for Trinity remained vacant. Mirroring the guards across them, Zaa and another crew member stood at attention by one of the two doors.

The crew of the Nebuchadnezzar listened as the stern-faced man explained the situation to them. Put simply, the System had contacted them. The machines had requested a meeting with Morpheus and Neo, considering they were the most widely known operatives. A neutral ground would be chosen within the Matrix and appropriate security measures taken.

"Apparently, they think that the daytime is enough of a security measure from this...thing."

Morpheus arched an eyebrow.

"With all due respect, sir, how sure are we that this entire situation isn't part of an elaborate set-up to catch the One?"

The man grimaced in chagrin.

"Unfortunately, we don't," he replied dourly. "...But, it's a risk Zion is willing to take."

With our lives. Morpheus thought grimly. How nice to be valued.

"What safety measures are -we- allowed to take? ...And what makes the daytime safe enough?"

"You can be fully armed. Besides, these are Agents. If he -is- the One..." The old man gave Neo a piercing look. "I'm sure he can handle them well enough."

Neo smiled thinly. This was obviously one of the bureaucrats who doubted the prophecy.

"And this matter of the daytime?" Morpheus prodded in order to divert attention from Neo.

"Well..." A frown flickered for a moment on the man's face. "...The System considers these creatures to be viruses that have taken on the characteristics of mythical vampires."

"You're kidding me," Neo snorted out.

"I don't kid." The man glared at him.

"Very well," Morpheus intereceded once more. "Did they volunteer any other information?"

"Only that it would be beneficial for us to work with them - and that the contrary could prove fatal to humans trapped within the Matrix. ...I'm sure you understand now why we are willing to go such lengths. If they're lying, we could lose another operative. Maybe two. But, what if they're not? Would you want to be responsible for the genocide of our kind?"

He was met with silence.

"I thought not." A smirk.

*****

"So, what's the plan?"

Morpheus stifled a sigh and looked at Avi's eager green eyes. Wavy red hair framed the face of a young girl, barely sixteen. She was curled up beside Zaa on a bench, in sharp contrast to his ramrod straight posture. It was strange to remember that they were together. Although Avi was a fresh recruit, Zaa was older and a transferee from another ship. He was twenty and free for seven of those years. Although their contrasting personalities led to occassional arguments, they seemed happy for the most part.

Golden-haired Del was more subdued than Avi. She rarely spoke and spent most of her time programming on deck or helping out at the med station. She shared the bench with the couple, though her blue eyes often went longingly to the stool in a dark corner. Alt slouched there with half-lidded eyes. The apparently disinterested orbs of watery blue merely concealed the Zion-born's sharp analytical mind. A few feet away from him, another brunette sat on the mess hall counter. Dark brown eyes bore into Morpheus as the well-built man waited for a reply to Avi's query. Rak was another transferee. He was hard-working and possessed good fighting skills, but he was also a definite loner.

Tank, Trinity, and Neo on another bench completed the crew of the Nebuchadnezzar. Even after five months, it was still difficult for everyone to mesh - especially since some kept pretty much to themselves. Morpheus surpressed another exhale of exasperation and finally spoke up.

"We're going into the Matrix in three days to meet some Agents. In that time, I want everyone to run scenarios inside the Construct. Del and Tank, you're in charge of that. But, get input from Neo, Zaa, and Rak. Take into account anything that could go wrong. And I mean -anything-. As soon as we know the place, I want a list of exits. Trinity, you'll stick to the sidelines and supervise. No buts," he said firmly. "I want you to be fully recovered when we pull this off. And Alt, check your supplies. Make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency. Understood?"

Everyone nodded.

"Then, let's start. We only have three days."