Title: Shadow Stalkers
Author: trin_chardin
Summary: What if viruses were vampires?
Categories: Action/Original Character
Author's Note: Well, it wouldn't be fair if we didn't let the Agents get -their- say, right?
Disclaimer: I don't own the Matrix concept or anyone/anything in it - but I do own the original characters.
-----
Shadow Stalkers
Chapter 3
"Have we received a reply?"
"Affirmative."
Smith nodded at Brown's words and turned from the view of the city to look at the other's computer screen. Green code streamed down, a compressed version of the returned broadcast of the rebels. They'd finally agreed on a neutral ground after fierce debating during the three days prior to the agreed day and time. It was approximately 1800 more hours before their noon rendezvous. The last day was about to end. The sun would be setting in just a few more minutes. Outside, the sky was already starting to darken. Jones entered the room just as the other two checked their watches. It was time. Once Brown had risen from his seat, the three stood together at the center of the large room. Just as their programs left their hosts, a frown flickered on Smith's face.
*We flee like cowards from those anomalies.* He said after the transfer was complete.
Although the program's voice revealed no emotion, the erratic delivery of his communication hinted of his distate with the whole situation. The other two didn't enjoy the unnecessary downtimes either. They felt that it was keeping them from working efficiently. If a part of them could feel disturbed, it would be worried that their colleague was more concerned about pride than work efficiency. Machines did not feel pride. At least, not of -that- sort. However, the program known as Brown did note the fact that his colleague was wasting energy by stating an opinion. The malfunction was compounded by the fact that it was an observation that questioned the System's authority. Brown passed that observation over to their supervisor. That done, he felt it was his place to remind Smith of the order of things.
*The System's decisions are not for us to question. Only to obey.* Brown stated firmly.
*And it does not fall under our job description to deal with viruses.* Jones chimed in.
*Whose is it then?* Smith countered. *The anti-virus programs were declared obsolete a century ago. Now, even the System is not safe from this outbreak. Stricter percautions should have been taken against a reoccurrence.*
The other two fell silent. They could not deny that, but Brown felt he had to speak against words that hinted of outright rebellion.
*The System's calculations did not predict such a possibility.*
As soon as he blurted that out, he fell silent and wondered if Smith would actually speak openly against the System. The other paused.
*...In either case, we are now forced to work with those rebels.*
The communication delivery practically hissed with static at Smith's last word. For a moment, it was silent. Then, one of them spoke.
*The System has its reasons. It need not share them with us. Even these anomalies have a place in the plan. The predictions may not have been mistaken. They could not be mistaken. The System is perfect.* Jones asserted.
*The System is perfect.* Brown echoed.
*It is.*
Brown was uncertain if that was statement or a question on Smith's part. But, he purged the thought from his memory bank. For machines, there could be no uncertainties.
*****
"Everyone ready?"
Morpheus looked around at his crew. Tank sat behind the collection of computer screens with a serious look on his usually cheerful face. Behind him, Alt leaned against a wall with his med kit resting on the floor next to him. Even with tension thick in the air, the man never lost his calm composure.
Then, Morpheus turned to check on those who'd be going in with him. Neo had barely heard the question, his own attention focused on Trinity. She was clearly trying to reassure him that she was alright. But, rather than annoyance at his persistence, a soft look of indulgent affection slipped through her usual barriers. A half-smile flickered on Morpheus' face at the sight. A slight shake of his head and he went on to look over the others.
Zaa stood with his arms crossed, just waiting for the order to go in. One of his hands was in the possession of Avi, her face set but eyes gleaming in excitement. Rak and Del stood on her other side. The blonde struggled between fear and control over her emotions, whereas Rak was as stoic as always.
Still, Morpheus knew that they were all afraid to some extent. Fear of personal slip-ups... Fear of failure... Fear of death... Some of them may not return that day. There was always that chance. Deep inside, they all knew that.
Morpheus smiled grimly and nodded to Tank.
"Let's go in."
They found themselves in a deserted building in downtown New York. As ordered, Zaa and Avi went out first to scout the area. Dressed as tourists, they easily blended in with the crowd. Morpheus followed seconds later in business attire with Neo and Trinity at his heels. The pair were out-fitted as a family on their weekend out. Trinity had programmed her hair to grow onto her shoulders and tied it back. A striped dress and a stroller completed her assemble. Rak and Del came out last, serving as the rear guard.
Just steps away from each other, always within sight, they walked towards the rendezvous point. There, Zaa immediately took out his camera and started to take pictures. A few minutes later, he nodded at Avi and she bought an ice cream cone. At that signal, Morpheus sat on bench and unfolded a newspaper. Neo and Trinity came just seconds later and sat down next to him to coo at their 'baby'. Just a few feet away, Del subtly nodded her head. They had not been followed. Then, she settled down on a blanket and started to sketch. Circling all of them, Rak walked about in a sanitation uniform and speared pieces of trash. Five more minutes. Just as the last second passed, the Agents arrived.
It was hard to fight the instinct to run.
Author: trin_chardin
Summary: What if viruses were vampires?
Categories: Action/Original Character
Author's Note: Well, it wouldn't be fair if we didn't let the Agents get -their- say, right?
Disclaimer: I don't own the Matrix concept or anyone/anything in it - but I do own the original characters.
-----
Shadow Stalkers
Chapter 3
"Have we received a reply?"
"Affirmative."
Smith nodded at Brown's words and turned from the view of the city to look at the other's computer screen. Green code streamed down, a compressed version of the returned broadcast of the rebels. They'd finally agreed on a neutral ground after fierce debating during the three days prior to the agreed day and time. It was approximately 1800 more hours before their noon rendezvous. The last day was about to end. The sun would be setting in just a few more minutes. Outside, the sky was already starting to darken. Jones entered the room just as the other two checked their watches. It was time. Once Brown had risen from his seat, the three stood together at the center of the large room. Just as their programs left their hosts, a frown flickered on Smith's face.
*We flee like cowards from those anomalies.* He said after the transfer was complete.
Although the program's voice revealed no emotion, the erratic delivery of his communication hinted of his distate with the whole situation. The other two didn't enjoy the unnecessary downtimes either. They felt that it was keeping them from working efficiently. If a part of them could feel disturbed, it would be worried that their colleague was more concerned about pride than work efficiency. Machines did not feel pride. At least, not of -that- sort. However, the program known as Brown did note the fact that his colleague was wasting energy by stating an opinion. The malfunction was compounded by the fact that it was an observation that questioned the System's authority. Brown passed that observation over to their supervisor. That done, he felt it was his place to remind Smith of the order of things.
*The System's decisions are not for us to question. Only to obey.* Brown stated firmly.
*And it does not fall under our job description to deal with viruses.* Jones chimed in.
*Whose is it then?* Smith countered. *The anti-virus programs were declared obsolete a century ago. Now, even the System is not safe from this outbreak. Stricter percautions should have been taken against a reoccurrence.*
The other two fell silent. They could not deny that, but Brown felt he had to speak against words that hinted of outright rebellion.
*The System's calculations did not predict such a possibility.*
As soon as he blurted that out, he fell silent and wondered if Smith would actually speak openly against the System. The other paused.
*...In either case, we are now forced to work with those rebels.*
The communication delivery practically hissed with static at Smith's last word. For a moment, it was silent. Then, one of them spoke.
*The System has its reasons. It need not share them with us. Even these anomalies have a place in the plan. The predictions may not have been mistaken. They could not be mistaken. The System is perfect.* Jones asserted.
*The System is perfect.* Brown echoed.
*It is.*
Brown was uncertain if that was statement or a question on Smith's part. But, he purged the thought from his memory bank. For machines, there could be no uncertainties.
*****
"Everyone ready?"
Morpheus looked around at his crew. Tank sat behind the collection of computer screens with a serious look on his usually cheerful face. Behind him, Alt leaned against a wall with his med kit resting on the floor next to him. Even with tension thick in the air, the man never lost his calm composure.
Then, Morpheus turned to check on those who'd be going in with him. Neo had barely heard the question, his own attention focused on Trinity. She was clearly trying to reassure him that she was alright. But, rather than annoyance at his persistence, a soft look of indulgent affection slipped through her usual barriers. A half-smile flickered on Morpheus' face at the sight. A slight shake of his head and he went on to look over the others.
Zaa stood with his arms crossed, just waiting for the order to go in. One of his hands was in the possession of Avi, her face set but eyes gleaming in excitement. Rak and Del stood on her other side. The blonde struggled between fear and control over her emotions, whereas Rak was as stoic as always.
Still, Morpheus knew that they were all afraid to some extent. Fear of personal slip-ups... Fear of failure... Fear of death... Some of them may not return that day. There was always that chance. Deep inside, they all knew that.
Morpheus smiled grimly and nodded to Tank.
"Let's go in."
They found themselves in a deserted building in downtown New York. As ordered, Zaa and Avi went out first to scout the area. Dressed as tourists, they easily blended in with the crowd. Morpheus followed seconds later in business attire with Neo and Trinity at his heels. The pair were out-fitted as a family on their weekend out. Trinity had programmed her hair to grow onto her shoulders and tied it back. A striped dress and a stroller completed her assemble. Rak and Del came out last, serving as the rear guard.
Just steps away from each other, always within sight, they walked towards the rendezvous point. There, Zaa immediately took out his camera and started to take pictures. A few minutes later, he nodded at Avi and she bought an ice cream cone. At that signal, Morpheus sat on bench and unfolded a newspaper. Neo and Trinity came just seconds later and sat down next to him to coo at their 'baby'. Just a few feet away, Del subtly nodded her head. They had not been followed. Then, she settled down on a blanket and started to sketch. Circling all of them, Rak walked about in a sanitation uniform and speared pieces of trash. Five more minutes. Just as the last second passed, the Agents arrived.
It was hard to fight the instinct to run.
