Title: Shadow Stalkers
Author: trin_chardin
Summary: What if viruses were vampires?
Categories: Action/Original Character
Author's Note: I've been fighting with writer's block as of late - and trust me, that's almost as hard as dealing with Agents. ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own the Matrix concept or anyone/anything in it - but I do own the original characters.

-----

Shadow Stalkers
Chapter 5

"Zion's given us the go signal."

Trinity and Neo had already known the decision. In support of their captain, they kept silent. Poker faces were the only hint of their disapproval. The rest of the crew were more verbal. After a moment's chaos, Morpheus held his hand up for silence. When they'd toned down, he spoke once more.

"We all know about the risks involved in working with Agents. Zion does as well." Rak snorted in disbelief. "But, we don't have a choice. The Agents may be masters at manipulating the truth, but this time they're not lying. Sources within the Matrix confirm everything they said."

"So, how does this work, sir?" Zaa asked.

He and Alt had been the only crew members silent the entire time. Morpheus did not reply immediately as the others stared curiously at him.

"Del, you and Tank are going to create a program that will link our Construct with the Matrix. It will serve as a neutral ground where we can work together. I want several firewalls around it. Nothing goes in or out without approval. The last thing we want is for this virus to enter our network. Can you handle that?"

Tank tried to seem confident as Del nodded nervously.

"We don't have enough time, so we're going to be working round-the-clock on five hour shifts. I'm afraid you won't be getting much sleep in the next few days, Neo." The One smiled wanly. "I want you with the assigned person and the Agent whenever possible. When you're not there, Trinity and I will take over. Alt, you're going to share shifts with Tank. You're to keep an eye on everything that goes on. If anything seems off, report it at once. Now, assignments..."

Everyone tensed immediately.

"Rak, you're working with Agent Jones. Avi with Brown, and Zaa with Smith. Del, you're going to have to go in whenever a programmer is needed. Other than that, I want you here. Use the information gathered to find an anti-virus. The sooner it's found, the less time we have to spend with them. Understood?"

The crew could only nod.

*****

Smith walked down the four sides of the containment room as he waited for the humans to appear. He'd arrived earlier than expected so as to gauge rebel defenses. There had been a delay at the unexpectedness, but he'd been allowed to enter even when his hosts were not yet present. As he waited, he had to admit that their firewalls held against his prodding. With a sniff of grudging approval, he went to the table at the center and sat down. Neo and Zaa found him there seconds later. At their arrival, Smith spoke at once.

"There has been another attack."

"An Agent."

"Of course. Your kind have fled."

Smith's lips thinned in annoyance.

"The stronger viruses are starting to break through the security parameters. ...But, we can discuss that later. As of the moment, I am to inform you as to the circumstances of the victims post-corruption. It may have escaped your attention that after corruption the residual self-image of your kind immediately disappears from the Matrix. This goes against a standard death wherein the RSI remains even after death. As for Agents, once corrupted, the programs become unsalvageable and contaminate their human hosts. We have detained two such victims. They're mentally unstable and cannot communicate coherently. We cannot risk further contamination by bringing them in contact with a human psychologist - "

"So, you want -us- to interrogate them," Neo said wryly.

"That would be the most logical thing," Smith agreed.

"We would have to go inside the Matrix...which isn't a very safe place right now."

"I am certain you will have to agree that the benefits highly outweigh the risks."

Neo was silent for some time. Smith was sure that he was somehow communicating with Morpheus. This one's abilities had certainly increased since their last encounter. It would be dangerous to underestimate him a second time. Smith would keep an eye on him.

"Very well," Neo finally said. "We will follow you inside. Where will we meet?"

"The same as before."

Neo nodded his head and Smith felt his code disperse at his command. Working without a host was a difficult thing to adjust to, but it also stirred a strange feeling in him. The closest name he could find for it was freedom. It was disturbing. Smith immediately ceased that line of thought as he materialized inside the Chinese restaurant. An uneasy Brown waited there. Jones was just outside the private room with some plainclothes policemen.

"They are coming?" Brown asked.

"They are," Smith said, nodding.

"Good. I would hate to think that our preparations were for nothing."

Before they knew it, Neo and another rebel appeared in their midst.

"Where are they?"