CHAPTER TWO

'They're moving in,' Niobe said, jabbing at the map in front of her. 'We've detected their rate of movement. With Dozer's calculations, they'll be here in a matter of weeks.'

'How many?' Cass asked.

'Thousands.' Niobe surveyed the map. 'Millions, for all we know. We can only estimate. But the fact is, any number we detect, we'd have to multiply by at least fifteen to get an accurate picture.'

Cass whistled.

'Yeah,' Niobe said. 'I need you all on guard, on post, at all times. Neo, I want you to rest, stay healthy. We need to gear up for this.' She looked up at Morpheus, and he looked back at her, deep into her eyes. 'This is gonna be the biggest battle of our lives. We're not gonna screw it up.'

Morpheus intervened. 'Do we have a chance?'

Niobe considered. 'I....don't know. But we can try. I am confident that we can do our very best. Beyond that...well, it is up to fate, I suppose.'

'Let's go, guys,' Cass said, 'it's dinner; I'm starving.'

Cass and Dozer hurried off to the dining area. Niobe, Neo and Morpheus stayed behind.

'Neo, it will be all right. Just rest,' Niobe said. 'I can't stress enough how important it is that that is what you do.'

Morpheus agreed. 'No physical exertion. I'll handle any errands we need to run.'

Neo didn't seem to listen. 'Where's Trinity?' he asked. 'I haven't seen her since this morning.'

Niobe eyed Morpheus. 'I don't know,' she said.

Morpheus shook his head. 'Nor do I.'

Neo felt a rush of panic. 'Where is she? I have to find her.'

Morpheus stood and called out through the ship, in his booming voice. 'Trinity!'

There was no answer.

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To be continued.