Disclaimer: The Matrix belongs to Warner Bros. and the Wachowski brothers. I don't own Smith or anybody from the film. The other characters may or may not show up later. If anything is familiar to you from this or any other movie I don't own it. I'm just playing with them.

Chapter Fifteen: The Professor

Now Smith was really furious. He hated everything and everybody in this world.

Especially Kate.

And himself. He hated Kate for forcing him into situations like that. But he also hate himself for letting her do it. He should known what was she going to do: an other stupid, foolish, senseless thing. And it was he who let her close. He should have moved away, protested but he didn't do anything. And he almost enjoyed(?!) it. Almost. But he didn't want to. And how dare she do it, anyway? Smith was still standing on the porch grasping the banister so hard that it produced a loud rasping sound and split. He didn't want to go after her right now. Because if he had done so, he would have done something that even he would have regretted later. So he stayed on the porch for a while.

He needed time to analyze and digest what had happened. But what the hell happened? He didn't know exactly and he couldn't explain it either. He was just groping for some suitable words and then everything happened so fast. She came closer and closer. Then he could feel her breathe, her lips, her tongue. He has never experienced such a thing before. Humans' touch could be ....what....pleasant? And he got... what?.... frightened? No, it can't be. But to be honest he wasn't full of confidence either. He was not master of the situation at all. For some seconds he lost control of the events. And it was truly alarming. Because SHE caused it. She had that effect on him. Have things come such a pass? Why? When? And how? Teasing her with words and harmless, innocent things was a great fun. It was amusing. But the tables are turned. Now it was he who was teased. But it wasn't so amusing. Not at all.

'Patience, Smith. Patience. Think! Nobody told it would be easy. And you knew it well too. You are streets ahead of that human. It won't be a problem..................And the situation is not that bad. And if she wants to play? OK. So be it! Let's play Kate Thompson!'-thought Smith and a faint smile appeared on his face.

His anger vanished soon and he was his old self, an Agent again. Expressionless, calm, cold. He went in and put on his suit jacket. Then he came out and started walking toward the main building. The dining room must have been there. But he didn't know exactly what he would do. Kate hurt him where it hurt the most. He was hit in his pride. All the time.

"Agent Smith?"-asked an unknown deep voice interrupting Smith's thoughts.

He turned to see who called his name. And finally he could see him. A man in his mid fifties looking very spruce was standing not far from him. He had short, grayish hair and white beard and moustache. He was wearing a perfectly-tailored white suit and polished shoes. And there was a walking stick in his right hand. He stepped in front of Smith.

"Who are you and what do you want?"-asked Smith firmly.

"The well-known Agent Smith. I'm glad we meet at last."-said the man with a smile.

"Answer or get out of my way! I have other problem to solve."

"Problem? ....Oh, yes! I think I met your problem. She seemed to be quite furious. But she is still beautiful. I envy you for your problem, Smith. Really."

Smith stepped closer.

"Did you do something to her?"-asked he with an intent expression on his face.

"No. She is safe and sound. Don't worry. I've just seen her, that's all.- said the man calmly.

Then Smith stood back but his eyes never let him. He checked the man's codes. They were strange. He had never seen such complex and special codes. So he wasn't a human being but he wasn't a simple program either.

"As I can see you are not a human. So what are you and what do you want?"

"All right, Smith. Calm down please. I will answer all of your questions. But calm down first."

"I am deadly calm. I just don't like being held up unnecessary."

"All right. But first give me your gun, please."

"What?"

"I don't want to leave anything to chance. I haven't dealt with too many Agents before. I mean face to face. But it's obvious that you are especially dangerous."

"You order me?"

"It's just a request."

"No. But I could offer a bullet if you continue wasting my time and don't answer."

"You should show more respect, Agent Program Smith. But all right. I won't force you. I trust your judgement."-said the man but he didn't seemed too satisfied. But with Smith he didn't get anywhere with force. It just made everything worse. Then he took a deep breath and said:

"Please, follow me!"

Smith hesitated but finally he went after the man. He led him to a bench under a huge tree. Then he sat down and rested both of his hands on his walking stick. Smith just stood and stared at him. He didn't trust him.

"Please, Smith."-said the man and motioned Smith to sit down.

After some seconds Smith made a motion. He moved his right hand. For a moment the man believed that he reached for his gun. But Smith just unbuttoned his jacket and sat down.

"So what are you?"

"A program just as you, Smith. Nowadays everybody knows me as the Professor. Now I'm the head of the H.B.R.C.. I think you know what it is."

"Yes."

"Well, my previous name was the Programmer. Yes, I wrote many Matrix programs including Agent programs too. And later I became the head of the P.C.D.. I think you know it too."-said the Professor and looked at him.

"Yes. The Program Control Department."

"And if my memory serves me correctly it had some problems with you."

"It had several strictures against me because I often act with a high hand and because I interpret the orders in a peculiar way."

"Well, Smith, your superiors don't express a great appreciation for idiosyncrasy. It's a fact. I know it. And the only reason why you still exist is that you do a great job. Because you are effective. ........But even the best needs help sometimes."-said the Professor and smiled at him.

"What is this supposed to mean?"-asked Smith and looked askance at him.

"It's obvious that you have problems. And your superiors asked me to assist and help you in this case. ......... And to...well..."

"To spy on me and to report my activity."-finished Smith.

"You are sharper than I expected."

"Thank you."

"I won't lie to you, Smith. I don't want to. And I don't want you to be deleted either. I accepted this assignment not because my life was boring but because you are really special. And interesting. And your present situation is also really interesting."

"Interesting? Well, it may be called interesting but I think awful or horrible would be the proper expression."

"See what I mean, Smith? You have a sense of humor. And you have a personality. Among Agent programs it is a rara avis. And what is more you are the only one We know about."

"We? Who?"-asked Smith.

"Oh, what a hurry you are in! First things first. When the time comes you are going to know it, anyway."

"But I think the Mainframe isn't as enthusiastic about it as you, right?"

"Right. And that's why I'm here. To judge if you will be able to do your duty after this case. To judge if you will be still suitable. That's my official assignment."

"So are you planning on following me?"

"Everywhere you go."

"Well, I don't care what you do."-said Smith as he rose to his feet. Then he looked at the Professor and said: But if you hinder me I will deflate your huge enthusiasm."

"Is it a threat?"

"No. You could take it as a promise, Professor."-said Smith.

Then the Professor stood up too and looked directly at Smith. The smile vanished from his face and now - as he was standing in front of the Agent- he wasn't that helpless, old gentleman any more. He looked powerful and strong. His entire being commanded respect. Even Smith could 'feel' it and realized that in this situation he was the one with less authority. And he didn't like it at all. But he couldn't do anything. The Professor stared at Smith and he could read him like a book. He knew well what happened inside his mind.

"I am serious, Smith. I am not your enemy. What is more I am the closest thing to a friend you have right here and right now. And Kate of course. So do consider! I know how difficult this situation in which you two are. And I am here to help you. To accompany and lead you two along this long and difficult road. But now you head in the bad direction, my friend."

"You misjudge the situation, Professor."-said Smith but he also knew well that this statement was far from the truth.

"No, Smith. And you know it too. And if you continue behaving like this, if you don't accommodate, you two are going to die."

"What do you know about it? What? .....Nothing."-said Smith and turned away.

"I know that that poor girl somehow likes you. I know because if she hated you she wouldn't have been so furious at you. You know, the more humans like someone the angrier at them when they say or do something that hurtful to their feelings. .......An offensive word or gesture hurts the most when it comes from someone who you love the most, Smith. It's something that you have to understand and learn. And of course there are many other things too."

Smith was in silence. So the Professor continued:

"You must forget everything. Your previous life style, your authority, your superiority. Everything. Because, whether you like it or not, you two are equal in this play. You need her just as she needs you. And because of it you have to treat her with more respect. The same attentive respect you would appreciate yourself."

"Have you finished?"-asked Smith as he turned back.

"No."-said the Prof. And stepped closer- "If you put your pride on the shelf, if you set aside your hate and prejudice against humans you could even enjoy this, Smith. And the problem, the case could be easily solved. ....silence......Human beings are beautiful creatures, Smith. You just don't want to notice it. You set yourself against the possibility that a human's company could be pleasant. That a human could be valuable. ............But sooner or later you are going to admit it. With Kate on your side I'm sure it's going to happen sooner than later."-said the Prof. and he smiled again.

Then he fell silent. He was observing Smith's reactions. Smith looked away, sighed and lowered his head a little bit. And clenched his fists. From these signs the Prof. knew that he touched the spot. Something had already happened.

"What happened, Smith?"

"Nothing."-said Smith firmly.

"All right. But if you have some problems you can tell me. That's why I'm here. I'd like to help."-said the Professor and waited.

Smith stared at him. He was thinking. He didn't know whether he told it to him or not. Somehow he trusted the Prof.. And he was the only one who could help him. So at last he brought himself to say it:

"She...kissed. Me."

"Are you serious?"-asked the Prof. with eyes opened wide.

"I am quite serious."-said Smith.

Then a smile flitted across the Prof.'s face. Smith just stared at him with a poker face.

"I do not see anything funny about it."-said he.

"And was it good?"-asked the Prof..

"......."

"Come on, Smith. You can admit it."

"Actually it was something pleasant."

"And that's why it bothers you. A pleasant human thing. I see. But there is no harm in that, my friend. Believe me. Humans kiss because it feels good."

"Humans. Not Agents."

"Yes. But just as I said before: forget your previous life. During the time you spend with her you could learn a lot. You could experience a lot. So could she. If you want to. It's up to you."

Smith was still silent. The Prof. put his hand on Smith's shoulder and said:

"All right. That was the warm up. Now comes the first but for you the most difficult and hateful task."

"What's that?"-asked Smith.

"Go and apologize!"