Part 8: Climb

Smith ascended the steps slowly, in the midst of his small group of agents. He was nervous. The Oracle's message had told him nothing of what was to be discussed today, or even why she wanted to see him -- but given their last encounter, he doubted it was a social call. Still, he knew that prolonging the inevitable would only make it worse.

Go up there and get it over with.

Collins was ahead of him on the stairs, her hand just over her gun. She was taking no chances...even if this was the abode of the Oracle. Smith wondered if she'd received information from the mainframe or from some other agent about a potential problem today. He was about to ask her what she knew when she shook her head, pressing a finger to her lips. "Someone is up there," she said softly.

Something passed between her and the others, and for a moment Smith envied the instantaneous communication the earpieces provided. Evans moved out to flank them, and Chapman stayed at the back to cover them from behind. Smith had retained most of his agent abilities, and was able to move just as quickly and quietly as they did.

As they reached the top of the steps, Collins looked to him, then to the other agents and nodded. She went first, around the corner and into the hall that led to the Oracle, with the others close behind.

"Smith," said a very familiar voice from down the corridor. "You are as punctual as ever."

"Seraph," he replied neutrally. The guardian program was waiting for them. He'd known they were coming, of course. "We're here to see the Oracle."

"I know," he said, with a slight smile. "But there is something that must be done first, as you are well aware."

With that pronouncement, the AI bowed, then went into fighting stance.

Smith's eyes narrowed skeptically. He knew those who came to the Oracle were often tested (even Neo had gone through it) and that Seraph believed he could never really know someone without fighting them. But they'd been summoned by the Oracle herself. And he had already fought Seraph, a long time ago. What was the purpose of this?

He supposed it didn't matter. If he had to prove himself, he would; and he copied the position the guardian had assumed.

Seraph raised his hand. "Not you," he said, then glanced at Agent Collins. "Her."

Smith blinked in surprise, but stepped back just as the team leader moved forward. From this close, he could see behind her sunglasses...and it was the first time he'd seen anything in her brown eyes other than the impassive, detached look she'd had since their first meeting. There was a spark of something there that looked suspiciously like anticipation.

Collins assumed the 'ready' position, while Evans and Chapman watched attentively. Smith was also curious as to the abilities of these new agents. This would be interesting, to say the least.

It was only a brief exercise, a sparring match really, but it evidently was enough to tell Seraph what he wanted to know. It was also enough for Smith to see that there was absolutely nothing second-rate about his new security team. Collins' style of fighting was similar to that of most agents, but with a few less-typical moves thrown in. Her lower center of gravity changed her leverage from that of a male agent, but the same amount of power channeled through a smaller area increased the relative force of her punches and kicks. (The old 'snowshoe' analogy, Neo's memories told him.) She also used response tactics different than those favored by his former team. An incoming blow could be dodged, deflected, absorbed (not the most preferable option, as it required taking it full force), or prevented; and Collins used prevention as a strategy frequently. She would grab on and hold, or interfere with her opponent's positioning for a move, or not let him build enough momentum to carry one through. She was certainly more inventive than Thompson.

Seraph stepped back and bowed, indicating that the match was over. Collins also bowed, then resumed her place with Smith and the others.

"You looked like you were really enjoying yourself there," observed Smith, as she flicked her hair back into place.

"It was pleasant," she agreed. "And quite refreshing."

Seraph smiled at her. "You were holding back," he accused mildly.

The agent looked thoughtful. "I did not wish to cause any property damage."

Seraph appeared to accept this, and ushered them into the apartment.

Smith knew the Oracle usually preferred conducting business in her kitchen, so he wasn't surprised when he saw that was where the other program was leading them. He was startled, however, at the sight that greeted him once they were inside.

Sati was there.

The little girl was playing happily, skipping across the living room when they came in. She stopped when she saw Smith, then rushed to hide behind Seraph, peeking out from behind him. Her eyes were huge.

Smith guiltily remembered the last words he'd said to her..."I'm not so bad, once you get to know me." She was terrified. And then he'd copied himself into her. Neo's memories showed him how truly unpleasant this was -- it was like dying, Neo had said. And he was right.

Smith was overcome by something he once would have believed impossible for him to feel. He was ashamed.

By now, the girl seemed to have gathered enough courage to come out from behind Seraph. Cautiously, she went up to Smith, never taking her eyes off him. "Hello."

"Hello, Sati," he said. For an instant he thought about dropping down to her level, but that would probably only remind her of their last meeting, and he didn't want to frighten her any more. "How are you today?"

"I'm fine," she replied, looking down for a moment and swinging her foot in front of her, just as a shy human child might.

"I'm very sorry I scared you before." He hoped she could tell he meant it.

"I know." Sati looked up at him with her big brown eyes. "The Oracle said you were sick then, but you're not anymore. She says you're OK now."

He smiled, a nice smile this time. "I certainly hope so."

Sati smiled back. Smith was glad; maybe this child still had enough innocence to forgive him. It was odd to think of an AI as innocent, but it was an accurate description. Neo had been surprised at her existence, and even more surprised that her parents had feelings for her...they weren't extraordinarily advanced AI's, yet they had still developed strong emotions. He'd known all about the Merovingian's desire for power, but he hadn't expected these programs to say they loved their daughter.

He also wasn't quite sure exactly how two programs reproduced.

Meanwhile, Collins was looking at Sati with obvious curiosity. "You are a program," she stated, and the little girl nodded. "What is your purpose?"

"I don't have one."

Collins just looked perplexed, but before she could ask anything else, the door to the kitchen opened.

The Oracle had arrived.