Disclaimers: I own none of the characters that you recognize from the Matrix or the Matrix: Reloaded. They belong to the Wachowskis.

Also, in this fic they don't use 'I' 'me' 'my' 'mine' etc. Even when referring to only one of them. I think it adds a certain dramatic effect.

DUAL BIOGRAPHY

Chapter VI:  Question and Answer

"It has yet to be decided," One told them, "We will have to decide. But we are in favor of one rather then the other."

"You can go now," I said to the women, "Trinity and Niobe, correct?"

They both nodded grudgingly.

"You can go now. What was needed of you has passed. Find your exit to the real world. Morpheus shall call you later when we have reached a decision. Is that alright?"

Morpheus gives them a small nod of comfort, and the two women exit the room.

"What are we to do?" I ask One, completely ignoring the black man. It may be a mistake to explain our situation in front of him but he's going nowhere soon.

"We are unaware of a correct answer to this problem. We suspect that leaving him alive would be interesting. Perhaps he could provide some entertainment to our usually boring lives. However, that would lead into a slow energy decline, making him more stupid and much less interesting. When this stage comes perhaps we should kill him?" 

"I do not mean to interrupt," He says, "But regardless of what happens to me I am only worried for Neo right now. It would please me greatly if you could inquire upon Smith his condition. Perhaps I could help you with my handling after."

"He's so selfless," One comments with a smirk, "First Niobe, and now The One. Amusing."

"Agreed. He may be correct though. The man has helped us out of the previous situation, and he may be able to suggest this one as well." I raise an eyebrow, "What do you suggest, One?"

"Maybe------"

"The question was posed to my brother, not you." I snapped, "You should speak only when spoken too."

I can tell he's thinking about his earlier statement. He, indeed, was not spoken too and the information was good. There was a pause.

"Two. Perhaps the honor you speak of could apply again?"

"That is stretching the limit, don't you think, One? He can jack back into the Matrix anywhere, anytime. How are we to get him back?"

One's eyes widen. I am currently unaware of his sudden discovery (during a conversation it is hard to access the other's mind…kind of like hacking the person you're chatting with.) I don't know what the puzzle pieces or the answer is to his breakthrough but I am sure he'll tell me. "Smith……"

"What?"

"That is what Smith intends to do! He intends to starve The One!"

OF course! Smith is applying the knowledge that's hindering us to his advantage. Why hadn't it occurred to us earlier? Morpheus glanced at me suspiciously, but the man was not in my thinking right now "One, if he is weak, then perhaps he can be more EASILY MANIPULATED!"

Now it is One's turn for surprise. The wheels in his mind turn, the wheels in my work instep. Next was to figure out what Smith was going to manipulate The One to do. Difficult, but it shouldn't be too complicated. He was only an AI, a sentient program. They only had a couple of options. I remember that he's an Exile now, which would indeed widen his desires and abilities. Another three steps back. This entire process is starting to frustrate me greatly. It is tempting just to kill Morpheus and continue on with our strange existence.

Morpheus looks at us both and wants to ask what we've figured out. I put a hand on One's shoulder. He turned to me, "Yes?"

"We are tempted to just to kill him and be done with this. This situation is getting out of hand."

"We have no qualms against that. Go ahead." One  says and shrugs his shoulders, "If you want to then you may."

"Kill me if you wish," He replies, but I can see his throat constrict in fear, "But if so I ask only one favor of you two. Save Neo."

"Why should we listen?"

"You need not. I only request it of you."

One looks up in a moment of contemplation.

"Weak rebels can be more easily manipulated……why should it only apply to Smith?"

I immediately understand, but don't reply. A silence settles amongst the three of us as the virtual sun sets on the virtual horizon. Beautiful in a peaceful way. I wave my hand at Morpheus in a dismissing gesture, "Go make yourself useful. You can sleep on the futon in the guest bedroom."

He nods, and exits. One quirks an eyebrow at me suspiciously but doesn't ask. He notes to me he's retreating back into our bedroom for a couple of hours, and then also departs.

AN~~

I know this is a short chapter but I wanted to put the next chunk together.