Chapter Five
"Yes, you, sir are a prime suspect, because not only do you seem nervous at the thought of being considered a suspect, but you also hold the codes to the gates of Zion. Furthermore, you are a key component to the military, yet you always seem pessimistic about winning this war against the machines. You, sir, will be the first "man" or program to be submitted to the test. This test will involve questioning of people close to you and a few other components not to be revealed until I see fit. In the mean time, you will be held in the Zion jail." Crystal spoke with the voice of authority, and the whole situation seemed to make the general perspire more than Crystal every thought possible.
The general grumbled, mumbled and tried unsuccessfully to defend his case, but the counsel could see right through him: he was lying through his teeth. Neo smiled at Crystal, and she gave him a thumbs-up sign like everything would be fine and that he wouldn't have to risk his life anymore. However, whenever Neo smiled at Crystal, Trinity clung to Neo's arm possessively, as if challenging Crystal to steal him.
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The general sat in the interrogation room, stolidly staring at the wall and trying hard to keep his cool, just like the earpiece in his ear had told him to do. Crystal paced back and forth, asking him several simple questions, such as, "Where were you born?" "When were you unplugged from the Matrix?" "Who were your parents?"
The general sighed and responded all questions, stuttering, which caused Crystal to pause and wonder brainwashed to answer all questions coolly. Crystal was mystified, wondering what the general's real story actually was. Scratching her head, Crystal proceeded in her investigation by asking more simple questions, and then after many quick responses, she asked him one that cause him to hesitate for over five minutes: "Who do you work for?"
"That's funny, a brain-washed person wouldn't hesitate like this general has been doing...I have a feeling that the agents have threatened him with something, like the kidnapping of someone dear to him, so he has been forced to do their bidding, the reason why he's so nervous, he doesn't want to lose what's dear to him," contemplated Crystal.
Crystal paused her questioning while she tried to figure out a solution to deceive the agents and get the general to give them false codes. The idea hit her like lightning and a grin spread across her face. It was so simple! She felt incredibly idiotic that she hadn't thought of the idea before.
Quietly, Crystal removed the earpiece from the general and destroyed it with her laser. This only caused the general to look even more frantic and try to retrieve the earpiece by throwing himself into the fire. Exasperated, Crystal pulled him out and put a finger to her lips. She wrote on a piece of paper:
Don't worry; whatever you were blackmailed with has been cancelled because the laser sent imperceptible signals that have told the agents that you are supposedly dead. Those signals have also told the agents a fake code that leads them into a likeness of Zion, except with no people. Those signals have just saved Zion, but it won't be long before they try another attack. Now, all you have to do is stay out of The Matrix and change the codes so that no more sentinels get in here, but of course after you have betrayed Zion, you will constantly be watched. Ok, the earpiece is now completely destroyed so now you can speak normally.
The bald, wrinkled general sighed in relief and kissed Crystals feet in gratitude. However, his tears of joy became tears of grief as he crumpled to the ground and sobbed uncontrollably. Mystified, Crystal pulled him to his feet and gently asked him why he sobbed of such grief.
"Of course, I'm happy that I don't have to anything for those freaking agents anymore, now that they won't kill my family if I don't obey their orders, but keeping me away from the Matrix is like taking away my air. My loving wife still lives in the Matrix and now that I can't see her, I might as well be dead because living without her is hell. Are you sure there isn't someway that I can go in?"
"Sir, you must understand, the agents will automatically know you're in the Matrix and kill you instantly, causing your wife to commit suicide out of her grief of your death. And you wouldn't want that, would you? There is one good side to this whole situation, though. For one thing, Zion will be safe. Because I know how painful it is to be separated from the love of your life, will still be able to communicate with your wife, but in code so the agents don't try to destroy Zion for a while. Come on, it's been a rough day for all of us, let's go have some of that "delicious" gruel."
"Miss, that gruel may be many things, nutritious, full of vitamins, keeping us alive, but it definitely isn't delicious, it's a pile of shit."
Laughing, Crystal and the general walked out of the interrogation room.
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The air was one of celebration, as all of the Nebacanezor's crew rejoiced over Crystal saving the day for the first time. Even Trinity softened her attitude towards Crystal and went as far as to say "Congratulations" with a steady hand shake that showed Trinity trusted Crystal more than before.
"I still don't trust her completely, though, because she still seems like the kind of woman who steals boyfriends just for fun...but I do trust her with the safety of Zion," declared Trinity, putting her arm around Neo.
Neo nodded, not really listening to Trinity because he was too busy observing how beautiful Crystal looked when she grabbed everyone by the hand and encouraged even the most bashful to dance.
The celebration abruptly ended when Mouse worriedly sprinted through the door, tapped Crystal on the shoulder and whispered, "They've got Peter."
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Any suggestions? You can see a drawing of Crystal at this link: http:images3.deviantart.com/i/2004/150/6/3/Crystal.jpg