A/N-D/C: The matrix is not mine. You should know this by now.
The dark, depressing surface of earth was not a good place for humans to be. And yet, here he was.
It really was amazing, after all, he was alive, he was aware, and he was having his revenge on Zion. This is what you get for murdering my brother, Zion. This is what you get.
However, at the moment, he wasn't thinking of revenge, he was cowering in front of a cold, calculating machine who, had it been able to feel, would be very, very angry.
"You placed them together." Said the machine, his voice toneless and metallic from a mechanical diaphragm.
"Well, yes."
"Why?"
He froze, cringing at the inquiry.
"Why, Mark?"
Mark shuddered with disgust at his name. Such a common, filthy coppertop name that his parents had given him out of longing for a lost son who later showed up with an inane, but eroded belief and the name Cypher. It reminded him of everything he hated about the matrix, and it irked him that the crew of the Nebuchadnezzar had refused to change it, only dropped him off at Zion and sped off to find the One.
"I..."
"What was it that compelled you to risk the success of this entire operation?"
"Well, you see," Mark grinned meekly and laughed. "She was such a nice girl." He did have a shred of decency, but it was buried under years of hurt, only peeking out when it saw fit.
"You felt compassion for this child?" The machine leaned forward, focusing on the trembling Mark.
"Yes. Yes I did." Mark muttered curtly, his eyes downcast. "She spoke of her brother while I was gathering them. She said her brother wasn't really her brother, but she loved him so. She was distressed that I had placed him and the other boys in another part of the city. So, I..."
"Placed her near him."
"Yes. And I realize now that it was a mistake."
The machine eyed him blearily. It lifted one, dagger-like tentacle and slowly weaved it about Mark.
"We will not do anything now. It is too late. I would hope they do not realize the truth, for your sake."
Mark nodded uneasily and began to backpedal away from the machine and down the corridor. As soon as he was sure he was far enough that the machine didn't see him, he broke off into a run. You wouldn't stay alive here if you didn't know when to split.
Mwuha! Short chappie! Much thanks to Princess of Dalidon for inspiring me for this part. She made a very good point, and I decided to write up a reason. :)