This next chapter sort of has a twist around it. It involves LM finding a way to get close to Merovingian, even if it means joining sides with him.

Chapter Notes

The club "Hell" is like the one from Revolution. There's also a part from the action movie, xXx.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Matrix.

Chapter 15: Can't Beat em', Join em'

The black Hummer drove down the lone street in the dark night. The only people that were on the sidewalk were just prostitutes and homeless people, not to mention a few cops in their police cars. LM was watching it all through the back seat window.

Roland: You're pretty interested on the view on the outside.

LM looked at Roland who was sitting in the front seat.

LM: Yeah, it's kind of strange you know. That everything I see here is real but it's actually not.

Roland: You'll get use to it; all rookies always have this feeling. You just need to accept it, that's all.

LM: Right.

The Hummer then drove into a parking lot and descended down to the lower levels. But this parking lot continued deeper and deeper until it reached the ground floor. The Hummer then parked at an empty spot not far from what appeared to be a structure with a stone circular frame with a red background and elevator doors made of steel.

LM: So is this the place?

Roland: Yes. It's not much on the outside, but what's inside is where we going to search. The guards don't know that we're the enemy, so it would be easy for us to get in. Colt you stay in the car in case we need a get away. The rest of you are with me. Let's go.

Roland, Cas, Mauser, and LM got out of the Hummer and approached the club without any detection from the bouncers. They entered the elevator as Cas pushed the button labeled "Hell" and the shaft went down. LM then noticed the Hammers team taking out their pistols and small automatic rifles.

LM: Whoa, wait a sec. We're going to storm in and crash the party?

Roland: If we're going to do that, we would be dead when we get there. Weapons aren't allowed in the club, some type rules and policies bull shit. At the bottom of the elevator, there's a coat checker checking both coats and guns. If we turn in our weapons, we're in.

LM: And what happens if we don't.

Roland: Then start praying.

The elevator then approached the bottom floor, making a ding noise. The metal doors then opened and a female in a white wig and a silk green dress approached them.

Female: Good evening and welcome to Club Hell. All weapons must be left in the coat check just ahead. Have a nice day.

The Hammers team then approached the coat check and LM noticed a couple of people standing around the stone pillars holding their rifles and pistols. When they were at the coat checkers booth, they put their pistols and sub-machine guns on the metal table. Even LM took his weaponry belt off around him and placed it on the table.

Coat Checker: Can I have your coat please?

LM: I'm keeping my trench coat thank you.

Coat Checker: Very well.

LM then followed the Hammers to a stairway ascending down. When they went downstairs, LM noticed that he's at a dance hall filled with strange freaks and weirdoes wearing tight black leather suits, spike straps, and different kinds of masks. He got freaked out for a second but then shook it off and head to the bar where the Hammers were at. He tried not to look back but couldn't handle the fact that he was surrounded by freak shows and lesbians.

Bartender: O.K. bud what do you want.

LM looked up and saw a bartender that has a gas mask on his face.

LM: Can I have a Coke?

The bartender nodded and looks through the drinking selves for the soda dispenser.

LM: When I have a first mission, I thought that it would be like some James Bond type of shit. I wasn't expecting an entire ballroom filled with psychopathic, twisted, deranged, nuts form the underworld.

Mauser: Well this is one reason why the club is called Hell. Besides, you always have to-

LM: I know, expect the unexpected. Jesus Christ I'm starting to have second thoughts about taking the red pill.

Roland: There he is.

The Hammers team looked up at a balcony and saw a man in his mid thirties wearing a very expensive suit.

French Man: Bonsoir amis. How's everyone doing tonight?

The crowd cheers.

French Man: Très bien. I just want you all to know that in a few days I'm going prove to the pathetic world out there that I will strike. And soon the world will belong to me, Merovingian. But for now, ferme nous célébrer!

The crowd cheers yet again and went back to their business. LM then turned his head away from the balcony and drank his Coke.

LM: I got a funny feeling that the guy speaking French up there is Merovingain.

Roland: You are correct. Merovingain owns this club and many others; he's most likely a rich tycoon in the underworld business. But underneath all that billionaire crap is an evil program determine to take over the Matrix his own way. He's planning on something, which could be the reason why he stole a device. If we could get close enough to the French man, then maybe we could find out what he's up to.

LM thought about it for a moment then remembered what the Oracle said to him.

The Oracle's voice: You have to make the right decisions in order for you to get closer to your enemies.

LM: Hey Captain, did you say that the guards think we're just harmless spectators.

Roland: Yes, why did you ask?

LM: I'm just wondering that's all. (standing up) I'm heading for the restroom.

LM then left the bar, but didn't head for a restroom. Instead, with a smirk on his face, he had an idea. At the staircase entrance that lead up to the balcony, two people were guarding it. One was skinny male with pale skin; the other was an athletic black male with some strange tattoo design on his face. They were just talking when LM approached them.

LM: Hey guys, how ya doin'? I'm looking for Merovingian. Can I talk to him?

Before they could stop him, LM rushed past the guards and ran up the curved staircase with the guards following him. LM then made it to the balcony level where Merovingian was. Sitting next to him was a beautiful woman wearing a red sexy dress and has a Japanese hairstyle. In the other seat is a homeless man with messy hair and beard, old clothes, and on one of his arms were different varieties of watches.

LM: Hey, you must be Merovingain. Just the person I-

Suddenly two guards pulled out their 1911 pistols and pointed them at the back of LM's head. LM felt it from behind him and knew what was coming. He had to think fast before things get worse.

LM: Hey, what's the deal? I thought that there are no guns allowed in here.

Merovingian: Only my men can carry their weapons to protect me. However this is a private party and you're not invited.

LM: Come on homes can you just-

LM then heard a noise behind him, meaning that pistols are ready to fire.

Merovingian: Get out.

LM got the French man's attention and went to phase two.

LM: Fine, I know when I'm not invited. But don't come crying to me when rebels start crashing your party.

LM started to head downstairs but Merovingian stopped him.

Merovingian: Bouchez droit labas. What are you talking about?

LM smiled as his plan was working.

LM: First, tell your guards to put away their pistols, I feel very uncomfortable with them around me.

Merovingian signaled the guards and they put away their pistols.

Merovingian: Now, you're saying that rebels are in my club? Ou es elles?

LM walked up to the edge of the balcony and pointed at the bar.

LM: You see those three at the bar?

Merovingain sat up off the comfy sofa chair and headed to the end of the balcony. He looked at what LM pointed and saw the Hammers crew sitting at the bar waiting for someone.

Merovingian: We…

LM: Well technically, they're rebels from another town that hate clubs like this. They said that they are waiting for some of their colleagues to trash the place and rip it to pieces. If I were you, I would kick them out of the club before it gets way ugly.

Merovingian agreed with him and gestured one of the guards to come here. He then whispered something in the guard's ear and he and another guard headed downstairs to get to the bar area. LM observed the view and saw the guards approach the Hammers. They all had an argument and then the team got kicked out of the club in a second. LM chuckled to himself after that little stunt.

Merovingian: You are very observant my friend. Tell me, how did you know about this?

LM: I over heard them while I was at the bar. So I pretended on not listening.

Merovingian: Very clever my dear boy. Tell me what's you're name?

LM: My real name is Luis Javier Morgado, but my friends call me LM.

Merovingian: LM, quite an interesting name. Please, sit, relaxer.

LM followed Merovingian to the sitting area. And sat one on of the sofa chairs.

Merovingian: Boisson?

LM: Uh… No thanks, I'm cool.

Merovingain: Very well then. I would like you to meet my beloved wife, Persephone.

Persephone just sat there silently not saying a word.

LM: Nice to see a lovely lady like you miss. (looking at the homeless person) And what's up with the homeless guy? Trying to give the poor the rich life?

Merovingian: That's my transporter that delivers my equipment. His name is the Trainman.

LM: Trainman? That's the most stupidest name I've ever heard.

Trainman: Oh really, then what's with your name, LM, that sounds so lame.

LM: Well at least I don't dress like a slob (sniffed and covered his nose) and took a bath at a dumpster.

Trainman: And what the hell that means?

LM: (standing up and approached the Trainman) It means that you don't look much like a professional and I think your better off with my fist up your-

A guard blocked LM's path and protected the Trainman.

Merovingian: My apologize, but I don't want anyone hurting the Trainman or any of my associates.

LM then looked at the Trainman and noticed the small smirk and a snicker on his face.

LM: Fine… (returning to his seat and sat down) So, you said that the Trainman transports equipment, what kind of equipment?

Merovingian: Supplies, weapons, technology, l'habituel merde

LM: I see, and does the Trainman transport specific devices like… maybe… I don't know… ones that can destroy a city?

Merovingian was shocked when he heard what LM said.

Merovingian: How did you know about this?

LM: Let's just say that I heard it through the grapevine. You know, all the underground chat rooms been hearing rumors about a certain rich man having a dangerous weapon.

Merovingian: Ah… I never knew I could be that popular. So you're interested in my little project of mine?

LM: You could say that.

Merovingian: Then why don't you tell me about your record?

LM knew that he was going to say that, so he decided to lie to him about his life.

LM: Well for starters, I once killed a kid last year. Shot him with a bullet wound to his head. It was the first time I ever did that in my life. After that, I decided to run away from home and meet my teacher, who is without a doubt, the greatest fighter I had ever seen. He taught me everything he knows about survival, from hand-to-hand combat to weapons defense. After my teachings, I was on my own, fighting my way towards survival from back alleyways to dark streets. If anyone gets in my way, they won't last long. So am I qualified?

Merovingian: (small snicker) You're quite a crude heartless man my dear LM. I like that in you. I can sense a bright future ahead of you. You're in.

LM: (in thought) Perfect, my plan is working. He's not suspecting anything at all. How gullible. (talking) Thank you, I really appreciate it. So, when am I going to see this device of yours?

Merovingian: Soon my ami, soon. But right now, it's getting late. I think we should all get some rest at my Chateau in the mountains.

LM: The mountains? Do you know how far away it is?

Merovingian: Not from where we're going. Come my love and LM, follow me.

Merovingian and Persephone sat up from their sofa chairs and left, LM then followed them but noticed the Trainman still sitting there.

LM: Hey, what about the Trainman?

Merovingian: Don't worry about him LM; he has a tight schedule to keep after this.

LM then continued following the two couples downstairs from the balcony and out of the club. Meanwhile, in the parking lot outside the club, the black Hummer was in its usual parking space with the Hammers team, minus LM, is in it.

Colt: So let me get this straight, you were in the club starting your investigation when the guards show up and said that all of you pose a threat.

Roland: Colt, how many times have we been over this for?

Colt: I'm sorry captain but it was kind of shocking after what happened. How did they know you three were Zion's soldiers?

Roland: I don't know, and I don't care. All I know is that Merovingian is going to bloody pay for this.

Cas: Hey, aren't we 1 member short of a team?

Mauser: Yeah, where's LM?

Roland: For all I know, dead. If those guards found out about us, they must've found out about him.

Cas: Either that or LM got his head stuck in the toilet seat.

They all were laughing at that joke, but then stopped as they see Merovingian, his wife, and a few bodyguards walked out of the club.

Roland: There's Merovingian and his wife, but it looks like they got some tough bodyguards. Best not attack now or it will be a bloody mess.

Mauser: Good idea, better safe then sorry. Wait a second; is that guy behind them who I think he is?

The rest of the team got a closer and noticed one of the guards look exactly like…

The Hammers: LM?

Cas: What the hell is he doing?

Roland: Don't know. But if we get involved then we'll cause more of a problem. Let's jack out from the Matrix and contact the Commander about this situation.

The Hummer then left the parking lot and disappeared into the darkness. Meanwhile, LM followed Merovingian to two double doors in what appears to be an entrance to some kind of storage area.

Merovigian: We're here.

LM: Where's here? This looks like nothing but two doors that will lead to nowhere.

Merovingian: Patience ami, patience.

Merovingian took out a key from his suit pocket and inserted it into the key slot. Once the doors were opened and they all went through it, LM noticed he wasn't in the storage room. Instead, he was in what appeared to be a main lobby of a fabulous mansion with two curved stairways on each side, many statues, and swords and other sharp weapons on the walls.

LM: Whoa… Nice place you got here Merv.

Merovingian: Merci beaucoup, it is my home away from home. Please follow me.

LM continued to follow Merovingian and his wife, Persephone, into one of the corroders of the main room and proceeded down a narrow hallway. From there they entered a private room where LM saw two people watching what appeared to be some type of vampire movie. The two men looked at LM and took action by taking their pistols out.

Merovingian: It's all right garcons; he's with us.

The two men then put their pistols away knowing that Merovingian said he's harmless.

Merovingain: LM meet Cain and Abel, they are my henchmen. They serve me and I tell them to do whatever I want them to do.

Persephone: In short, my husband let them do his dirty work.

Merovingian: (looking at Persephone) Persephone. (looking at LM) Forgive me LM; she's always negative about everything.

LM: Huh… You should see one of the students at my high school, she such a nuisance.

Merovingian: Quite. Cain, give LM a grand tour of the Chateau and show him to his room.

Cain: Yes sir. Come, this way.

Cain exited the private room as LM followed him. For fifteen minutes, Cain showed LM the mansion. He a showed him the ballroom, the dining room, the rec room, library, theater, a weapons museum, the grand court room, and even the secret passages of the mansion. After the grand tour, Cain and LM walk down a long hallway until they stop at a door.

Cain: And this is your room.

Cain opened the door that leads to the guest bedroom. LM walked through it and looked at his surroundings. There was a single bed with lamps on both ends, a nightstand, a bookcase filled with books, a closet, a work desk, and a window.

Cain: Have a pleasant night.

Cain closed the door behind LM as LM took off his trench coat and weaponry belt, which it was returned to him at the coat check at the club, and put them on the chair. He then approached the window and opened it, showing him a view of the night sky and the icy mountains. While looking at the view, LM thought about what he's going to do next.

LM: This is too easy. I gained Merovingian's trust, entered his mansion, and he didn't suspect a thing. I feel bad about what I did to the Hammers, but hey I had to think of way to get Merv's trust in hand. And since I'm here, I better find out what he's up to and locate this device that can destroy a system. Oh well, tomorrow I'll start searching.

LM then jumped on his bed and start sleeping, hoping that he'll get started on the task at hand.

End of Chapter 15. If anyone doesn't understand French, here's the English translation of the words that were written on this chapter.

Bonsoir amis – Good evening friends
Ferme nous celebrer – Let us celebrate
Tres Bien – Very good
Ou es elles – Where are they
Bouchez droit labas – Stop right there
Relaxer – Relax
Boisson – Drink
L'habitual merde – The usual shit
We – yes
Merci beaucoup – Thank you
garcons – Boys

Don't worry people, LM's not turning heel. Let's just say he's doing a little undercover work. Wait till you see the next chapter when you see what device Merovingian has. Please Review.