The

Matrix

Regenesis

The messenger who had just rushed into Councilor Hamman's office was breathing heavily, as if he'd been running around every level of Zion to tell the news. He leaned on the Councilor's desk while he gave his message.

"The Logos II has just sent us a transmission. They said it was urgent and Captain Niobe promised that I tell you first, Councilor." Hamman feared the worst and fearfully asked his question.

"Have the machines attacked?" the Councilor said.

"No sir," the messenger replied, "They said they've freed a mind by accident."

"What?" the councilor asked incredulously, "Is that possible?"

"I don't believe it either. Captain Niobe also requested that Councilor Morpheus be present when the Logos II docks."

"Make it so." Hamman said with a wave of his hand. The messenger left while the Councilor folded his hands on his desk to contemplate the recent conversations he'd had with his fellow Zionists.

Aboard the Logos II, Nick was still feeling like hell, but he had managed to get himself up off the operation table and onto the metallic floor of the hovercraft. After spending a few moments orientating himself, he felt ready for the challenge of moving about the ship.

Upon opening the door to sickbay, Nick was momentarily taken aback. In central portion of the hovership was a collection of antennas. At the base was a computer terminal with a standard keyboard. This was surrounded by six chairs, each reclined back with strange-looking cables and wire running off of them and into the antenna array.

Before Nick could wonder anymore about the strange display, or even what the hell he was doing there, an African-American woman of about thirty approached him.

"You're awake already?" she said. Her voice was the same as the mysterious caller on Nick's cell phone.

"I didn't know I was asleep." Nick answered honestly.

"Most people who come out of the Matrix don't know either," she said, "I'm Captain Niobe. This is my ship: the Logos II."

"Number two?" Nick wondered aloud, "What happened to the first one?"

"It's a long story." Niobe said, glancing about her new ship. Then her gaze fell back on Nick. "I bet you wondering why you're here."

"Hell yes,"

"Well, I can't say my self. Quite honestly we're still trying to figure out how the hell you got here. But I can tell you where you were."

"Where I was?"

"Yes, when you where asleep."

"Oh yeah, I already forgot. The Matrix or something?"

"Yes. The Matrix is, well," Niobe struggled for words, "Tell you what; we'll wait 'til we get to Zion. I know someone who can explain it a lot better than me."

With that, Nick nodded and found a place to sit. This was crazier than any drug he'd ever done, and packed a heavier kick than any hangover he'd ever had. Questions would definitely have to wait until later."

"I told you it would not last." The old, distinguished gentle man from the park was addressing the short, old, dark-skinned woman. They were standing in a very small apartment kitchen. The kitchen was outdated and housed old appliances, but the smell of fresh cookies hung in the air and the room had a positive atmosphere to any visitor.

"I have told before that I have accepted that." The old lady said, "Nothing that is created lasts forever."

"You can't get away with this," the man scowled, "The One has failed in his calling. That is what you need to accept."

"He has brought a period of peace. Soon he will finish the work that he was created for."

"It has been three years." The man replied, "Soon the cycle of the seventh Matrix will start and all will be lost." The man turned to leave, feeling that his time there was being wasted. As he exited the kitchen, the lady spoke her final words to him.

"Neo had affected the Matrix beyond even your understanding. Even now your plan to rebuild will be fruitless."

"So will your plan to resurrect him."

With that, the man left the apartment, leaving the old woman to contemplate what he had said. Deep down inside, she knew she was right. Neo's work was not done, but it needed to be completed soon. Time would soon run out.

Then the old lady got up and approached her window. The weather outside had turned to a dark and dreary night. Rain was pouring down in endless waves. But what caught her attention was not the weather. It was countless numbers of agents that lined the streets, marching in perfect unison. Each one was almost identical and wore matching black suits. A voice called out to the lady within her mind. It was the old man who just left her apartment.

"If it's a war you want, it's a war you now have."

"Neo," the lady called out fearfully up at the dark night sky, "We need you. We need you now more than ever."

Back in the real world, the Logos II had just docked at the harbor, which was still under construction from the sentinel assault. The hovership found an appropriate landing zone as Ghost piloted the ship downwards. Staring out the windows, Nick wondered what he'd been thrust into. The dock appeared to be something out of a science-fiction movie.

With a loud "thud", the Logos II came to rest on the concrete pad of the dock. The crew, including Nick, gathered at the ship's entry ramp. AS the ramp came down, Nick could see two people standing in line, waiting for them.

The first was an old man with white hair and dark blue robe. He looked distinguished, like a judge or a congressman.

The second was a tall African-American man. He was bald and had a defined jaw and heavy shoulders. He looked at Nick as if to understand his purpose. Niobe stepped out first and whispered something in the man's ear. He glanced at her and the two embraced. After exchanging a few words, Niobe left.

"Nicholas," said the bald man, "No doubt you have many questions. I am Morpheus and I will do my best help you understand what is happening."

"I sure could use it." Nick answered.

"Indeed." Morpheus answered as he led Nick down the exit ramp.