Disclaimer: I own none of the Matrix.
A/N: Thank you, Reviewers!!. I'm very pleased you all like it so much, I never dreamed of this story getting such a reception!!.
Locke slowly stepped forward, regarding Smith with small, furious eyes.
Smith said nothing; he just stood there, looking. He knew that Locke was going to have his say before Smith met his fate, and nothing he could say or do could stop it.
Locke said nothing, he turned to the others, who moved up towards where Locke was standing, about five paces away from Smith, who looked docile and controlled, but was in mental turmoil.
"Smith..." Locke said finally, his voice boiling with hatred.
Smith didn't know whether to answer or not, so he just stood there, and kept his silence. He also understood that his fate was now out of his hands, his just desserts where in control of these Rebels, and he knew that it meant death, and there was nothing he or anyone else could do to change it. Smith's heart was beating harshly in his chest, and his stomach was busy doing a circus act of knots and twirls.
"Let me ask you something." Locke spat, talking through gritted teeth. "What do you think you deserve?."
Smith was shocked into silence. He only stood there, regarding Locke with surprised eyes. What... what do I think?. By God, I think... I think they're giving me a choice. Thank God for small favours.
Finally, Smith gathered his courage and spoke as confidently as he could.
"What I deserve..." Smith paused, as if considering how to answer. "...Is probably death." His heart jumped in his throat, and he could feel panic rising and wanting to take control.
Laughter rippled throughout the group of Rebels, but there was only evil in those laughs, and not even a trace of humour.
"You hear that?!." One of them said, with a crisp British accent. "He thinks he should die!!."
The Rebels laughed as if this was the funniest thing in the world. Smith was beginning to get very frightened indeed.
"We thought you of all people would know there is a fate worse than death, Smith." Locke growled.
Locke seemed to advance, then thought better of it, stopping in mid-step.
"But first." The British Rebel said, grinning. "We have a few questions for you, O Great Feared Agent Smith." He cracked his knuckles as he said this, trying his hand at being intimidating. It wasn't working out very well for him.
"Fine." Smith said, not caring about the questions, he just wanted out, he didn't want to be here, he wanted to be safe, hidden away somewhere. He found himself wishing that even a little smidgen of human compassion would show it's face today. He doubted it would.
"Is Neo alive?." A redheaded female asked, her voice wavering.
There it was, that question. The question he had no idea how to answer, the question that would probably make them change their minds and think; 'No, there isn't nothin' worse than death, let's kill this Mother.'
"I honestly don't know. He is probably out there somewhere, logically speaking. If I am here, my Positive must be somewhere. But I don't actually know, rules may not apply here, as this isn't exactly an ordinary situation." Smith was surprised by the calmness in his own voice, If only I felt as calm as I sound. He thought.
"You're lying!!." The British Rebel screamed, lunging forwards and grabbing Smith roughly by the neck. "Don't lie to us, it won't help you!!."
"Eli!!." The red-head yelled. "Let him go!!." She sounded terrified, as if Eli had the guts to kill.
Reluctantly, Eli released his hold on Smith, and moved away, regarding him with cold empty eyes. That look reminded Smith of Shadow and his anger explosion.
"You better not be lying, Smith." Locke said, growling almost literally.
"I wish I was." Smith said, his fear was dissipating, but the panic was rising again, threatening to take control.
"Now, boss?." A deep-voiced female asked, looking at Smith as she asked.
"One moment, let me leave the area. Then, do as you will, I don't care." Locke said coldly, turning away.
This is it, Smith thought hurriedly as the group of Rebels advanced at an agonizingly slow pace. This is the end.