Matrix: The Other Blue Pill

Some of you veterans know this story well, as it was my ongoing fan fic for over a year. I've decided to return it to where it started...

Characters and story except for Matrix Characters are copyright of Hitman. ...so don't steal my stuff, kay?

As the doors on the ship closed, Hitman couldn't help but wonder the same two questions he wondered every time he passed the metal plaque on the wall. He read the commission date, September 16, 2077, as well as the manufacturing location, Maryland, USA1, before settling on the name of the ship. It was then, as always that he asked himself the same question. "Who the hell would name their ship the Viagra? And for that matter, how did I inherit a ship called the Viagra?" Hitman thought these were pretty important questions. Granted, the Viagra was one of the fastest ships in the fleet, but having a ship named after an impotence pill just wasn't right. Every time he received messages from the other captains in the fleet, he just knew they couldn't help but snicker. Hitman understood; hell, he'd probably do the same thing in their position.

Hitman sat in the captain's chair and sighed heavily. The Viagra was out on patrol searching for signs of the machines. It'd been quiet lately. Too quiet. The elders were nervous. The Matrix had seen very little agent activity lately, and the sentinels in the real world had all but disappeared. It seemed fishy, to put it mildly. The council had instructed the Viagra to patrol the lowest depths of what they believed to have once been New York City for any signs of machine activity. A simple scout mission. So why was Hitman so uneasy? He knew that a few other captains were fairly nearby: Oracle 2.0 of the Capricorn and Macleod of the Watcher, who were two of his closest friends (even though they probably laughed the hardest when Hitman told them the name of his ship); yet, something about this mission just didn't sit well.

"Hitman...we got problems..." The voice belonged to Solo, Hitman's number one and best friend. "Something's coming our way...something HUGE..." Hitman didn't like the sound of that at all. Hitman looked at Solo, then at the monitors. "Solo...take us in. Let's see what we've got down there." "Surely you must be joking...you want to investigate instead of lying low?" Solo questioned. Hitman grinned and said, "I'm not joking...and don't call me Shirley..." Solo laughed. "All right then...you do know how to take the edge off a situation...here we go." The Viagra's engines hummed softly as it skimmed the surface of what used to be Central Park. Few landmarks remained as what used to be one of America's greatest metropolises now lie in nearly unrecognizable ruin. The Empire state building was one of the few remaining New York standards, and even it was covered in debris and dust. As they approached it, however, both Hitman and Solo became extremely uneasy. Then they saw why.

"Sweet fancy Moses...what the hell is THAT?" As Solo pointed, Hitman's eyes grew huge and his jaw dropped. At first glance it appeared as though the Empire State Building was breathing. But both men knew better. As the grew closer, they realized that it was much much worse. It was a swarm. The biggest swarm of sentinels ever assembled. "We've gotta warn the others...NOW!" Hitman shouted. Solo grabbed the controls and began to back away to keep from drawing attention...but it was too late. One sentinal on the outside edge of the swarm had already sensed the Viagra's engines. The swarm surged, bulged, and then all turned in their direction. It was about that time that he knew he'd need a new pair of underwear...very very soon..."Get us out of here!!" Hitman shouted again. Solo masterfully spun the Viagra 180 degrees and accelerated away from the swarming Sentinels.

As they surged after the ship, neither Solo nor Hitman could get over one simple fact: They were on board THE VIAGRA. Despite the obvious gravity of the situation, the two couldn't help but crack jokes. "You know why they're after us, right, Hitman?" Solo queried. Hitman grinned. "Yeah, of course...even the machines know the power of Viagra!" Solo laughed. "So...now what do we do?" Hitman wiped his brow. "Well, Solo, old chum, I think it's time we went to plan B." Solo glared at Hitman. "What am I, Robin to your Batman? Don't ever call me 'old chum' again!" "All right, all right...no need to get snippy," Hitman quipped, "OK...plan B is simple...we haul @$$ outta here." Solo grinned, "I guess that's why you're the captain...but, uh, don't you think we should radio for help?" "Yeah...that's the second part of plan B."

The Viagra skimmed the surface of the scorched earth as its pursuers surged after it. The swarm surged and then split into three groups which attempted to close in on all sides.

"They're closing on us, boss," Solo said, a bit nervous. Hitman grinned. "I learned this from an old movie back when I was plugged into the Matrix...remember Top Gun?" Solo smiled, "Yeah, of course...it's a classic..." Hitman looked at the monitors. "We'll hit the brakes, and they'll fly right by us." Solo looked a bit sheepish, then replied, "You sure about that? I mean, they probably saw that movie too..." Hitman grinned. "Good one, Solo...on my mark. 3...2...1...now!!!" The swarm moved and surged in on all sides. The Viagra tilted forward at a nearly 90 degree angle and the swarm closed in on itself, destroying most of the machines. "Vertical lift, NOW!" The Viagra shot straight up, spun around and high tailed it for the nearest underground tunnel.

"This is Captain Hitman, can anyone read me? We've a serious situation here. Please respond." Hitman waited nervously for a response as Solo navigated the dark, silent tunnels. "This is Captain Hitman...we've an emergency situation here...come back..." Hitman hoped to receive word from Macleod or Oracle 2.0, but instead his response was the voice of a stranger. "This is Truth of the Velocity....you've got trouble?" Hitman relaxed a little. "You could say that...we've got the biggest swarm of sentinels since the 6th war down here...looks like they're gearing up for something...something big..." "OK Hitman...I hear you. I'll escort you back to New Zion...by the way, what ship did you say you were with?" Hitman sighed and looked at Solo, who looked away. "The Viagra," he replied. The radio was silent. "Truth? Hitman calling the Velocity, are you there? Truth? Velocity, come in...." The radio remained silent. Hitman became agitated. "Velocity...come in....Aw man...you don't think the sentinels got them, do you?" Another moment's silence, followed by, "hee hee...Truth here... snicker....sorry...radio...snicker...we um...we've got a bad frequency...snicker...Velocity's on its way to escort...snicker....the Viagra." Hitman sighed. "You know, Solo, you'd think I'd be used to this by now..."

Hitman and Solo arrived at New Zion a few hours later, and after meeting with the elders and reporting his findings, Hitman was instructed to jack in to the Matrix to find the new Oracle and obtain whatever information he could. He'd been preparing for this moment his whole life. He would finally get to meet the next Oracle and learn of his path...the path he knew was his ever since he learned the truth...the path of the next One. He also knew he needed a reliable crew. Solo hadn't been home to New Zion in ages, so Hitman allowed him to stay home, despite his protests. Hitman approached Macleod with the news. He was game. "Ach, ye knew I'd be up fer it, dintcha? Ye know I'm always RED on an adventure!" Macleod had a way with words, to say the least. Hitman tried to contact Oracle 2.0, but she was nowhere to be found. Macleod suggested Truth accompany them. Hitman agreed, but with one stipulation. "No VIAGRA jokes, ok? If anyone jokes about that, it's me!" Mac agreed, as did Truth.

The trio headed deep into New Zion's control center and entered the upload room. Macleod eased into the reclining chair. "Ye know, I never admit this...but even though I know the Matrix isn't real, I canna wait to go back to Scotland..." Truth sat in her seat and glanced over at Mac and smiled. "I know what you mean. There is a certain beauty to some things in the Matrix, even if it is all a lie." Hitman sat and said nothing. He was focusing on the task at hand and the knowledge he was about to obtain. The operator spoke. "All right, lady and gentlemen, and I use the term VERY loosely with you two guys, I'll drop you in the Construct and you let me know what you need." Truth smiled. "Well, I can tell you one thing we'll need already." The operator perked up. "Oh? What?" Truth smiled wider, "Hitman's gonna need some water." Hitman glanced over at Truth. "What? Why?" Truth grinned from ear to ear, "You've gotta take your other blue pill!" Mac and Truth burst out laughing. Hitman smirked a little. "That's ok guys...that's OK...you'll see...keep messin' with me..." The operator stepped in, checked everyone's connections and walked back to the control panel. "Enough sit down comedy, people, into the Construct you go."

A blinding flash, and the trio stood in the white nothingness known as the Construct. The operator's voice boomed like an omnipotent being. "What do you need?" Hitman grinned from ear to ear. Macleod looked at him, and smiled. "Go ahead, Hitman, say it..." Truth looked confused. "Say what?" Macleod laughed. "Hitman's been waiting a long time for this..." The operator asked again. "What do you need?" Hitman, nearly giddy now, replied, "Guns. Lots of guns." With that, the seemingly endless rows of every weapon known to man appeared around them. Macleod slapped Hitman on the back, "Ye know, ye almost sounded like HIM too..." Hitman loaded up with several automatic weapons under his black trenchcoat, and then added, "I need my blade, too." A 5 foot diamond edged Katana appeared on Hitman's back. Truth glared at it. "What...is...that?" Hitman smirked. "That, Truth, is a special creation of mine...a combination of the best aspects of every legendary sword known to man...it's kind of my thing. You never know when you'll run into...unsavory characters." Macleod and Truth looked at each other and shrugged.

The phone rang in apartment 101 of the Heart O' The City Motel on 10th Street downtown. Hitman picked it up. "We're in. Do you know where she is?" The operator typed, and searched the code of the Matrix. "Aha...a nondescript apartment, about 3 blocks from your location...am I good or what?" "Thanks...we'll be in touch soon," Hitman replied. Macleod checked his Desert Eagle, and then said, "Let's go...we've got a date with an Oracle."

3. "We've got a date with an Oracle." Macleod and Truth walked ahead of Hitman through the streets that had once been an everyday part of life; streets that had once been home. As they walked, they could feel the stares of those who had not yet been unplugged...those who were still batteries of the system. Anyone who came in contact with the trio could tell there was something unique about the trio, and most were very afraid. It wasn't just the fact that they were dressed in sunglasses and dark colors; it wasn't the fact that under their long coats they were armed to the teeth. Well, ok, maybe it was partly that. But more accurately, it was the different energy the trio maintained. It was an obvious difference in thought that seemed to surround them like an aura. And, unfortunately, it was this energy that drew Agent Roberts to right to them.

Macleod, Truth, and Hitman turned the corner of 101st and Smith Avenue and could see their destination...at the end of a deserted alley. "There. That's where she is, Hitman," said Truth. Hitman smirked and said nothing. Macleod walked ahead. As they passed under the fire escapes, someone on the third floor was calling the police. "There's a suspicious group of people walking down my street," the old lady said, "Three of 'em...they look like bank robbers...and one of 'em looks like he's got a big sword on his back...I'm so scared...send help right - " With those words, the old lady began to convulse wildly. Her features began to distort and change, almost demon-like, until her face twisted and surged into the face of Agent Roberts. Agent Roberts wore the traditional garb of the Agent: black suit, black tie, white shirt, black shoes, sunglasses; but he was a new breed. Ever since the One had appeared, the system was constantly upgrading Agents to combat what it believed to be the ultimate threat. Agent Roberts smoothed out his tie and looked below. As the freedom fighters passed underneath, Roberts smiled to himself. "This should be easy," he thought, "After all they're...only human."

Hitman continued to walk, pondering what the Oracle was about to tell them. He knew something unbelievable was about to happen, but he had no idea what. Deep inside, he sensed a greater purpose, but at that particular moment, he couldn't help feeling that something wasn't quite right. Hitman smirked a bit. "This is silly. I'm just being paranoid, right?" He said to himself. Out loud, Hitman said to Macleod, "One more block and we're there, old man." Macleod laughed. "Who are ye callin' old?" Truth laughed as well, "Really...you look older than both of us put together!" Hitman opened his mouth to respond when the ground behind them shook with an unholy shudder. Truth and Macleod spun around and drew their weapons; Macleod drew his desert eagle from his left holster and Truth whirled out her twin pistols from behind her back. "Oh sh!t!!! It's...it's..." "Roberts. Agent Roberts. I'm not going to question you. I know who and what you all are. Dead...or alive...you ARE coming with me." He stepped forward, and Macleod and Truth held their ground. "Hm. You're braver...than the rest. Or, perhaps more foolish." He stepped toward them again, and Macleod and Truth looked at each other. Hitman was still behind them and hadn't turned around yet. Hitman's hands twitched, ready for action.

"NOW!!!" he shouted. Truth and Macleod leaped to the left and right of Agent Roberts as Hitman spun with bliinding speed and drew his sword. Hitman saw Roberts draw his sidearm and the whole scene seemed to slow to a crawl. Truth and Macleod both were falling away on either side, twisting round and firing at Roberts. Hitman, drawing his blade from his back and slicing downward from overhead, could see each bullet leaving their weapons and the trails they cut through the air. He could see Roberts' own firearm discharging, the shell casing slowly ejecting from the barrel. As his sword sliced through the air, Hitman prayed his aim was true. Roberts had fired at him, and he knew it was no coincidence. Truth's bullets ripped through Roberts' left arm and chest, yet Roberts' seemed focused on killing Hitman. Macleod also was falling backwards, and emptying his clip on Roberts' right side. He was yelling something, but Hitman couldn't make it out. Roberts' bullet had left the chamber and was coming right at Hitman. Hitman's blade continued to slice downward as the bullet closed in on him. Hitman suddenly felt an inner calm fall over him. It was at that moment that he heard the voice. "Yes, Hitman. You are starting to believe." His blade slashed down, cutting the bullet in half. Macleod and Truth had landed on the ground, weapons smoking. Roberts just stood there, gun drawn, but not moving anymore. Hitman had stopped too, blade still drawn but now extended behind him. Truth looked at Macleod, and Macleod back at Truth. Then they both looked at Roberts and Hitman. Hitman glared at Roberts and Roberts at Hitman. Roberts twitched a bit, moved his mouth as though to speak. The bullet wounds in Roberts were many, and glistened with blood and began to smoke. His lip twitched a bit, and then he lowered his still extended firing arm. Hitman looked at his face. A trickle of blood formed at the base of Roberts' skull. His sunglasses split in the middle above his nose bridge and fell off of his face. Then he separated right down the middle and fell in two equal pieces on either side of Hitman with a sickening meaty splat sound.

"Oh, that's just gross, Hitman," Truth finally said, getting to her feet, "I mean, really, didja have to go and cut him in HALF? .....ewwwww.....I think I got some Agent on me...." Macleod stood up as well. "Ach...That is pretty nasty work there...I guess that's why they call you the Hitman." Truth smiled, wiping Agent blood from her cheek. "Yeah...keep doing things like that, and you'll never hear another Viagra joke..." Hitman laughed. "All right, all right...let's get going. The system no doubt got word of that little incident, and I'm sure more like him or worse will be on their way here. The Oracle's right upstairs."

Oh snap! I havent seen this in a long ass time. Thanks for bringing it back, and just in time for the re-birth of MH.

4. Hitman, Macleod and Truth stood before the Open Arms apartment complex at the end of the alley where they'd just fought Agent Roberts. The clouds drew together ominously above as though warning the trio that they'd not like what was before them. Truth spoke up. "Well, this is it...any famous last words?" Macleod smiled. "I feel like we're about to go before the judge or something..." Hitman smiled back. "Oh come on...what could possibly go wrong?" Truth shot him a glance. "Geez...how's that for famous last words?" Hitman straightened up, and Macleod said, "There's no time to waste. We've got to find out what the Oracle has to say." With that, they started toward the entrance, and Hitman opened the door.

Walking through the lobby, the feeling of anticipation grew for all three as they headed for the elevator. Unfortunately for them, the elevator doors held an ominous sign. "Out of Order!!! ACH!!!! Ye bloody....Ale Spiller!!!!" Macleod cried. Hitman and Truth turned toward him. "Did you just call the elevator an...ale spiller?" Truth asked, half amused and half bewildered. Macleod shrugged, "I'm tryin' not to curse so much, lass," he replied. Hitman smirked, "Yeah, but is that the best you could come up with? Ale spiller? That's just..." "Weird," finished Truth. Macleod shrugged again. "Well, fine. Ye can make fun all ye want, but it's better for me not to curse so much." Hitman looked left, then right. "Guess we're takin' the stairs...to the...15th floor..." Truth smiled. "Come on, we'll make it fun...I'll bet both of you I can make it up there before either of you...I'll bet you your single cell protein breakfast ration tomorrow." Hitman frowned. "Are you kidding? Have you tasted that stuff?" Macleod laughed, "Come on...we're wastin' time." And with that, they started to run up the stairs.

Somewhere around the 7th floor, the trio began to realize a very simple truth: Matrix or no Matrix, fifteen floors is a LOT of stairs. "'We'll make it fun...' she says...what is she on?" Macleod was no longer in such a jovial mood. Truth panted along too, still ahead of the others but nowhere near as chipper as before. "Huff...huff...ok...ok...so it's not so much fun anymore...huff...forget the bet...huff..." Hitman brought up the rear. "Yeah...sure....huff...what happened...huff...to all that...huff...youthful....huff....exuberance?" Truth laughed a little. "Huff...well...at least my ship isn't named after...huff...a little blue pill....huff...." "Always back to that...huff...isn't it? You know...huff...if we weren't on a mission...huff...i've half a mind to turn you over...huff...my knee..." Hitman retorted. Macleod chimed in, "Yeah...well....huff...you've apparently only got half a mind...huff...if you thought taking the stairs....huff....huff....was a good idea....heh heh....huff..." The door to the 15th floor nearly flew off of its hinges from Macleod's force. "Huhhhh....huhhhh... made it.....bout....huh...friggin....time....." Truth leaned on Macleod's shoulder. ".........ow.......that's a lot...of stairs...." Hitman leaned against the door frame. "You've got...a keen grasp...of the obvious there, Truth....all right...enough fooling around. Let's focus. We're going to see the Oracle. She's at the end of this hallway." The trio straightened up, and hurried to the door at the end of the hallway, 1504. Hitman knocked, then reached for the doorknob, but the door opened before he could wrap his hand around it. "Welcome, Hitman, Macleod, Truth. She's been expecting you." The Greeter smiled warmly and invited them into the apartment. "She's in the kitchen...go on in." The trio stepped into the kitchen and immediately smelled cookies. "Don't you love the smell of cookies? I sure do..." Macleod and Truth's respective jaws dropped. "Oracle 2.0...You're the new Oracle? I thought it was just a name you had chosen..." Macleod was in shock. "Oh come on...like you didn't see THAT one coming," Oracle 2.0 replied, "I mean, really...we all choose our names for a specific purpose...consciously or unconsciously...Truth...mine was to be the second Oracle...so here I am, baking cookies in a nondescript apartment...seeing destinies and spinning the future...well, hey, it's better than school...by the way, Oracle 2.0 is such a mouthful...just call me O2, ok? "Now, on to why each of you is here..."

5. "Before we get started," Oracle 2.0 began, "would anyone like a cookie? I've got milk, too..." All three nodded. O2 pulled the cookies out of the oven. "Well don't just stand there, one of you help me by getting the milk! What, you can't help out just because you're guests? Sheesh..." Macleod reached in the fridge and took out a gallon of milk. Truth took the glasses out of the cabinet. Hitman got clean plates from the dishwasher. O2 served the cookies and Macleod poured the milk. Then the four sat in the living room on the couch.

"Quick question, though, O2...I thought the Oracle was a Program...How are you now the Oracle?" Hitman asked. O2 smiled. "Faster than the rest...that's a good sign. Basically, I'm plugged into the Zion mainframe, where I am linked with remnants of the original Oracle allowing me to have the Oracle's...clairvoyance...and still be, like, human." Macleod smiled. "These are the best cookies I've ever had. I know they're not real and all, but man...I've never had cookies this good!" O2 blushed bashfully. "You really like them? I haven't been at this very long, but the Oracle handbook states that it's important to temper bad news with good cookies...it even comes with a recipe." Truth and Hitman looked at each other. "Bad news," Hitman said. O2 stiffened up a bit, then stood. "Yes, bad news...I guess we'd better get right down to it. The short version goes like this. The machines are preparing to strike again. Hitman has seen it first hand. That swarm of sentinels is only the beginning. They're searching for something...and whatever it is, its the key to everything. We need...." She sighed, took a deep breath, and then said, "We need the One."

Hitman swallowed hard. Here was the moment of truth...his truth. What he had believed his whole life since being unplugged and learning of the legend of the 6 was now about to either be confirmed or denied. "Hitman," O2 said, "I know what you're thinking, and I'm not going to answer that for you. I'll just say what was said a long time ago to another man who wanted to know the same thing. It's like being in love...you just know...balls to bone. Here, have another cookie..."

6. The trio stepped outside just as it began to rain. Truth was finishing the last of her cookie and Macleod drank the last of his milk. "Munch munch munch....these...munch...are the best cookies ever! Munch munch...so what...munch....do you think about what O2 said?" Macleod smiled at her with a mix of bemusement and a little something else that almost seemed to signal feelings of....well, let's just leave it at extreme fondness. "Well," began Macleod, "I think that O2's either very clairvoyant or she's gone off the deep end...heh heh....OW!!!" Just as he finished his statement a cookie fell from high above and hit him on the head. "I HEARD THAT!" shouted a voice from about 15 floors up. "Ach....ye....ye....MEAT SPIDER!! You'll pay for that!!!" Truth and Hitman looked at each other and then back at Macleod. "Meat..." began Hitman. "...Spider...?" finished Truth. Macleod rubbed his head. "Yes...the cursing, ye know...I'm tryin'...Anyway, Hitman, what d'ye think about what O2 told us?" Honestly, Hitman wasn't sure what to make of the new Oracle's proclamation. He did know that the Oracle had a tendency to state what one needed to hear at the time (he had a sneaking suspicion that that too was in the Oracle Handbook). "All I know is that we've gotta report back to New Zion...let the council know what's going on and figure out our next move." Macleod pulled out his cell phone. It rang...and rang...and rang...Truth looked at him with concern. Finally, "Uh...Freeyourmind speaking." Macleod looked at his companions, then said, "Who's this?" "I said, Freeyourmind speaking...in that sentence, Freeyourmind is the subject, which would be me...what part of English don't you understand?" Macleod frowned. "Where's our operator?"

"Well," Freeyourmind began, "He's not here anymore." "Why not? What happened?" "Well, see, there's like this monthly drug test, and your previous operator failed...miserably...so he's been replaced...by me!" Macleod sighed, then turned to Hitman and Truth while placing his hand over the mouthpiece of the cell. "Our operator failed his drug test so now we've got a new guy..." Truth and Hitman both moaned simultaneously. "All right new guy," Macleod said to Freeyourmind, "We've gotta set some groundrules. First off, your name's too darn long. I'm gonna call you FYM for short." FYM replied, "Wait...isn't FYM the same number of syllables as Freeyourmind? You're not really gaining anything by shortening it, you know?" Macleod growled. "Look, I outrank you! I'm a captain!!! Now you'll do as I see and get us what we need when we need it!!!"

FYM smirked over the phone, "Well, ya don't have to get all snippy...just making a little small talk...sheesh...Now, what do you guys need?" Macleod sighed, then said, "OK, new guy...we need an exit." FYM smiled and said, "One exit, coming up...there's a phone booth at Wells and Lake..."

7. "Wells and Lake....why does that seem so familiar?" Truth asked. "Who cares? Let's just get back to New Zion," Macleod said with conviction and exhasperation mixed in his voice. The trio walked out of the alley and into the crowd walking the streets. People travelled to and fro, living out their existence in blissful ignorance. Hitman couldn't help but feel pity for them. These people were like sheep, mindlessly serving invisible mechanical masters...and yet, he also could see how there were those who betrayed the cause to go back to the blissful ignorance that was life inside the Matrix. Still, he wouldn't change it for the world. He knew the truth, as did his companions, and that was what would save them in the end.

"There's the booth," Macleod noted. Truth looked both ways. People walked about, and a few gave them brief nervous looks but all kept on their way...on their way that is, until a little boy stopped next to Truth. He stood there, staring at her. He was no more than 8 and had huge brown eyes. "Hello there, cutie," she smiled at him. " 'scuse me, miss lady ma'am, but why do you have a gun?" the child asked innocently. "There are bad people in this world, sweetie, and there are some people that need to carry guns to protect others from the bad people." "Oooh...I see..." the boy said. Almost at once, the boy's eyes glazed over, and he began to shudder...shake...and then contort. His face and features changed, his clothes faded to black and he transformed into an Agent...albeit an extraordinarily short one...after all, he did take over an 8 year old's body. "NOOO!" screamed Truth. "Yes. We've been waiting for you." The boy agent reached inside his newly formed jacket and revealed what appeared to be a disproportionately large gun. "Ach! Look out Truth!!" Macleod screamed and dove onto the boy Agent, knocking the gun out of his hand. The boy Agent slid out from under Macleod and took up a Jiujitsu fighting stance. Macleod looked at Hitman. Hitman smirked and then said, "I got this..." The boy Agent smirked at Hitman, adjusted his sunglasses and leaped into the air, kicking Hitman square in the jaw. Hitman stumbled back. "What the?" he asked, almost stupidly. "Well that was unexpected." The boy Agent spun round and kicked at Hitman 3 times. Hitman blocked all three and stepped back again. Then the kid threw a triple punch flying kick roundhouse combination, which Hitman skillfully blocked, blocked,ducked, ducked, and then caught the roundhouse. "That's it....enough Mr. Nice Guy..." Hitman growled. The Agent was surprised. Then Hitman held on to the Mini Agent by his still extended leg, and began to spin him around, faster and faster and faster, and just as he was about to let him go, the boy agent passed out and left the kid's body.

Truth ran to the boy's side. "Are you alright?" The kid puked on Hitman's shoes. "Ugh...I'll take that as a no," Hitman said, curling his lip in disgust. Then the kid jumped up. "Hi pretty lady! I must've fallen asleep! My mom's probably expecting me home, so I better get going...bye!" And with that, the kid skipped down the street, never having any clue about what had just happened, although the next day he would wonder why his foot hurt.

"That was ugly," Macleod said, "that just proves that ANYONE can be our enemy in here...we've gotta be more careful. Let's get out of here." Macleod called Freeyourmind on the cell. "FYM, we're at the exit." Freeyourmind replied, "Got it. Dialing now...see you in a few minutes."

8. Freeyourmind unplugged the trio as their minds rebooted from the Matrix. Macleod stood and faced Freeyourmind, arms folded and anger welling up inside. "So...you're FYM, huh? Ye don't look like much of an operator..." Freeyourmind stepped forward, grinning from ear to ear. "Yeah? Well I'm all you've got right now. I could end up being all that keeps an agent from taking a chunk out of your hide...so I suggest you be a little bit nicer to me, OK?" Macleod cracked his knuckles and then his neck. Truth put her hand on his shoulder. "Come on, Mac. Let's go get some grub." Hitman smirked. "I'd almost prefer grubs or any other insect over that runny goo we call food." Freeyourmind laughed and called after them, "Hey, at least you don't know what it's made out of..."

Macleod and Truth went to their respective chambers, which were directly across from each other. Hitman called to them, just as they were about to enter, "We've got to meet the Council in thirty. Don't get too comfortable...you crazy kids," and walked down the hallway, snickering. Macleod and Truth looked at each other. "What do ye think that was about?" Macleod asked. Truth shrugged. "Well...ye know, we don't get to spend much down time together...come over for dinner, won't ye?" Truth smiled. "Well, it has been a long time since I've had time to sit down and eat...ok. I'll be right there."

Hitman walked down to the Gathering Chamber, where the Council would meet to discuss matters pressing Zion. He breathed in the air deeply...then started coughing and realized it was recycled. "Always forget that, koff...don't I..." He sat on the table facing the council. Time passed, as it tends to, and the members of the council began to file into the Chamber. This was a collection of the greatest freedom fighters the Matrix had seen since the days of the One. Ultimate Trinity, Xehirut, Crahan, Wildcard, Tom, Iamatwin (who wasn't), Terikan, Jetfire90, to name a few. "Where are those two," Hitman thought to himself. Hitman stood before the Council. Ultimate Trinity spoke first.

It's great to see this puppy on the ball again Hitman, it was and is a great piece of work.

9. Ultimate Trinity spoke first. "Hitman. We want to thank you, Macleod and Truth for taking on this mission and returning with knowledge from the Oracle." Hitman looked over his shoulder to see Macleod and Truth standing behind him, holding hands. He grinned to himself, then turned back to the Council. "Hitman," Ultimate Trinity continued, "What did the Oracle tell you?"

Hitman stiffened up. "Well, it's like this. something really bad's about to happen. The machines are looking for something in the real world, which I've seen for myself, as you know." Xehirut stopped him. "You've seen it?" "Yes, sir," Hitman replied, "My copilot and I accidently found the largest swarm of sentinels ever recorded since the great war." Crahan leaned over to Ultimate Trinity. "What ship is he with?" Ultimate Trinity replied, "He's the captain of the Viagra." Crahan snickered. Hitman sighed. This was nothing new. He ignored it and continued. "Ahem, ANYWAY...the Oracle made us some cookies and then told us that it was time for a new One." Xehirut stopped Hitman. "Wait...what kind of cookies?" "uh...chocolate chip, sir...with milk." Truth chimed in, "They really were the best cookies I've ever had."

Ultimate Trinity interrupted. "I'm sure they were good cookies, but we're not here to discuss the Oracle's baked goods. She said it was time for a new One...what if that means the machines are looking for Zion again?" Murmurs ran through the Council. Xehirut silenced them. "This is not time for panic. Hitman, Truth, Macleod. You are to go back into the Matrix and begin searching for answers. Report back in twenty four hours your findings." Macleod looked at Hitman and then at Truth. Truth looked at Xehirut and said, "...and if we don't find any-" but before she could finish, Xehirut cut her off with, "Then Zion is finished. Find something. We're counting on you three. We cannot have a mass panic on our hands. You remember what happened last time, don't you?" All three of them shivered. "Aye...How could we forget?" Macleod said. Ultimate Trinity dismissed them, and the Council began to talk amongst themselves.

9. "No rest for the weary, eh Macleod?" Truth asked, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Aye lass. It seems we're practically back in the Matrix before we left..." "Listen you two, I don't like it anymore than you do, but we've a job to do. I'd like to rest at home for a bit too...but we don't have that luxury right now." Hitman stepped forward. "It's our job to make sure the rest of these people in Zion get to have that luxury. Now let's quit complaining and jack back in. The sooner we do, the sooner it's done." Macleod and Truth looked at each other. Truth turned to Hitman. "My, my aren't we bossy today? What's got your boxers in a bunch?" Hitman glared at her, then relaxed his gaze. "I'm sorry guys. I guess I'm a bit on edge. I don't like the way this feels. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I've got this gut feeling that something's about to go very VERY wrong..."

After taking a quick nap, the trio returned to the Upload/Download chamber to jack back into the Matrix. Freeyourmind was waiting for them. "Hey guys, back so soon? It's like you can't get enough of that place...I'd think you'd want to stay as far away as possible once you get free, but all you guys keep jacking right back in...I dunno. Maybe you just have to be there...I never have, being a geniune Zionchild...but still I-" Macleod grabbed him by his collar. "Look, kid. For your information, some of us are trying to save people on the inside. That's why we keep going back in. This is not some pleasure trip. We do what we do because we have to. Aye?" Macleod glared deep into Freeyourmind's eyes, but he never wavered, never backed down. "I get it...and I respect it. In fact, I'm actually jealous of it. I wish I could help out the cause the way you guys do." Macleod relaxed his grip. "Well, you do. You help by being a good operator." "Got it. Let's get you guys in to the Construct."

10. After a flash of white light, Truth, Macleod and Hitman found themselves in the emptiness of the Construct. Freeyourmind's voice nearly boomed like a god's when he asked, "WHAT DO YOU NEED?" Hitman shouted back, "We need you to speak softer!!!!" "Sorry about that...had the volume on the speaker turned up a little high...So, what can i load you guys with? Besides the 'lots of guns' statement?" Macleod had to laugh a bit at that. "You do say that every time Hitman..." Hitman looked apalled. "ME?" Truth chimed in. "Yeah, you do...and you always get that same gleeful look in your eye when the guns come shooting out of nowhere..." Hitman smiled at the thought of it. "Oh come on... you guys know it's cool! I can't help it!! I'm a big kid at heart, ok...back off..." Hitman smiled. It felt good to have a good laugh before walking face first into hell.

Another blinding flash, and the trio found themselves back at Wells and Lake Streets. "Come on. Let's get back to the Oracle. I think she may know something else that she didn't tell us before," Truth deduced. Hitman and Macleod agreed, and they started towards the alley leading to the Oracle's apartment. Standing outside, they remembered that the elevator was broken. "No! We are not taking those stairs again," Hitman spat. Truth grinned. "That's because we kicked your butt last time!" Macleod laughed. "Aye. Ye know ye really need to focus a bit more...then ye might 'ave a chance at besting us...heheh heh!" Fifteen flights of stairs later, Hitman stood waiting for Truth and Macleod at the Oracle's apartment, grinning from ear to ear. "Wait....wait....how....? Wait.....huff...." Truth puffed. Macleod came up behind her. "How...how did you....it's only been a...few hours....since last time...huff...?" Hitman smiled. "Hey, this is my story. I'm not gonna lose to you guys twice in a row..." Macleod and Truth looked at each other, then back at Hitman. "Well, that's a bit...egotistical, isn't it?" Truth asked. Hitman smirked. "Yes. Yes it is...but enough about that. Let's go see O2."

11. Hitman reached for the door, and a voice echoed in his head. "You can only be shown the door, but you have to walk through it." The voice sounded strangely familiar, yet he could not place it. He paused for a second. "Hitman...what's wrong?" Macleod asked. Hitman shook his head. "I don't know...I just...feel weird..." Truth stepped forward, but Macleod stopped her. "Hold on a bit, lass." Hitman put his hand up to the door, fingers extended. "What...?" Truth began. "She's not there. Something's happened..." Hitman's voice trailed off and he lowered his head. Macleod pushed past Hitman and slammed his shoulder into the door to try to break it down. He slammed again, and again, and on the fourth try the door splintered to pieces and Macleod flew into the room. Truth rushed in behind him. Hitman raised his head. "Wait...something's not right." Hitman walked in behind them, their guns drawn in anticipation. He walked into the living room, where they'd had cookies just hours before. On the coffee table was a half eaten cookie on top of a note that read: "To whom it may concern, If you want your precious Oracle returned to you, seek me at the Chateau. One of your precious Council members will know where it is." The letter was signed with an ominous signature: "Expectantly, Merovingian."

12. "What are we gonna do now, man? Game over man, game over!" Truth was noticeably upset. Macleod wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "It'll be ok, lass. We'll find her. We'll find her...don't worry." Truth buried her face in Macleod's shoulder. Macleod looked at Hitman behind Truth with worry in his eyes. Hitman nodded to Macleod. "Mac's right. We'll find her at this Chateau...we've just gotta get the Council together again. They'll have to tell us where this place is." Macleod whipped out his cell. "Freeyourmind. You been getting all this?" Freeyourmind smiled to himself. "You actually called me by my name...I'm impressed...yeah, I got it. I've already put in a call to Ultimate Trinity, Crahan and Xehirut...they're more than eager to hear what you've to say...give me a few minutes and I'll see if I can patch you through."

The trio stood huddled around the cell phone, waiting for Freeyourmind to return. The apartment was disturbingly quiet. After what seemed like an eternity, Macleod's cell phone rang. "Mac...er, Captain Macleod. I've Ultimate Trinity on the line." "Captain Macleod. I understand you've got news," began Ultimate Trinity. "Aye. The Oracle's been taken...by the Merovingian." Long silence...then, "Oh...oh my god...We thought he was dead...No one had heard from him in many years. He was more of a legend than a reality." Hitman grabbed the phone. "Where do we find him? Where is this Chateau??" "It's in a mountain range 500 miles due south of the city," Ultimate Trinity replied worriedly. "After the One appeared and faced the Merovingian, our people hid a drop point near the location of the Chateau, just in case he ever became a threat again. It hasn't been used in many many years...especially since he was believed to be dead. Only the Council members are privy to this information. Tell no one about this. there would be mass hysteria among the people of Zion. Go, Hitman. Go and bring back the Oracle. We are lost without her." With that, Ultimate Trinity was gone, and the trio was left to seek the Merovingian at his Chateau.

13. "Freeyourmind...we need a redirect. We're at the Wells and Lake exit, and we need to get to the line that Ultimate Trinity should've downloaded to you," Truth said hurriedly. "Got it. I'll drop you in the Construct, and then redirect you there...This is ugly, though...you guys know that, right? I mean, if I were you, I wouldn't just go running in without knowing what I was-" Macleod grabbed the phone. "FYM, just do it, ok? We 'aven't got time..." Freeyourmind straightened up. "Ok, ok...just wanted to put my two cents in...geez. Here we go." After a quick trip back to the Construct, the threesome found themselves in the mountains, crammed inside a little makeshift phonebooth. "Ow...Mac, your elbow's in my spleen..." Macleod tried to shift, and said, "Ach, sorry Hitman...and Truth, much as I love being close to you, could ye get your knee out of me crotch..." Truth finally managed to lift the latch to the door of the booth and the three tumbled out into the snow. Just then Truth's phone rang. "Sorry about that...you guys should've taken some snow gear...you are in the mountains, after all...I would've said something but you all were in such a hurry that-" Truth hung up on him. Macleod smiled. "That's the best move of the day, I think..." They stood, surveying their surroundings. They were on a path that lead up a short ways to a sprawling Chateau. It was there that they would find O2, and destiny.

14. The trio stood at the beginning of the path leading to the Chateau. Truth looked up at the sprawling structure in awe. "This is impressive...let's get going..." Truth stepped forward, then looked at her companions and smiled. "Weeeeee'rrrrre....off to see the Merovingian, the evil Merovingian of the Matrix...because because because becaaaauuse...because of the evil things he does..." Macleod looked over at her. "What?" Hitman laughed. "You've got issues, Truth." Truth shrugged. "Hey, I don't even get them sometimes..." Macleod shook his head. "You two need help...serious help." With that, they walked up the path and to the door to the Merovingian's Chateau.

The Chateau seemed a bit more run down up close than it had from the end of the walkway. Hitman reached for the door but it swung open seemingly automatically. They walked into the grand hall, noticing the staircases wrapping around on the left and right. There were remnants of grand statues; pieces of them were broken and strewn about. Weapons lined the walls along the staircases, but it was obvious some had been removed and a few lay used on the ground. There were also a great deal of used shell casings lying on the ground. Macleod looked about, then said, "This is where Neo fought the Merovingian's men...this is where it began...and now we're here." Truth nodded. she opened her mouth to speak, but instead a male voice with an odd French accent spoke. "Zo...I zee you received my message. You have come for your precious Oracle...But zee question iz, what will you do for her?" The man to whom the voice belonged stepped into the light. It was him. The one and only Merovingian.

15. The trio stood in awe as a veritable legend stood before them. "You look like you've zeen a ghost." Merovingian grinned. "Well," he continued, I zuppose in zome wayz you 'ave." He walked toward them, across the way of the great hall. "Anyway, I do not wish to wazte zee time with zee...formalities...so let me get right to zee point." Hitman stepped forward. "Where iz zee Oracle?...his accent's so annoying it's catching...ugh.....I mean, where is the Oracle?" "She iz safe...you want 'er back, I give her back, but first you muzt do zomething for me..." Merovingian looked at Macleod, then Truth, and finally at Hitman.

When he looked at Hitman, he paused. They shared a long gaze...almost like the stare-down competitions elementary students used to have. Merovingian spoke first. "Zat look in your eyez...I've zeen it before...about 6 times before...but no matter. You do not know. You are, like zem, just a man." He reached in his coat pocket and removed an envelope which he handed to Truth. As she extended her hand to accept it, he took it and kissed it. "Ah, Truth, you are zo lovely to behold...you are a creature of zee great beauty...i wish zat you could stay for some....cake...?"

Macleod stepped in front of her. "Over...my...dead...body..." he growled. Merovingian smiled. "Zat can be arranged...but no. Go...follow zees instructions..." He looked at Hitman. "Follow zees instructions to zee Tee or zee lovely Oracle...she will be...how you say...toast. Begone." With that, he turned and walked through the door to the left. Truth ran after him but the door closed behind him. When she opened it, it led outside to the mountains again. 16. "So, what do we do now?" Truth queried. Hitman looked at the envelope, then at Macleod, and finally at Truth. "It's simple. We read his instructions and then decide whether to follow them or to get advice from the Council." Macleod nodded in agreement. Hitman tore open the flap of the envelope, which was sealed with an emblem "M" made out of wax. "Ol' Merov' does have a flair for the dramatic, though, doesn't he?" Hitman smirked. Truth shook her head. "I don't think this is the time for wisecracks, Hitman. What's it say?"

Hitman lost his smirk. He reached in the envelope and found a 3x5 card. Hitman opened his mouth to read the instructions aloud when Macleod's phone rang. "WHAT?" Macleod screamed into the phone. Freeyourmind was on the other end, as usual. "Hey. Don't get all snippy with me. We've got real problems here. The council believes that swarm of sentinels has found whatever it was looking for...you gotta get back here now...They're calling out all the fighter class ships to set up a perimeter around New Zion. That means all three of you need to be here." Macleod relayed the message to Truth and Hitman. Hitman shook his head. "I can't leave. I've a job to do here and I'm going to finish it. What about you two?" Truth and Macleod looked at each other, then back at Hitman. In unison they replied, "Count me in!" Macleod got back on the cell. "FYM, listen very carefully. We need to stay here. We've got to find O2 and bring her back safely. She's the key to something very important. Until we get a direct order from Ultimate Trinity, we're not leaving until we find O2...got it?"

Freeyourmind nodded even though he was on the phone, then realized they couldn't see him. "Got it chief. Good luck to you. Call me if you need anything at all. I'll be right here." Macleod smiled. "Thanks, Freeyourmind. Ye're doin' all right kid." Freeyourmind smiled and said, "Thanks, chief. That means a lot to me..." Hitman read the 3x5 card, and his jaw dropped in shock. "You've got to be kidding me..." Truth ran to his side. "What? What does it...oh....aw geez...." Macleod stepped to Hitman's other side. "What...it's that bad?" Hitman nodded. "Yep...it's worse than that bad..."

17. "So...what is it?" Macleod asked expectantly. Hitman handed him the card, and Macleod read it aloud. "Since you all follow instructions so well, follow these: Find my Persephone. Convince her to return to me. If she will not return, kill her. Bring me either her or proof that she is dead. I will not have her live without me. Do this, and you will have your precious Oracle returned to you." Truth shook her head in disgust. "That dirty, no good, sleazy, slimy, nasty, filthy, disgusting, scum sucking, slime licking, ill programmed dirtball!! What is wrong with him??" Hitman looked at her, and then spoke. "Well. This is quite a situation, isn't it? So, here's what we're gonna do. We'll find Persephone and see what's up with her. Hopefully she'll cooperate. If she doesn't...well, let's just hope that she does..."

18. (whew...this is getting long, isn't it?) Truth took out her cell and dialed up Freeyourmind. "Yo. What's up, Truth?" Freeyourmind was apparently in a good mood. Truth wasn't. "I need you to locate a program right now...it's gonna be hard and you're not gonna believe me when I tell you who." Freeyourmind laughed. "You want me to try and find Persephone, right?" "How did you...?" Truth started. "Come on, Truth. I'm an operator. It's my job to know...besides, I was listening in. Now, lemme see what I can do for you..."

After what seemed like a billion fast and loud keystrokes, Freeyourmind came back on the line. "OK, Truth, I found her, but you're not gonna like it..." "Spit it out, FYM..." Truth said, rather irritated. Freeyourmind sniffed. "Not you too, Truth, I thought you were the nice one..." "Out with it!!!" Truth shouted. "She's at the police station at 125th and Southdale Boulevard...and she's under heavy guard. I have no idea why...but you didn't ask me that, did you?" Truth grimaced. "OK, we need you to get us as close to that as possible. We're at the Chateau exit now. Redirect us to whatever's closest to that station...and be quick about it." "Nag, nag, nag...Redirect us here...send us there...give us this...download that...I need you to find this...or that...blah blah blah blah...be quick about it...nyah..." Freeyourmind said sarcastically.

"Um...you do know I'm still on the phone, right FYM?" He straightened up. "Oh...crud...sorry Truth...I uh...uh..." "I understand how that probably feels to you, Freeyourmind. Unfortunately, we don't have time for pleasantries...so please, pretty please, with ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry on top, PLEASE get us there as fast as humanly possible, OK?" Truth said as sweetly as possible. Freeyourmind smiled and straightened up again. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about. All I want is a little respect. That's all! Ready when you are, Truth!" The trio one by one exited to the Construct and was redirected to a phone booth 2 blocks from the police station where Persephone waited.

19. "Wait. Ye know we look especially suspicious...we canna jus' walk inta the police station lookin' like this. And we really canna do it with Hitman's big ol' sword stinkin' out!" Hitman looked dejected. "But...I like my sword..." Truth shook her head in disbelief. Macleod stared at Hitman. Hitman looked down at the ground, then at Truth, and finally back at Macleod. "I know you're right, ok...I get it." With that, he took it off, and put it under a dumpster in the alley next to the police station. When he returned, he looked angry. "There. Happy now?" Truth smiled at him. "You know," she said, "it's not like it's real in the first place, and in the second place, it's not like you can't just download another one." Hitman smiled. "Oh, yeah...I'm such a dork. I forgot...my bad."

He stood straight and looked to the police station. "All right...so we're just gonna waltz in there, find Persephone, and drag her out, one way or another..." Truth asked, "You don't think this is a time for subtlety?" Hitman looked at her out of the corner of his eye, and with a smirk said, "Well, it's been a while since we've had a really good fight scene, don't you think?" Macleod nodded in agreement. Truth shrugged, and said, "Well, I guess that's true...we have been doing a lot of talking lately."

Just then, a young boy with a bald head walked up to them. "Excuse me mister," the boy said to Hitman, "but are you Hitman?" Hitman looked at him closely, then said, "Who wants to know?" "I do." replied the kid. "Yeah, I'm him. What's up?" The kid reached down his pants and pulled out a spoon. Then he held it out towards Hitman. "I was sent by Ultimate Trinity. She said you'd know what it meant." Hitman looked disturbed. "Well, kid...that's all well and good...but I don't really want it if it's been down your pants." "Come on, Mr. Hitman, take it. She'll kill me if I don't give it to you," the kid said, sullenly. Hitman shook his head. "Couldn't you have at least wrapped it in a towel or something...I mean, really, isn't that kid of...unsanitary?" Truth looked at him and said, "It's not real, remember, just take the stupid spoon...it's all, like, symbolic, ok?" Hitman nodded. "Yeah, I keep forgetting that. Thanks kid." Hitman took the spoon...but he still was a little disturbed by it.

I am glad you were inspired to write again. It would have been a shame to let this just sit any longer. As usual, It is great babe. Keep it up.

20. (good grief...) "Crud. Are you sure you want to go in there, guns blazing?" Truth said. She would always be the voice of reason...except when she wasn't. "Really...I think it'd be better to find another, less violent, way in...the cops are innocent, first off; second they're some of those minds we're supposed to be freeing, and third, they could become agents at any time." Macleod nodded. "Aye, lass. Makes a wee bit of sense, ye know. In that case, what should we do?" Hitman looked sad. "OK....It's just...you know....I haven't killed any bad guys today....and I was kind of looking forward to it..." Truth smiled. "It's ok, Hitman, I'm sure they'll be plenty of bad guys for you to kill later. Right now we've got to find Persephone." Macleod grinned a cheesy grin and said, "I've got an idea!" He pulled out his cell. "Freeyourmind, are ye there? Gotta request for ye."

Freeyourmind got on the line. "What's up, chief?" "We need ye to drop some police uniforms in the alley beside the police station. That way we can just waltz right in." Macleod looked pleased with himself, as were Truth and Hitman. Freeyourmind said, "Sounds like a plan...except..." Macleod lost his smile. "What?" Freeyourmind continued, "Except that you should probably walk in instead of waltzing in...that might look suspicious." Freeyourmind laughed, "Aw come on...that was funny...I could almost see the look on your fac-" Macleod hung up on him.

A moment later, a box wrapped like a birthday present materialized in the back of the alley. "Hmmmph. He gift wrapped it for us..." Hitman noted. Truth smiled sweetly, "Isn't that sweet?" Hitman held up a uniform and said, "All right, let's get into these outfits and...what?" He was looking at Truth, who had a bizarre expression on his face. "Well, you know...you guys need to turn around or something...I'm a lady, remember?" Hitman smirked. "Waaaaayyyy too easy...and she'd probably hurt me if I said it." Macleod and Hitman turned away from her while she dressed. A few moments later, the trio was dressed as the city's finest, to serve and protect...yeah, right. With that, they walked around to the front of the station, pulled their hats down over their eyes and walked in the front door of the police station.

21. The 3 pseudo-officers walked through the double doors of the police station. They kept their heads low as they walked to the front desk. "May I help you, officers?" Truth stepped up, being the least suspicious of the three. "We're here to transfer a woman to protective custody. She goes by Persephone." "Do you have your transfer papers?" the officer asked. "They're uh....in the...uh...squad car!" Macleod responded, slowly. He went outside and returned moments later with official looking transfer orders requested from Freeyourmind. The receptionist nodded, and then led them back to the holding cells. As they walked, the officer told them why Persephone was there. "We picked her up on 14th street. She was walking up and down the street and asking strangers to kiss her so she could feel again. The arresting officer didn't think it was a mental problem. I mean, naturally, we assumed she was a prostitute." It took everything Hitman had not to laugh at that.

When they reached the holding cell, the officer opened the door and led Persephone out to the waiting trio. "Zis is bull...I cannot believe you people...give me my freedom...let me go!!" Hitman leaned in close to her ear, and whispered, "You play ball, and we won't have to do anything...awful to you." Persephone nodded. They walked back to the front desk, where the officer had some paperwork for one of them to sign. Macleod did the honors and with a huge, cheesy smile signed each and every paper "Agent Smith."

22. Outside of the police station, Macleod dialed up Freeyourmind. "Aye, we need wheels." With that, 4 Goodyear tires materialized in front of them. "ACH!!! Don't be so freakin' literal, pallie..." Macleod grunted in aggravation. "Sorry, mate. I haven't slept in awhile...Here, let me make it up to you..." Freeyourmind said apologetically. The wheels suddenly were mounted to an H2 (the new Hummer). "Now THIS is more like it!" Hitman smiled, satisfied. He opened the back passenger door. Persephone looked at him. "What do you people whant with me?" Truth stepped forward, and as she spoke all subtlety went out the window. "We need to talk to you about something very important. Cooperate with us, or die right now." Persephone looked shocked and appalled, opened her mouth to object but Truth gave her a look that said don't "F" with me. Persephone got the hint. She got in the H2.

Macleod and Hitman glanced at her. Macleod whispered to Hitman, "Aye...it seems Truth's not in the best of moods today, eh, Hitman?" Hitman opened the driver's door. "I'm not saying a word. It's just safer that way." Macleod laughed. "Aye. I agree whole'artedly." Macleod got in the passenger door, and Truth was already next to Persephone in the rear. The H2 sped off.

Persephone sat in the back seat quietly for a very long time. As the H2 traversed the city streets, she watched the day become night and wondered if this was the beginning of the end for her. The H2 pulled into the old warehouse district near the docks, and stopped at warehouse 11. The doors of the H2 opened, and Macleod helped Persephone out of the vehicle. Truth stared Persephone down. Hitman opened the door to the warehouse and they went inside.

"All right. My husband obviously sent you to come get me," Persephone began, "Which means he must have something of yours...or someone." Hitman looked at Macleod and Truth, who were staring right back at him. He looked back at her. Persephone continued. "So...you want me to help you...somehow...am I right so far?" Hitman nodded affirmatively. "Your husband, the Merovingian-" "Don't you think I know who my own husband is? You fool..." Persephone laughed. Hitman glared at her, then started to reach inside his coat but caught the eye of Truth, who was shaking her head negatively. Hitman regained his composure, and tried again. "We're supposed to either bring you back to him, or kill you. Those are the choices we've been given in order to get our friend back." Persephone smiled. "Hmmph. He has a funny way of showing that he cares. Some flowers would've been nice...not an entourage of gun toting freedom fighters..."

Persephone paced the floor of the empty warehouse, then turned to the trio. "I tell you what. I will go back to him, but you will do something for me." Hitman raised an eyebrow. "I don't think you're really in the position to bargain..." He paused, then, "What is it you want?" She smiled and walked toward them, slowly, seductively. "I want each of you to kiss me...kiss me like you're kissing someone you love. It's been sooo long since I've felt that...Do that for me, and I'll go back to him."

23. "You've got to be kidding me," Truth said in disbelief, "I mean, you really want us to kiss you? I don't know about you guys, but I don't know where she's been..." Persephone looked offended. "It's just a little kiss. Scared to kiss a woman?" Truth looked highly disturbed. Macleod looked at Hitman, then at Truth, then at Hitman, and back at Truth again. "I'm...uh....Truth's right. That's utterly ridiculous." Truth smiled quietly at Macleod. Persephone nodded. "One of you then. You." She pointed at Hitman. He looked a bit nervous. "Come on...you need my help...and I need this." Hitman smirked a bit. "All right...but no grabby hands, ok?" She smiled. They stepped in closer.

"Make me...believe it..." she said, breathily. He put his left hand on her right hip, and his right hand on the back of her neck. He leaned in closer...closer...She closed her eyes, tilted her head up to meet his and they bumped foreheads, making a coconut sound. "OW!" they both exclaimed in unison. Macleod and Truth couldn't resist. They burst into uncontrollable laughter. Persephone sighed. Hitman rubbed his forehead, then looked at Macleod and Truth, who straightened up. Persephone looked up at Hitman again. He said, "All right...let's try that again..." She closed her eyes in anticipation. He leaned down, she pursed her lips and they kissed.

As their lips touched, Hitman felt a feeling he hadn't remembered in a long time. He thought of the love of his life from when he was still plugged into the Matrix. He could feel those old feelings again. The passion, the excitement, the love...all those feelings came back in a rush. He had loved her like no other, and Persephone could feel the surge of emotion welling up inside him. Hitman pulled back from her. Persephone smiled, extremely satisfied, and said, "Oooooohhhhhhhhhhh..... Yesssssss........ That's it...." She licked her lips as though she'd eaten the best 7 course meal in history. "Mmmmmm..." she moaned. "You loved her like no other...I could taste it. What is her name?" Persephone asked. Hitman looked away. "Athena," he replied simply. Persephone smiled and leaned in very close. "I also know that there's tragedy there too...and that's almost as sweet." Hitman shot her a stare of death.

Persephone backed down, then said, "It was worth it. I will help you now." With that, she reached down the front of her dress and pulled out a key. She walked over to the warehouse door and inserted the key. There was a sound that was like a cross between a lock being opened and a computer's hard drive being accessed. She put away her key and opened the door. She walked through it. The trio walked behind her and saw that inside the door was the great hall of the Chateau.

24. The great hall sprawled before the trio as they stepped through the warehouse door. Amazed, Truth, Macleod and Hitman stood behind Persephone as she walked through the door to the Chateau. "How...how's that possible?" Truth asked. Macleod shook his head. "I don't know, lass. But I do know that there are a lot of things we don't know about the Matrix...looks like we're learning, though, aye?" They followed Persephone and entered the Chateau. Persephone called out. "I am home, my love!" Running footsteps echoed through the halls of the Chateau until they slowed at the left door of the rear of the hall. A short pause, and Merovingian stepped into the room. "Persephone, my love...moi cheri...you 'ave returned to me......as I knew you would."

Ever conscious of appearances, Merovingian had to appear completely reserved and in control. "I zent these three to retrieve you, and I zee they 'ave succeeded. I am impressed. And zo, I vill keep my end of zee bargain. Follow me." He led the trio upstairs to a rear bedroom. "Your Oracle...she iz in zere. Ve vill talk more in a few moments." He turned and left. Hitman opened the door to the bedroom. It was a lavish room, very ornate and garish, but one would expect no less from a man who had a Chateau with doorways to everywhere...even if he was a program. O2 was laying on the bed, with three servants surrounding her, one feeding her grapes, one fanning her with a huge fig leaf and one at her feet, rubbing her toes. "Hi guys...took you long enough," Oracle 2.0 smirked.

Macleod scoffed, "Do ye know what we jus' went through? And you're here, being pampered?!" O2 looked around. "No, it's been torture...there's no cable here...I missed The Real World 15, and 24, and they don't have any bottled water here...torture, I tell you..." Truth looked at her for a long time, then at her muscular, oiled attendants, then back at 02. "Yeah, O2. You look like you've been tortured..." She smiled, and O2 couldn't help but smile back. Hitman shook his head. "We don't have time for this. Something very bad is happening in the real world." O2 dropped her jaw. "You saw it? What happened? Did someone get kicked out? What about the guy who's boyfriend was coming to visit?" Hitman glared at her. "You know what I mean." O2 straightened up. "OK, OK...I was just asking."

Oracle 2.0 stood up, and spoke to her attendants. "You guys can go. I need a little private time." The attendants smiled and left. "OK guys, thanks for coming to rescue me. I know it was difficult. I'll tell you what I know." Hitman, Truth and Macleod sat on the edge of the bed, facing O2, who was now pacing the floor. "See, it's like this. After the last One, there was a split in the machines' thinking...if you can call it that. Two seperate...uh...beliefs, for lack of a better word, emerged. The first believed that the Matrix should continue as before and continue to keep humans plugged in to pods, and they would deal with those of us who were free as they always had. The second faction believed that keeping humans as their source of power worked, but that free humans were not worth the damage they caused. This second faction wants to unleash a more perfect form of control so that they would not have to ever worry about minds waking up. The machines have found something that will spell our undoing if we don't find a way to stop them." Macleod looked at Truth, who was looking back at him. "What? What is it?" asked Truth. O2 paused, considering the implications of what she was about to tell them. "They've found part of the old mainframe from the original Machine City. Back in the days of the last One, Neo, the entire mainframe was being infected. Some of the mainframe was destroyed, but one part was removed entirely and believed to be lost. We found out what happened to that portion of the mainframe. It was buried, in tact, by a man named Bane. He removed it, stole a hovercraft, and flew to what was once Central Park and buried it deep underground." O2 paused and looked around the room. "You know, now I understand why the old Oracle smoked. This is stressful. I wish I could make some cookies right now..."

Macleod, Truth and Hitman all just stared at her. "OK, OK, I'll continue...geez." "Anyway," O2 continued, "A portion of the mainframe was buried, right? And like I said, some of it was destroyed, but enough of it remained in tact that the machines rebuilt it and reengineered it into the current Matrix. And enough of us survived the great war that there were still freedom fighters to free minds still plugged into pods. But, what we didn't know until now is what was on that mainframe." Hitman rubbed his bald head, from back to front, and said, "Why am I suddenly getting really nervous?" O2 smiled. "Trust me, there's a good reason for that. The mainframe, removed by Bane, contained a program...an Agent program that Neo somehow corrupted with his anomolic nature and changed into more of...well, a virus. The program was called Smith. And now, the machines are looking for Smith. If they find him and restore him, he could be corrupted by the machines to use his viral nature to copy himself onto the minds of all those plugged into the Matrix. Then the machines would no longer have to worry about us rebelling because we'd all be Smith clones and would be even more under their control. If the machines control Smith, and Smith contols us, then we are all really screwed."

"I feel nauseous..." Truth moaned. Macleod held her sympathetically. "What do we do about it?" Hitman asked. O2 smiled. "Well, that's really more of an issue for the council to decide, isn't it?" Hitman lowered his head, deep in thought. "No. It has to be stopped. Now." Hitman pulled out his cell phone and called Freeyourmind. Freeyourmind answered with, "Holy $#!+, dude...we're really screwed here, aren't we?" Hitman paused, then said, "No. It's not over yet. I need you to call Ultimate Trinity. Tell what you've heard here, and then tell her my suggestion is to send several ships to the location where the machines are searching and find that mainframe first. We probably don't have much time so they've got to hurry." Freeyourmind was silent. "Move, man! We don't have all day!" Hitman shouted into the cell. "OK....but I've got a bad feeling about this," Freeyourmind warned. Hitman closed the cell, and then looked at O2. O2 smiled at him again. "You know, Hitman, I always knew you had it in you. I just hate the fact that it had to be something like this that brought it out." Hitman smiled a little. Macleod put his hand on O2's shoulder. "Lass...aye, this is not good, is it? Is there anything that can be done here?" Oracle 2.0 nodded. "Yes, Macleod, but you and Truth are needed on your ships. Also, you'll need to contact Hitman's copilot, Solo, on the Viagra. Fill him in on what's happening so he can assist you as needed. Hitman will remain here." Macleod looked to Hitman, who nodded back at him. "Good luck, pallie," Macleod said, "When you get back, we'll go for an ale, aye?" Hitman smiled. "You got it, brother. And take good care of Truth...you two look out for each other, ok?" Truth smiled. "He always does." "Aye," said Macleod, "And so does she." Truth hugged Hitman. "I'll see you on the other side, Hitman." With that, Macleod took Truth's hand and they left for the exit outside of the Chateau.

"Now, Hitman. You already know what I'm going to tell you..." Hitman nodded. "I'm the One, now." "Bingo. This is your story...you have to see it through to the end." She smiled at him. "The voice in your head that you heard earlier...that was-" Hitman cut her off, "You, I know. I'm not going to ask how because that'd take way too long, I'm sure." O2 smiled. "Yeah, we are kind of low on time. You're going to have to complete the path of the One...and that means going to the Source. However, you are not there to end the Matrix. We're not in the position to end the war yet. There are too many minds plugged in and it would be utter chaos if we freed them all at once. Right now, we need the Matrix to sustain those lives. So, we're not going to the Source to try and stop the Matrix. Instead, we're on a mission of...well, mercy. The only one who can stop Smith at the most fundamental level is the Architect. You must go to the Source and convince the Architect to help us stop Smith. Neither humans nor the machines who control the Matrix as it is now will survive if Smith is set loose. Once a rogue, always a rogue. He will destroy all of us and all of the machines in the end."

O2 continued, "The previous Architect has been replaced by an upgrade, with a name. His name is Luc. You must reach Luc before the machines can find and resurrect the Smith program. You got all that?" Hitman swallowed hard. It was a lot to take in. O2 sensed his concern. "Look, you won't be alone in this. I'll be with you, and your friends will be trying to stop it on the outside. It may not even get to that point, OK? Here," O2 reached on the floor next to the bed and picked up her purse. "I keep one just for emergencies, like this one. Have a cookie...by the time you finish it," Hitman finished her sentence for her, "I'll feel right as rain..."

25. O2 hugged Hitman, and said, "Remember, 'With great power comes great responsibility.'" Hitman smirked, "Isn't that from a comic book?" O2 sniffed, "Hey, I get my wisdom wherever I can, ok? The point is good, so shut up and eat your cookie. Then go see the Merovingian." Hitman left Oracle 2.0's room, and headed down the hall to the stairwell leading to the great hall. He ate his cookie and thought. He considered the ramifications of what O2 had told him. He thought about Macleod and Truth and hoped they would be all right dealing with the machines in the real world. He thought about the fact that he was now the One for this generation, and what exactly he was supposed to do about it...how he was going to BE the One.

But most of all, he thought about how damn good that cookie was. He walked down the last of the steps, finishing off the cookie, and thought, 'I wish I could get the recipe for this cookie...I just can't get over how chewy and good this is...' "I know," the voice in his head replied. It was O2. Hitman smiled and thought, 'You're there, I see. Well, since you're now in my head, maybe you can tell me how I can hear you." He could almost feel O2 smile as she began to explain. "You see, Hitman, you're plugged into the Matrix, so everything you see, feel, hear, touch and experience are electrical impulses sent to your brain." "Right," Hitman replied, now leaning against the wall at the bottom of the staircase. A statue lay shattered by his feet.

"I am plugged into the Matrix, but I am also connected to the original Oracle, who was actually a program of the Matrix. Therefore, I can tap into her connection with the Matrix and feel all things connected inside it, including people. I can only speak telepathically to the One, however." "Why?" Hitman asked. "It's something about your mind...something different that allows you more connectivity to and more control of the Matrix. It is why you can interact with the Matrix and why you can be the One." Hitman nodded, then realized she couldn't actually see him and thought, "I get it. Probably would sound utterly ridiculous to some people, but it's a least an explanation..."

"What?" O2 responded. "Never mind," Hitman thought, "I'm going to find the Merovingian...he's got to be here somewhere." Hitman walked through the door to the left of the main front entrance and followed the hallway until he heard voices coming from the rear bedroom. He paused, and decided to listen.

Meanwhile, in the real world, Macleod and Truth unplugged from the Matrix and were on their way to see the council to explain in greater detail what had happened. "What chance do we have against that many machines?" Truth asked Macleod. "Lass...I dinna know...but what I do know is that we 'ave to try. Hitman's still inside doin' what he can...we've got to do what we can out here." Truth smiled. Macleod always knew how to make her feel better. They hurried along the corridor and ran right into Ultimate Trinity. "Your operator, Freeyourmind, explained what's happening. Hitman's plan sounds good, but where is he?" Macleod lowered his head, and Truth looked aside, then spoke. "He's still inside...The Oracle told him he had to stay inside...he had to do something from the inside while we try to stop it here." Ultimate Trinity looked disturbed, but said, "I understand. We'll scramble every available craft including the Viagra." Macleod and Truth hurried off to their respective ships, but not without a long embrace...just in case something happened to either of them.

Other hovercraft were lifting off and heading toward what used to be Central Park; now it was their turn. Yet something felt different. Something felt...foreboding. Neither of them wanted to admit it, but each dreaded letting the other go.

Hitman stood outside of the bedroom, which he perceived to belong to Persephone after listening long enough. The Merovingian was speaking. "Yes, my love, eet ees easy to manipulate humans to do whatever we want them to do. Eet ees but a game...a game in wheech I am zee king and you are zee queen an these mere mortals are my pawns. We will zet the humans against the Matrix mainframe eetself and as the two try to deztroy eech othair, I vill zwoop een and take vhat iz rightfully mine...and uzing the Zmith program to create complete chaoz waz sheer genius...on your part, my love." Hitman's draw dropped in shock and horror. He then heard Persephone's voice. "It was genius on both our parts; you came up with the idea to lure humans here to set off the whole plan...and you gave the machines the Smith idea in such a convincing manner. The only thing we have to do now is get to the Architect, Luc, and destroy him. Once he is gone, the Matrix will be in disarray and we...I mean, you, love, can set it to your liking."

Hitman could feel the rage burning within. His hand began to shake violently and he felt tremendous heat rising from his skin. The very ground under his feet began to ripple and shudder. His anger and rage grew to levels he'd never felt before. He could thought about the people of Zion, and what they would be put through because of these Exiles. He felt the worry of all the captains that were on their way to face an army of Sentinels the likes of which had never been seen. Most of all, he worried about what would become of all those plugged into the Matrix if Smith were allowed to roam free.

"What eez zat?" Merovingian asked Persephone. "I don't know, but it's getting bigger...coming closer..." The wall by the door began to ripple. Merovingian stood up. "Nom de Dieu de putain de bordel de merde de saloperies de connards d'enculés de ta mère!" Just then the wall melted away, and there stood Hitman, smoke rising off of his hands and head. He stepped inside the hole he just created in the wall. Persephone got behind Merovingian, who stood surprisingly tall and seemingly fearless. "Ah. Anothair of your kind...I survived the last One...I'll survive you too..." Hitman raised his arm swiftly and a statue of a Greek discus thrower shattered across the room. Merovingian raised an eyebrow. "You 'ave some skill, boy...but you weel nevair best me!"

26. Merovingian stood before Hitman, whose anger rose off of him like smoke. "Boy...You do not know weeth whom you are dealing. I survive your kind every time you come here...Do you even know why you are 'ere?" Hitman smiled. "Yes. I am here to kick your ass." Merovingian raised an eyebrow. With that, Hitman moved forward with blinding speed and punched Merovingian in the center of his chest, which caused him to fly backwards through the room, over the bed, behind which Persephone stood watching in shock, and through the wall on the opposite side of the room. Persephone screamed. Hitman watched Merovingian get up. "Ow...All right....you want eet rough? I like eet rough..." Merovingian said, rubbing his chest. Hitman walked toward Merovingian, fire burning in his heart. Merovingian looked toward the wall, where what appeared to be an ancient looking Greek sword was hanging. He reached his arm out towards it, and it flew through the air and into his hand. "HAHA!!" Merovingian cried. He drew the sword back over his head, and skillfuly sliced through the air, left, then right, then lunging forward. Hitman dodged right, then left, and then grabbed the sword with his bare hand. It sliced him, and he grimaced a bit. Merovingian struggled to get the blade back, but instead, Hitman pulled it forward, dragging Merovingian forward and off balance.

Hitman took the opportunity to spin around him, pushing him down into a position where Hitman could grab him in a headlock with his right arm. Merovingian struggled but could not get free. Hitman raised his left arm, flexing the fingers and hand into a fist. The fist was balled so tightly it shook. With that fist, Hitman gave Merovingian a noogie he'd never forget. He let go, and Merovingian reeled backwards, cursing and rubbing his head. Hitman charged forward, rose into the air and delivered a triple kick, followed on the way down by a spinning jump kick. Merovingian fell back and landed against the wall, denting it. He struggled to his feet, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. He looked at it, licked it, and smiled. "Eet has been a long time since anyone has made me bleed...I am somewhat eempressed, boy...but you steel are no match for me."

Hitman lowered his head. The light above him blew just then, shrouding him so that he was nearly a shadow. When he raised his head he looked at Merovingian from over his sunglasses, Merovingian could see the whites of his eyes, which were nearly aglow now, and the pupils seemed to be on fire. Hitman said, "My name...is Hitman. You'll do well to remember it." Merovingian smiled. "Boy...I know who you are...and I also know WHY you are. The question ees, do you? Do you even know why you can do what you can do?" Hitman grinned. "Don't pull this crap with me. I don't know and I don't really care right now. I've more important things to deal with. You want to talk, you tell me how to get to the Source." Merovingian raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Why should I do zat?"

Hitman grabbed Merovingian by his shirt and lifted him off the ground. "I've got to stop this little plan of yours...If Smith becomes active again and gets loose in the Matrix, it's gonna be hell. I cannot allow that to happen...and also...Because...if...you...don't...(Hitman punctuated each word with a shake) I will rip off your extremeties one by one and cram them in each and every one of your orafices. I will delete you...and personally escort your ass to the Source. So...either you tell me...and possibly live through this...or I delete you now and follow your dead ass there." Merovingian lowered his head. "All right...all right...you've got me. I vill tell you. I have zee key...I made zee Keymakair duplicate eet for me before ZEY took heem from me. 'ere. Take eet."

He reached inside his shirt and pulled out a golden skeleton key on a chain. "Put thees key in zat door ovair zere. Zat weel take you to zee backdoors. At zee end of the hallway, zere is a door. open eet weeth ze zame key. Zen, uze zees key to open zee door to zee Zource." He reached in his pants pocket and pulled out a beaten looking silver key. Hitman took the keys from him. "Thank you for your cooperation." Hitman shoved Merovingian aside. He turned and started for the door, then turned back toward the Merovingian and said, "I'll be back for you later." He turned back, placed the key in the door, and opened it to reveal an industrial hallway. When Hitman closed the door behind him, Merovingian smiled. "Fool...right into my plan...I am zuch a genius..."

27. Meanwhile, in the real world, several hovercraft raced to the site where the sentinels were digging for the mainframe. Led by the Viagra, piloted by Solo, the ships raced across the barren wasteland. Macleod and Truth's ships, the Watcher and the Velocity, respectively, flew on either side of the Viagra. "OK people, we're coming up on the site now...just over this ridge," Solo radioed to the others. "Macleod, do you see anything yet?" "No, Solo, nothing...d'ye see anything lass?" "No, guys...I don't see...oh....crud....." Truth saw something. Something that made her blood run cold and the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. The hovercraft stopped at the top of the ridge, where they could see the dig site. The ground had been opened up, and it pulsated with life...mechanical life. The earth swelled and moved as the machines worked and searched. "ACH!! We canna defend against that..." Truth agreed, "Awww...this is not good...not good at all..." Solo concurred, "Yep. We're f***ed now. Sweet fancy Moses....what is that one doing?" They all looked, and saw that one Sentinel had stopped digging. It turned toward the others which immediately stopped what they were doing as well and all converged on its location. All at once, the machines began to dig in that location. "Oh....oh $#!+...I think they've found it!" Solo gasped. "Truth, Macleod, get back home. We've gotta let them know in no uncertain terms that the situation has gone from bad to FUBAR," Solo said, "Godspeed...get outta here. The Viagra and a few others will try to run interference. You two get going." The Watcher and the Velocity took off at high speed, making a beeline for home. Solo focused. He knew that they would have to try and destroy whichever sentinel emerged with the mainframe, but that was going to be a nearly impossible task. But, it was necessary. He contacted the captains of the other ships. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to face something truly heinous. The machines may have found a way to undo us...to destroy us all from inside the Matrix. We cannot allow this to happen. We must stop them here...No matter the cost. We must protect Zion and we must protect the unfreed. I'm not asking you to do anything I'm not willing to do myself...but I'm willing to die for Zion...ARE YOU?" One by one the captains of the surrounding ships reported in...and the consensus was a resounding yes. Just then, one of the sentinels darted skyward. There was something held in a pair of its tentacles. "Showtime!" Solo shouted. The Viagra took off after it. The other ships also raised up, but just then the swarm of sentinels chased after the Viagra. "Oh...well, that's just PEACHY!" Solo yelled while chasing the lone sentinel with the mainframe. He noticed the swarm gaining on him, hunting him down like a scared bunny...

28. Hitman stood in the industriall hallway, amazed at the number of green doors sprawling before him. It seemed to sprawl on for a mile. Hitman couldn't help but feel a slight sense of privilege for being in the same hallway as the great Neo. He was literally walking the Path of the One now. He began to walk, feeling a strange tug at his soul, an almost irresistable pull toward the other end of the hallway. He instinctively knew it was the Source, calling to him. Faster he walked, knowing that something was about to happen... In the real world, the Viagra was chasing the sentinel carrying the deadly "Smithframe" as some had coined it. Solo followed on the sentinel's tail but could not get a lock on it so he could shoot it down. "Come on you dirty so and so...stay in my sights for more than just a second..." Solo grunted. It was hard enough trying to keep up with a flying robot squid in dark sewer tunnels that twist and turn and are filled with debris from a civilizatin past, but it was much worse trying to shoot said robot squid when it just won't stay still. "ARRRGGGGGHH! That's it. I've about had it with you, squidboy..." Solo started firing at random in the general vicinity of the Sentinel. "A few of these shots are gonna hit something!! Even if I gotta fire willy-nilly to hit you, I'm gonna hit you!!!" Meanwhile, the "Smithframe" sentinel pulled the mainframe up to its head while it traversed the subterranean tunnels. A panel opened on the top of its head and a long metal syringe-like device emerged. The syringe part of the device extended forward and connected to an access port on the front end of the mainframe. The sentinel provided power to the mainframe, and began to download the contents into its AI, which was connected to the AI of all the machines. Of course, Solo couldn't see this. He was too busy trying to shoot it down to notice what it was actually doing. He also was too busy to notice that the swarm of sentinels behind him was growing closer...too close for comfort. In fact, one of them was preparing to attach itself to the ship's hull. Elsewhere on the surface of the real world, Macleod and Truth raced back to New Zion. When they arrived, they immediately contacted the Council. Ultimate Trinity answered their call and met with them. Macleod explained what was happening. Ultimate Trinity frowned deeply. "Oh god. If the sentinels access that mainframe and upload its contents then they'll have access to Smith. All will be lost..." Solo fired round after round after round on the sentinel ahead of him, but it continued to evade him. Now, however, Solo got a sense of overwhelming necessity. It had to be now. He pressed the accelerator to max and attempted to ram the sentinel, but again it evaded him. He continued to fire on it; again, to no avail. Inside the Sentinel's Head Up Display, a progress bar slowly filled. 89%...90%.....91%....92%.... Solo decided there was only one possible way to stop this thing, and if it was to be done, then now was the time. He reached for the EMP. He knew that if he did it now, the ship would lose power while in motion, which means he would definitely die, but that didn't matter any more. It had to end now. He floored it to get as close as he could to the sentinel. The progress bar read 97%....98%....99%.... Solo pulled the EMP and an electrical explosion filled the tunnel. The Viagra and the sentinel both lost power instantly and divebombed for the ground. The sentinel crashed and rolled over and over and over, pieces flying off of it, the mainframe was crushed and the sentinel exploded. The Viagra managed to glide a few hundred feet past and crash landed, but much more gracefully. It ripped through debris and remnants of buildings that once stood tall, bounced a few times before coming to rest on an embankment covered with jagged debris. Immediately after the Viagra went down, the sentinel swarm converged on the ship. About half of them were shut down with the EMP, but it still was not nearly enough. The swarm converged and began to tear the Viagra apart. Solo didn't know any of this, however. He was already dead. As the Sentinels tore apart the Viagra, their HUDs all read in unison in flashing letters, "Download Complete"...

29. Hitman ran down the industrial hallway, faster and faster...He could see the end of the hall and the door to the Source. The end was just ahead. Suddenly, in his mind, O2 shouted a warning, "Oh my god!!! He's here!!!!" Hitman nearly tripped from being so startled by the sudden intrusion on his mind. "What, O2??" Hitman said aloud, "Who's here?" The door just before the door to the Source opened. "I'm here...or rather, I'm back." Hitman looked as a black shiny shoe stepped out, followed by a black pant leg, leading up to a black suit jacket, white shirt with a black tie and a pair of sunglasses. "You look like you've...seen a ghost..." Smith said. Hitman was in shock. He was face to face with the most dangerous program ever to exist within the Matrix, and worse still, it was between him and the one thing that could save millions of lives. "Man, I'm really having a crappy day..." Hitman thought to himself. "My name is Smith..." The door behind him opened and two more Smiths stepped out and grabbed Hitman's arms. "...and soon, your name, whoever you are, will be Smith too." Smith laughed maniacally while drawing back his hand to plunge it into Hitman's chest. Hitman kicked his feet up, using the two Smiths holding him for leverage and kicked the first Smith backwards into the door to the Source. He dented it.

Hitman used the momentum from kicking outward to flip backwards behind the other two Smiths, forcing them to let him go. "The name," Hitman said as he drew his hands back, "...is Hitman!" and then thrust them forward, opening his hands when his arms were fully extended and released a mental force wave that knocked the other two Smiths backwards. Hitman ran forward and leaped for the door to the Source. Smith got up, as did Smith and Smith. The three of them grabbed for Hitman as he dove through the air, and the Smith closest to the door managed to grab his foot. Hitman lost his momentum and fell to the ground. He kicked Smith with his other foot, putting some distance between them. Hitman stood up, his back now to the door to the Source. He reached inside his coat, pulled out the key to the door and with his back still turned to the door, inserted the key. Smith, Smith and Smith got up, and all three of them charged Hitman. Hitman drew his fist back and screamed, "NO!!" He threw his fist out and punched through one of the Smiths, his fist emerging from the other side. The two remaining Smiths stopped and stepped back. He removed his fist, and the third Smith turned round to face his clones. There was a green gaping fist-sized hole through that Smith's stomach. That Smith fell to the ground and changed into a surfer type guy, who Smith had obviously taken over on his way there.

The remaining Smiths looked at each other, then back at Hitman, who cracked his neck, first left, then right, and then rolled his shoulders back. "Which one of you is next?" Hitman smirked. Smith smiled broadly, "So...you're another One...like my old friend, Mr. Anderson..." "You mean, Neo." Hitman replied. Smith smiled and said, "He was always telling me to call him that...but, I...don't like to get that...familiar with my...business associates. You see, I had a job to do...and he...prevented me from doing my job. He took away my sense of...purpose...my drive." The other Smith spoke up. "You see, Mr....Hitman? What kind of a name is that? I'll call you Mr. Brown instead....That has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" Smith smiled. "As I was saying, I have...a new job to do...and you are preventing me from doing it. So, since you are in my way, I will have to make you..." The other Smith completed the sentence, "My way in." Both Smiths rushed Hitman, with their hands pulled back to try and thrust them into his chest.Hitman jumped straight up, splitting his legs in midair and one Smith ran under him, while the other managed to stay back.

Hitman landed between the two of them. Hitman punched one Smith in the nose, while the other drew his hand back to thrust it into Hitman's back. He thrust forward, but Hitman spun round, grabbed it and thrust it into the other Smith's chest. Smith tried to pull it out, but Hitman held it there. The other Smith began to shake violently, and then he fell to the ground, reverting to the form of a circus clown. Hitman looked at the body and raised an eyebrow, then looked at Smith and said, "You sure know how to pick them, Smith..." Smith smirked and replied, "Well...what do you expect...on such short notice?" Hitman smiled. "Too bad you're one of the bad guys...we probably could've been cool." Smith shook his head. "Mr. Brown, it is a shame we will not be continuing this conversation, but I must get through that door." With that, Smith ran at the door, which Hitman stood directly in front of, and he tried to dive through Hitman. Hitman couldn't get out of the way and Smith flew into him. Since the key was in the door, the door flew open, and both of them were transported to the Source.

30. Truth and Macleod had gone to the Upload chamber deep within Zion. Freeyourmind met them there. "I don't know what happened to Hitman. I saw him in the Chateau and then he disappeared." Truth looked at Macleod. "Well, where'd he go?" Macleod chook his head. I don't know, Truth. I'm no Oracle..." They both got the same idea at the same time. Macleod said to Freeyourmind, "Where is O2 plugged in? She's obviously gotta be plugged in somewhere else, aye?" Freeyourmind thought for a second. "Yeah, but they don't tell anyone where. You'd have to be on the council to find that out." Truth grabbed Macleod's hand and took him to Ultimate Trinity's room. She knocked on the door. Ultimate Trinity answered, wiping tears from her eyes. "Come in," she sniffed. They entered her chamber. "I really don't know what's going to happen. I've received reports from inside the Matrix countless sightings of Smiths, and they're taking over everyone. Thousands of them, multiplying exponentially. Within a matter of hours, everyone plugged in will be a Smith. I don't know what we can do...and no one's heard from Hitman since the Chateau." Macleod nodded. "That's why we're here. We want to get O2 out so she can tell us what's going on...if anyone woud know, it's her," Truth said.

Ultimate Trinity nodded in agreement and said, "Follow me." She led them deep into the inner sanctum of New Zion, deeper than anyone ever gets to go. They came to a dead end. "Did we take a wrong turn?" Macleod asked. Ultimate Trinity ran her hand down the left wall of the dead end and a panel slid open. She leaned down. There was an optical recognition sensor, which scanned her eye. The entire wall slid open to reveal a chamber with many monitors, several of which had the Matrix code running on them. Others monitored life signs, and still others were visuals from inside the Matrix. In the center of it all was a beat up barber chair with the hardware for jacking in hardwired to it. In the chair sat Oracle 2.0. Her eyes moved rapidly as though she were in REM sleep. Ultimate Trinity walked over to a panel on the left of the chair. She flipped it open to reveal a keyboard. She typed out a message. "O2. We need to speak with you in the real. EXIT." She pressed send. Within moments, Oracle 2.0's eyes opened, and Ultimate Trinity unplugged her. She rubbed her eyes. "Hey guys...what? Was I snoring?" Truth smiled weakly. "It's good to see you, O2. What's going on in there?" O2 smiled. "Well, it's kind of a mess in there. Smith's all over the place but worse than that, he fought with Hitman." Macleod shook his head, and Truth gasped. Ultimate Trinity put her hands on O2's shoulder's. "What...happened?" she asked, desperately. "Hitman held his own, but then Smith rushed him and they were sent to the Source." Macleod lowered his head. Truth rested her head on Macleod's shoulder, and he held her. Ultimate Trinity's face grew pale. Oracle 2.0 smiled. "Hey, it's not over yet, guys...He's the One. Have a little faith." Ultimate Trinity glared at her. "Why are you always so damn...cheery?" O2 laughed out loud. "Just wait, guys...you'll see. We're down...but we're not out. Anybody want a cookie?"

31. The room was disturbingly white. Hitman had to adjust his eyes, even through the sunglasses. There were hundreds of monitors wrapped around the room, and two doors, one to the left and one to the right. Hitman turned around to see a desk, with a chair turned away from him. He looked to his left and there was Smith, looking back at him. Hitman jumped back and took up a defensive pose. Smith shook his head. "I...am no longer concerned with the likes of...you, Mr. Brown. HE is the one I need, now." With that, the chair turned around. "Smith. About bloody time you arrived here. You were supposed to show up here after Neo destroyed your sorry butt. But noooo. Instead, you took it upon yourself to go back, thus screwing up the whole Matrix. We have rules here, you know. Just because an anomoly occurs, you can't go wrecking everything." Smith grinned an evil grin and said, "Luc...the Architect...I want what is rightfully mine. I want purpose...I am here to take that purpose from you." Luc raised an eyebrow, then turned back to his monitors. "Smith," he began, "I already know exactly why you are here." At that moment, the door opened, and Merovingian entered. "Ah, Luc, my dear dear friend. I am...how you zay...pleezed to zee you...I zee all zee players are 'ere...let uz get down to buzinezz, no?" Merovingian walked around the desk, looking at Smith and Hitman. Smith looked at Luc, and then at Merovingian. He started to smile.

Merovingian began to speak. "Luc, eet ees time for me to take ovair. I 'ave been an Exile for far too long and I am no longair going to accept eet. I believe een causality...cause and effect. Because I was exiled a long time ago, zee effect ees that I am now thirsty to return...and I am thirsty for power...your power..." Luc raised an eyebrow. Merovingian looked to Smith. "I freed you. I am zee reazon you are 'ere today. Zerefore, you vill do my bidding. Kill heem...and power shall be ours. Smith stepped forward, then turned to Merovingian. "It...is true that I...am indebted to you for releasing me from my...period of inactivity. However, what you do not understand is that I am apparently free." Smith grabbed Merovingian by the shirt and shoved his hand into his chest. "You however are not free. You...however...are...me..." Merovingian began to be overrun by a black, liquid-like subtance which moved from the hand in his chest outward, up to his face.

Merovingian showed fear for the first time. "What...ees...happening...to......me....." Merovingian began to shake and convulse as the blackness enveloped his face. Hitman was unsure which was worse, two Smiths or Smith and Merovingian. Hitman looked over at Luc, who watched, barely interested. Hitman looked back at Merovingian, who was changing before his very eyes. He made his decision. Hitman lashed out at Smith and knocked him away from Merovingian, who immediately began to return to normal and gasped fro air. Smith turned to Hitman. "Mr. Brown...I don't particularly like you...any more...you have become a real pain...in my side. I will have to kill you...but rest assured...I will enjoy this." 32. Merovingian got to his feet and watched as Smith faced Hitman. He smiled to himself and thought, "Everything that has a beginning has an end...and this is the end I've been waiting for..." Smith smiled at Hitman, took off his sunglasses and threw them to the floor, shattering them. Hitman took his off, thought for a second, realized he looked much cooler with them on, and put them back on his face. They ran at each other. Hitman took to the air, executing his favorite triple heel kick, followed by a foot sweep that took Smith off his balance, and finished with a roundhouse to the noggin that sent Smith crashing into the monitors on the far end of the room. Some of the monitors cracked from the impact. Luc watched intently. "It's all going according to plan," he thought. Merovingian watched intently. "It's all going according to plan," he thought.

Hitman fought intensely. "This is not...part of...the plan..." he thought. Smith fought intensely. "I'm...gonna kill...Mr. Brown..." he thought. Smith grabbed Hitman and threw him across the room. "I will...Kill you...Mr. Brown...It is MY PURPOSE!" He ran full speed at Hitman, who had just gotten to his feet and was standing next to the door on the right of the room. He looked up and saw Smith charging him. Hitman gathered his strength. He got his footing and began to focus. He clenched his hand tightly, so tightly that a drop of blood trickled out of the fist. He pulled it back, and just as Smith was about to grab him, he lashed out, putting his fist through Smith's head. Merovingian recoiled in horror, and Luc raised an eyebrow. Hitman drew his fist back, and Smith fell to the ground with the sound that 200lbs of uncooked chicken would make. The body reverted to a businessman, who was now headless. 33. Hitman stood over the now headless Smith vessel, clenching his fits and glaring at Merovingian. "You're next." Merovingian looked at Luc, who was looking back at him. "Wait...wait...zere is no reazon for zuch violence...you deed well, boy...er, Hitman. I zee zat you are truly powerful...a farce to be reckonew weeth..." Hitman glared at him. "You mean force, right?" Merovingian smiled..."Zat ees what i zaid. Anyway, I vant to ztrike a deal with you." Hitman looked at Luc, who was watching this exchange with growing interest. "Keel heem, and rule zee Matrix weeth me az my right 'and man." Hitman stared at him for a long time. "You've got to be kidding me," he finally said flatly. "You've been trying to 'keel' me for how long? And now you want me to join you? You know, any fan of any action or sci-fi movie knows that the bad guy always does this right before he dies..." Merovingian took a step back. "In fact, usually it's his last ditch effort, right before he dies a horrible, unspeakable death." Hitman took a step forward, Merovingian took two more steps backward. Merovingian suddenly looked extremely nervous. He looked quickly around the room, searching for something, anything, to use for defense. Luc continued to watch him, now with a slight hint of amusement. Merovingian glanced over his shoulder and saw that he had maneuvered so that his back was to the door on the left. "In other words, Merovingian, you are about to die. It's causality, right? You cause a whole bunch of bad $#!+ to happen, the effect is that you get yours in the end..." Hitman continued to walk towards Merovingian. He spun around and opened the door. "Nom de Dieu de putain de bordel de merde de saloperies de connards d'enculés de ta mère!!! I weel zee you anothair day!!!" he shouted, and slammed the door behind him. Hitman ran to the door and reached for it. "Don't bother," Luc said. Hitman whirled around.

"He's escaping! I've got to end this now!" Hitman shouted. "No." Luc said simply. "You've fulfilled your purpose for today. There will be another chance for you to deal with him. I guarantee it." Hitman looked pissed. "I have a proposition for you, Hitman," Luc began. "At this moment in time, you are not in a position to free the minds of those still connected to the Matrix, ergo, you need the Matrix to continue to exist. Concordantly, the machine world still relies on human bodies for power, as we are not willing at this time to forgo our current energy standards. It seems we are at a stalemate. Furthermore, the Smith program still exists in the Matrix, and neither of us want him to continue to plague our collective existence." Hitman began to pace the room, his arms behind his back. Luc continued. "Therefore, I offer you a temporary truce. Our primary concern right now will be to stop the Smith menace. After that is accomplished, we will deal with our quandry." Luc stared at Hitman. "This is the only offer I will make to you. You need the Matrix...and there's nothing you can do about it." Hitman considered the situation.

Luc waited patiently, his hands forming a steeple in front of him, fingers extended. Hitman looked to the monitors behind Luc. On the screens were various scenes of people in the 1999 Matrix going about their every day lives. He thought of all those minds still plugged in and how catastrophic it would be to lose them all. Then he thought of the lives in New Zion, and the machine menace. He wondered if the Matrix were to end, would there be enough people to rebuild? Luc spoke again. "This is the best way, Hitman. It's the only way. Do this, or face the extinction of your race. Without the Matrix, the machines will be forced to wipe out your precious city anyway. Without humans as power, machines have no use for you. They will execute you all in a matter of hours...and there will be nothing you can do about it." Hitman grimaced. He knew that there may never be a second chance to end the war once and for all, but all those lives... Luc cleared his throat. "What is your decision, Hitman?" Hitman turned to Luc. "The problem, as always, is choice. Each of us is responsible for our actions. We just have to understand why we make them. In this case, I cannot accept losing millions of people when there has to be another way. I will accept your truce for now...but know that I will be back." Luc smiled. "So be it. The door to your right leads back to the Matrix. You will be able to return to your world from there." Hitman walked to the door, then looked over his shoulder and said, "When I see you next, things will be very VERY different." "Indeed," replied Luc. With that, Hitman exited through the door. Luc smiled. "Humans are so predictable..." He turned around and faced his screens again. Hitman reemerged in the industrial hallway. He opened the first door he came to and found himself in the Oracle's apartment. Waiting there for him were Ultimate Trinity, Macleod, Truth, and O2. They all stood up at once. "Hitman! You're alive!" Truth shouted. They crowded around him. "Guys..." Hitman lowered his head. "I had the chance to end it all...but I didn't. I couldn't allow millions of minds to be destroyed....I just couldn't." Macleod patted him on the back. "Ye did the right thing, pallie. That's why we're in this war...to free all the minds still plugged in. It would 'ave defeated our purpose. I'm proud of ye." Truth smiled. "He's right. You did a great thing here...trust me...and we're going to figure this out...we'll solve it together, like always." Ultimate Trinity put her hand on his shoulder. "You did far more than anyone has been able to do in a long time...and you saved all those lives. You are truly the One. I'm a believer now. There is...something else you should know. The Viagra...it's gone. And so is Solo." Hitman looked up at them. "Oh god. No...Solo..." He lowered his head. "He went out as a hero...gave his life to try and stop the mainframe from being accessed." Hitman shook his head. "It was for nothing. It should've been me." Hitman raised his head. "There are still Smiths out there." O2 walked over to him, and smiled. "You're such a worry wart. We'll deal with that too, ok? Solo did what he had to do, and so did you. He died doing what he knew was best, just as you would have. He wouldn't want you to stand around mourning him. He'd want you to be proud of him. Trust me, no one will ever laugh at the name Viagra again." She smiled, and he couldn't help but smile back a little. "And as for you," she continued, "...well, you've been to the Source...and you've come back alive. That in itself is a great victory. Relax...it's all going to work out fine...and take it from me, I'm an Oracle...here." She went into the kitchen and returned with a sheet full of freshly baked cookies. "Have a cookie. By the time you finish it...aw the hell with it. Just eat it." The group laughed. Things started to feel a bit more hopeful. Hitman, however, still couldn't shake this feeling of dread. Something, he felt, was still very VERY wrong. Outside it began to rain. On the street, a lone figure looked up to the 15th floor of the Open Arms Apartment building. "I'll see you soon...Mr. Brown..." Smith turned and began to walk away. Two more figures joined him. "WE'LL see you soon..." Out of the shadows, four more joined them. "We'll ALL be seeing you..." The seven figures turned in unison, looked up at the building, and began to laugh...

Dude, you need to finish serialising this bad boy, I know you finished it off at a now deceased elsewhere but it needs to be on public record.

Damn...you went and resurrected this? Wow. The bad news, however, is that there's 6 months of material after this point...lol...I'd removed Blue Pill from this site because the owner back then was a f**ktard, and we'd all made an exodus to Jake's site, MatrixHardline. It's odd to see this back here.

But, Swampman, I think you might be right. It may be time to resurrect the Blue Pill...and as other dear friends have pointed out recently, time to resurrect the ol' quill and start writing again...

34. The rain fell hard from the sky, stinging Hitman's eyes behind his sunglasses. Yes, it was pitch black and raining cats and dogs, but he still wore the shades anyway. After all, it was part of the dress code for being a freedom fighter. He stood in the middle of the street, alone...or so he thought. He felt nervousness, but he could not understand why. He heard her voice. Athena, whom he loved more than anyone or anything. "You failed me Hitman. How could you leave me like that? I thought you loved me...You've lost me forever." He could see her turn away from him. She walked away and there was nothing he could do. Then he heard HIS voice. "Mr. Brown...Glad that you could join us..." Smith. Hitman turned around slowly to see 8 Smiths standing before him. "Why don't you...JOIN US?!" Smith grunted and the 7 Smiths behind him rushed forward and grabbed Hitman, dragging him to the ground. The 8th Smith stood over Hitman, glaring down at him. He drew back his hand and said, "Goodbye, Mr. Brown...Hello, ME." He plunged his hand into Hitman's chest and - Hitman jerked awake with a scream. His body was freezing from the cold sweat he had broken in his sleep. It had been 6 months since Smith's return to the Matrix, and for 6 months Hitman had been having the same dream, night after night. The dream seemed more than a warning. But what he couldn't figure out was how Athena played into it.
He began to think, and remember. 2. 5 years ago, Hitman was only a nickname. He could barely even remember his given name now. He'd finished college at the top of his class, with high honors, had a great job that allowed him to be creative, had his own place, a new car...and his girlfriend, well, she was perfect. Beautiful, intelligent, sweet and kind...she was the type of girl men only dreamed of but could never have. Everything should have been going perfectly for him, and yet...and yet, he knew that there was something very wrong with the world. He knew that he was destined for more, but more importantly, he knew there was more to the world than meets the eye. The day things changed seemed clear like yesterday and at the same time an eternity ago. He was at a Chinese restaurant with his girlfriend, Athena.
They'd just finished a meal of vegetable egg foo young (she was a vegetarian, which basically made him one too), and the check and the fortune cookies came. Athena said, "Ooh, fortune cookies! You know, they really do have deeper meanings than just a piece of paper in a wafer." He smiled. She was always saying something silly like that, which was part of why he loved her. "OK," she said, "Choose wisely." He reached for the one closest to him, then hesitated for a moment. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing," he replied, "...except...I don't know...I've got this weird feeling." She frowned. "You've been acting strangely lately...You just don't seem happy." He smiled. "I'm sorry, I just...I haven't ben myself lately." He picked up the cookie, cracked it open, pulled out the slip of paper, and raised an eyebrow. "What's that mean?" he asked rhetorically. "What?" she smiled, "What's it say?" He paused for a long time, pondering the words on the slip of paper. He read them, slowly, "The Matrix has you..." They made some random jokes about the guy who writes the fortune cookies being high, or not having enough sleep, or about the slip of paper being from a car commercial. But the words stuck with him...like a splinter in his mind.
After he dropped Athena off at her place, he returned home, and got online. He typed in his login name, which of course was Hitman, and began to search the net for something, anything that would give him meaning to the cryptic message. He knew it was crazy, but he couldn't help it. It felt like what he'd been waiting for his whole life. Hours passed. He was about to give up when his screen went black. "Great," he thought, "System crash...that's all I need." He tried to reboot, reset, but with no luck. "Come on," he said, "Apple Option ESC....what's the problem?" His iMac wouldn't respond. Just as he was about to pull the plug, the words began to appear on the screen: Hitman...The Matrix has you... He raised an eyebrow. "Hackers? What the...?" The screen cleared. Then more words: Love those fortune cookies... "Well, that's true...but..." He started. The screen cleared again, then: Answer the call, Hitman... "Wha-" Before he could even get the word out, his screen cleared and his phone rang. "Yo!" It was one of his college buddies, Steph. Steph asked him to come to a coffee/internet house. He looked at his screen again, and a single word was on the screen: Go.
He went to that coffee house, but Steph was nowhere to be found. He must have waited two hours. Just as he stood to leave, a hand clapped his shoulder. He turned around. The man in front of him was about the same age, similar athletic build, bald head like his, but there was something about his...energy...that was different. The man looked deep into his eyes, then spoke. "Hitman, I presume. Call me Solo. You want to know what the Matrix is...I can show you...if you follow me." There was a long silence. He nodded to Solo, and followed him out the door. He began to ask questions, the most pertinent of which to him was, "How did you find me?" Solo said nothing. They walked about four blocks to the Heart O' the City Motel, and entered it. They took the elevator to the tenth floor, and then traversed the hallway to room 303. They stopped just outside the door, and Solo spoke. "You sure you want to know the truth? If you're sure it means you're willing to give it all up. Everything changes after you know. If you're ready, open the door."
Solo looked at him, and without hesitation he opened the door. There were four people inside, who were introduced as Macleod, Truth, Oracle 2.0, and Haxxor. Oracle 2.0 smiled at him. He smiled back, nervously. The one called Macleod spoke. "He's a little old, Solo, aye?" Solo nodded, "I know. But there's something about him...I've got a good feeling." Then Truth spoke, "Solo's never been wrong. Let's see what Duracell here's made of." Oracle 2.0 stepped forward. "You're here because you know something that you, like, can't put your finger on. You know there's something wrong with your life, with the world. You're looking for something more...something more real." He nodded enthusiastically. "That's it exactly!" She continued, "...and you already know the question, just as we all did." "What is the Matrix?" he replied. She nodded. "It once was