Blacky-Whitey

"Adam, make sure you go to the bathroom before we leave," demanded Adam's mother.

"I already did," said Adam.

"Well, let's go then," said Adam's mother.

Nathan, the oldest child, Adam, the middle, and Jared, the youngest, all piled into the backseat of their parents' 1982, powder-blue, Cadillac Seville. Once again, Adam's father piloted the Cadillac while Adam's mother sat as a front passenger.

Although the Cadillac was rather roomy, the backseat was never large enough for three young boys. The longer the boys remained in the backseat, the longer it seemed like a trash compactor - the walls seemed to enclose and the space between the boys minimized until the inevitable fight occurred. This was especially true when the boys were trapped inside the Cadillac for two and a half hours, while the boys awaited their arrival to their grandparents' farm.

Adam loved the farm. While his grandparents no longer had any livestock, there were barns and fields to explore, despite warnings to stay to a more confined area. It was much different from the suburbs in which Adam was raised; more free; more private; more natural. However, the thing that Adam loved most were the felines that found refuge on the farm. Perhaps this was because Adam never had a pet, not even a hamster.

There were very different castes of cats. Some were wild and lived in hay mow of the barns, others were born from these wild cats but had become people-friendly, and others were strays that came there in search of, who knows what. Of all the cats, one in particular was Adam's favorite. The cat's name, given by the boys, was "Blacky-Whitey." Unsurprisingly, Blacky-Whitey was a black and white tomcat, with an excellent disposition. Blacky-Whitey was friendly, kind, and followed the boys when they explored the "forbidden areas." Adam loved Blacky-Whitey as much as a boy could love a cat, and Adam consistently thought of Blacky-Whitey on the journey to the farm.

"I see Grandma's house," exclaimed Adam, even though it was barely in sight.

"I saw it first," said Nathan.

Two and a half hours after it began, the trip was completed. Naturally, the boys were excited to see their grandparents. They ran up to their grandparents and hugged them. Nevertheless, it was not long before Adam began searching for Blacky-Whitey. In fact, Adam was hoping Blacky-Whitey would be on his grandparents' front porch, waiting to see him, as the Cadillac pulled into the gravel driveway. Unfortunately, it did not seem as though Blacky-Whitey was ever given a forewarning.

Thus, Adam ventured towards the main barn, hoping to see Blacky-Whitey. As he approached, despite never seeing Blacky-Whitey in this particular area of the barn, Adam imagined the cat inside the barn, sitting on top a bale of straw, just inside the main entrance, to the right. Joyous thoughts filled Adam's mind.

Once he reached his destination, Adam unlatched the door, and slid it away from the opening. Adam entered the barn and was expecting to need to climb a ladder inside the barn, which led to the hay mow, to find his friend. As Adam walked towards the ladder, suddenly, something alarmed him. He jumped back, squared his shoulders, and his heart began to race. Just inside the entrance, to his right, sitting on top a bale of straw, was Blacky-Whitey. The cat was and was not supposed to be there.

The cat meowed. Adam sighed, and exclaimed, "you scared me." Adam was scared, but he did not know why. Adam pet the cat, and ran back towards the house to tell his parents what had happened. Adam's parents dismissed the story, just as parents usually dismiss a child's tales.

However, Adam did not dismiss the event. He knew that something unique had occurred, and he filed the event into a cabinet in the back of his mind.

Other unique events occurred during Adam's young life. There were vivid dreams - dreams that seemed so real despite their implausible situations, such as Adam's ability to float in the air. There were feelings of being not-quite half awake and half asleep during everyday activities, despite Adam's abundant energy. And once again, there were moments of deja vu.

It was not until after Adam turned twenty-six, did he realize that unique events did not just occur too often, but that something was extremely wrong with the world.

...This is a masterpeice! the pace is excellent; the suspense masterful! The description and setting is just right as well...the best beginning I've ever seen! Hopefully though the story will progress quickly...I'm not sure what to expect. Anything can heppen with such a beginning!

Wow- Macleod is right. This is amazing! I'm so intrigued- when do we get the next post?

Not long before he discovered the Truth, Adam stared outside his thirteenth-floor office window, searching. By no means was Adam's view of the city spectacular, but it certainly was one of the best views in the city. From the elevated platform, Adam could see the law firm in which Adam previously practiced. His duties were much different there than they were in his new job. At the firm, Adam wrote briefs, memoranda, and motions. Basically, the firm required Adam to sit behind a computer ten hours a day; drafting, revising, and editing. Indeed, Adam was interested in the subject matter provided in civil litigation, but he sought more immediate excitement. On average, civil cases drag on for years, while criminal cases are usually resolved in less than one.

In law school, Adam found his potential, or so he thought. He turned his mediocre undergraduates grades into rather impressive graduate grades. He tried out for the school's mock trial team, and made it in his second and third years, out of three. While on the mock trial team, Adam displayed some talent and experienced some success. As a result, Adam desired to try cases, to seek glory. Thus, Adam left the firm and joined the district attorney's office as an assistant district attorney. The pay was not great, but Adam was much happier in his new role. He went from one extreme to the other - from being behind a computer all day, researching and writing, to being in a courtroom all day, participating in hearings and trying cases.

Adam had been with the district attorney's office for several months, and he was gaining responsibility. He was only twenty-six, but had tried dozens of cases, and maintained an impeccable record. In fact, Adam was undefeated at this point. He often told other assistant district attorneys that, "you need to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em," but he knew there was much more to it. You had to persuade complete strangers, to know how to make them see your case the way you see your case, despite the opposition. Adam's experiences were much different from his law school friends' experiences. While they were waging war from afar, like long-range missles, Adam was engaged in hand-to-hand combat, like an infantry division.

As Adam stared out the window of his new office, arms crossed and resting on his abdomen, he could not help but to look down to the ground. While the view from the thirteenth floor was not nearly the highest in the city, it was enough to send chills through Adam's spine when he looked as directly downward as possible. Adam's mind wandered to a time when he was not so afraid of being above the Earth's surface. He recounted his days as a child, when he was able to float in the air like a super-hero.

Adam stopped the direction in which his mind was traveling. He was never able to float, he thought - his memories of such events were simply dreams, or daydreams, that had run wild. Nevertheless, Adam could not stop thinking about this memory. He wondered if it really was a dream. It certainly felt real to him. Moreover, it certainly seemed vivid, unlike most dreams where everything was a bit hazy. Justifiably, Adam remembered that this was not the first time that something inexplicable had happened. Adam remembered his long, departed friend, Blacky-Whitey.

"Knock-Knock."

Adam quickly turned around and saw Manny Kuhn, another assistant district attorney, standing in his doorway. Like Adam, Manny was about six feet two inches tall and white, however, Manny was more built than Adam and Adam wondered if Manny worked out, but never cared to ask.

Adam felt a bit embarrassed, knowing he had been caught daydreaming, but tried not to express it. "Good mornin' Manny. What can I do for ya?"

"I'm not able to make it to court today, I was wondering if you could cover a case for me."

"Sure," said Adam, "I actually have a pretty light case-load today. What kind of case is it?"

"Mainly, the Defendant, whose alias in cyberspace is 'Dodona,' is charged with several counts of conspiracy to intentionally damage protected computers."

"I've never heard of it, sounds serious."

"It is. Apparently, Dodona created an internet worm that was able to access nearly all internet browsers, which would have given him the ability to control the functions of all infected computers simultaneously. Right now, he is looking at thirty years in prison."

"Why would someone want to control a bunch of computers simultaneously?"

"That's what we need to discover. Word on the street is that Dodona is only a spoke on a rather large wheel. I would be willing to make these charges misdemeanors and place him on probation if he is willing to cooperate fully with our investigation. Therefore, at the pretrial this morning, I need for you to convince him to take the deal and give us what we want."

"That shouldn't be too hard," said Adam. "He would be crazy not to take probation when he is facing thirty years."

"Let's hope so," said Manny, as he exited Adam's office.

Does anyone wish for this storyline to continue? If not, the executives may give it the axe.

LOL any story is good TRO...but try adding something to clear up the confusion...I'm not sure what you're getting at. :) It's very well written, but its a pace for a novel, not a fanfic :) Keep at it!

... but i have to know the rest !!

u have a novelist style ... i have many ideas i which i could write well in english, but i'll give it a try sometimes ...

i have a comics story i drew ... if i finished it .. i'll try to scan it and post it !

It was 9 AM and the corridor was already occupied with more people than Adam cared to share oxygen with. In another twenty minutes, the hallway would be swarming with all sorts of individuals, awaiting their day in court. Of course, not everyone that had a court-date was free to roam. Several individuals were locked-up, due to the danger to society or their individual risk of flight.

Adam wondered why the hacker known as Dodona was locked-up. Sure, Dodona's alleged crime was serious - attempting to control every PC connected to the internet - but Adam did not see the imminent danger to society and had no indication that Dodona was a flight risk. After all, from the information Adam gathered from his file, Dodona had ties the community. He held a respectable job as a computer programmer for a well-known software company.

"Adam. We have a case together."

Adam immediately recognized the voice. It was Matt Floory, a court-appointed attorney that Adam had a number of cases with. Adam tured around to face Matt. "I'm only handling one case this morning, so you must have the cyberpunk."

"You've got it. I was happy to see that you were handling this case rather than Manny. He is such a stiff!"

"Say what you will about Manny, but he knows what he wants, and stops at nothing to get it."

"True. But I still don't like him," said Matt. "Anyways, about the case, I know that my guy's facing thirty years, do you have any sort of offer I can take to him? I know he'll probably do some prison time, but t's not like he killed anyone."

Inwardly, Adam was delighted at Matt's expectations, but it was also expected. Matt was notorious for trying anything and everything to avoid trial. In fact, Matt Floory's nickname around the D.A.'s Office was "floor-Matt," because he let the D.A.s walk all over him. Without a blink, Adam responded to Matt's query, "I can do better than prison time. I'm offering probation, so long as he cooperates with our investigation. From what I understand, Dodona is a small fish, swimming with much bigger ones. So long as he is willing to provide some names and information, he can avoid a life behind bars."

Expectedly, Matt provided, "I'm sure my client will take that offer. He would be crazy not to. Even if he doesn't want to take the deal, I'll convince him to take it. Give me fifteen minutes to talk to him and I'll be back."

However, long before the fifteen minutes transpired, Matt returned with a look of disappointment. "My client won't take the deal." Being the never-give-up negotiator, Matt offered,"how about we have him placed on a period of probation and an order from the court that he is not allowed to have any sort of computer access. That way we won't have to worry about him doing something like this again."

"No way. Provide us with the information, or bunk with Bubba for the next thirty years - that's the deal."

"He's not going to cooperate. He does have a request however, he would like to speak with you, in private."

Confused, Adam asked, "You mean, just me and him? No attorney? Why would he want to do that? If he doesn't want to cooperate, why would he want to talk to me outside the presence of his attorney?"

"I don't know. He wouldn't tell me. I advised him against it, but he is adamanat that this is what he wants. He said that he wanted to speak to 'Adam' - which I thought was strange since you weren't originally covering this case and I never told him your name."

"That is strange. Well, if that's what he wants, I have no problem talking to him. Maybe, I'll be able to get what I want by talking to him. I'll let you know how it goes."

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY!!!:D TRO you have me on the edge of my seat! You definatley have to keep this up!

also, from the clues given to where adam was formerly employed, I'm guessing he worked for metacortex, which i think is a very cool tie in to the matrix universe and the metacortex consipiracy that started at the beginning of this month.

Sitting calmly at the table was Dodona, with a pleasant smile. Dodona was an African-American male, who appeared to be in his late forties, with an average build for a man his age. Although his hair was noticably greying, it was mostly black, as was the neatly maintained goatee that he chose to wear.

"Hello, Adam."

"Hello," Adam said with hesitation. "What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

"A very important matter."

"Indeed," said Adam. This is a very important matter. You're looking at thirty years in the pen."

Dodona laughed in a cheerful way, "I'm not talking about that matter. What I want to talk to you about is much more significant. I want to talk about you."

Defensively, Adam snapped, "If you're trying to intimidate me from performing my official duties, you just earned yourself another ten years."

Laughing again, Dodona replied, "I intend no ill-will." Suddenly, Dodona's demeanor became much more serious, "however, I must warn you, you are being closely monitored, and have been for a very long time."

Now Adam was laughing. "Oh really? And just who is watching me?"

"For lack of a better term - the man - those in control."

"I'm surprised you're not calling me 'the man.'"

"You can't be 'the man.' You can only be turned into the mirror-image of 'the man.' They are trying to stop you from being you. They are trying to control you by turning you into them."

"Well sir, while I have found this conversation to be both fascinating and amusing, I have more pertinent issues to address." Adam began walking towards the exit.

"Blacky-Whitey," said Dodona.

"What did you say?"

"That is when they first started watching you. Believe me, they have taken notice everytime the rules are broken, and Adam, you've broken a lot of rules."

"I don't break the rules. I enforce the rules. They're called laws. The types of rules that you did not follow. The types of rules that are going to land you in prison for the rest of your life." A bit angry and confused, Adam asked, "And how would you know about Blacky-Whitey?"

In a soothing voice, Dodona stated, "Your reaction is expected. You're a bit angry and confused. To answer your inquiry, I know because I watch the watchers. Adam, when you are ready to talk about this, you'll be led to me, but until then I'll be waiting."

"I won't need to be led to you. I know exactly where you will be, here in the tank." Adam banged on the door, awaited its opening by a guard, and stormed off to find Matt Floory. "Matt, let's tell the bailiff we are ready to set this matter for trial."

"You didn't change your mind about my offer," asked Matt.

"No," snapped Adam.

"Then how about allowing him to be released until the date of trial."

"No way."

Adam sat at the table closest to the jury box. It made it easier for a jury to relate to the district attorney and to distance itself from the defendant. However, the jury box was empty. This was not a trial, this was a preliminary hearing. Seated at the other table was Matt Floory and Dodona.

"Detention or release," the judge asked, turning to Adam.

"The State requests detention, your Honor. The Defendant is charged with several counts of conspiracy to intentionally damage protected computers," exclaimed Adam. "Essentially, the defendant created a program that would have provided him with the ability to control every computer connected to the internet and to access all sorts of information, including the one in your chambers, your Honor."

Before Matt even had the opportunity to respond, the Judge stated, "Well, that certainly does sound serious. However, the tank is full and I'm not hearing that the Defendant is a flight risk or that he would cause any imminent danger if released. I'll set a surety bond at fifteen thousand dollars, you're free to go if you make bond."

Indeed, Dodona was free.

Very nicely done. And the pace is much better too. This whole story is intriguing........but will we have to wait so long for the next bit? ;)

I agree. And "Watch the Watchers"? Lol-where've I heard that before! Do you study law? You seem well-versed in this...as well as being very descriptive yet natural in your conversations!

Originally posted by MacLeod
Do you study law?

I used to study it more than I do now.

"Why did you let Dodona escape?"

The question surprised Adam as he walked around the corner into his office. It was Manny, staring outside Adam's window, with his back to Adam. Adam could sense from Manny's tone that Manny was not pleased, and what startled Adam even more was the fact that Manny could sense Adam entering the room.. "I tried, but the Judge already made up his mind. I guess the Judge didn't think he posed that great of a threat."

"Well," said Manny, slowly turning to his right to face Adam, "the Judge was gravely mistaken."

"Don't you think you're being a little harsh? We ask for people to be held all the time, and a lot of a time they are released on bail . . ."

"I am not being too harsh," said Manny, suddenly and stearnly. "The impact of Dodona's crimes exceed the impact of all the other crimes that you will witness in your career. You do not realize it, but Dodona's attempts could be fatally catastrophic, on a global level."

That night, Adam could not sleep. Something really bugged him. Manny could be such a prick. What was Adam supposed to do, argue with the judge on a release hearing for a non-capital offender? That was not the type of battle that Adam chose to fight.

As Adam lay there, in his downtown studio apartment, he streamed in and out of consciousness. Even when he was able to sleep, he had the most bizarre dreams. At 3:16 am, Adam got up to use the john - to relieve himself. The light from the bathroom illuminated the apartment. As Adam turned to exit the bathroom, he noticed a gaseous substance seeping into the apartment, overtaking the room. Before Adam knew what had hit him, he collapsed.

"He's coming to," said a faint female's voice in the distance.

"Wake up Sleeping Beauty," exclaimed another.

Adam was coming to slowly. Not quite sure where he was, his fears grew with every passing moment.

"Do not be afraid," said the first voice, "we don't want to hurt you. We only want to talk to you."

By now, Adam's fear had awoken him, although he was still groggy. He scanned his surroundings and found that he was in the back of a limo. Facing Adam, in the back of the limo, were a male and female. Both appeared to be wearing designer sunglasses. The male, while sporting a black trench coat, appeared to be built like a linebacker. The female, decked in black, had a very athletic build and was very attractive. Defensively, Adam asked with excitement, "About what? Who are you?"

The second voice - a low, but powerful voice - responded, "To answer your second question first is simple. I am Somnus and the young lady is Devi."

"Please, call me Dee," said the female.

"Answering your second question is not quite as straightforward," said Somnus. "We would have rather not resorted to these tactics, but more important than the answer is to your question is the immediacy of why we need to talk to you."

"What you describe as tactics, I describe as Burglary and Kidnapping," threatened Adam. "But, since I truly have no choice at this point, I'm all ears."

"I'll get to the point, Adam," said Somnus. "You have been living in a lie. Nothing is at it seems, and you know it. You have known it since you were a child. We need your help, Adam. The question is whether you want to discover the truth, or to continue being dishonest with yourself. The question is whether you are inquisitive enough to leave your comfort zone."

At this point, Adam got to thinking, there were only two of them. He could escape. With a quick flick of the wrist and arm, Adam smashed the limo window, and tried to climb out.

Before Adam knew what happened, he inhaled the same gaseous substance as before, and it was lights out.

Very cool...you've got a great flow. I see the story is starting to pick up momentum; that's great...I like it! What kind of a rabbit hole will Adam find? :cool:

His head hurt - bad. It was time to get-up and to go to work. Was it a dream? Adam had some realistic dreams, but that one was too real. Adam checked out his right arm, but there were no cuts, bruising, or tender spots, things he would expect if that really happened.

He tried to dismiss the event, but he could not. He had to get to the bottom of this. Adam called the office, told them he wouldn't be in, and asked the secretary to have the district attorney that was on duty to handle his case load.

Although this was a day-off, Adam would be working. As Adam searched through the white pages, he didn't have much luck. Instead, he would need to take a shot in the dark. After getting dressed and calling a cab, Adam's search began.

Upon arrival to the destination, Adam entered the revolving doors and approached the front desk.

"May I help you," asked the woman at the information desk.

"Yes," replied Adam, flashing his badge, "I'm an assistant district attorney, I'm looking for an employee of yours, I need to speak to him."

After giving the woman the name, she replied, "I'm sorry, but the system shows that he was recently transferred, and my information is not showing his new location. Can I take a message?"

"No. Do you have his last known address?"

"For some reason, that information is not in our system either. It usually is. I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Adam announced. He could tell this was a wild goose chase, and he exited the Metacortex building.

Outside of the building, there stood Dee and Somnus, in front of a black limo. So many different emotions and questions went through Adam's head. Was the dream real? Should I be mad? What do they want?

Without saying a word, Somnus said, "Adam. We know what you are searching for. If you come with us, we can help. This is your final opportunity to learn the truth." Somnus opened the backdoor, inviting Adam to enter.

At this point, Adam couldn't help but to smirk. They obviously didn't want to hurt him. What they did want, he still didn't know, but he determined it was worth finding out. As Adam entered the limo, he turned to Dee and said jokingly, "I see that you fixed the window," to which Dee replied, "it was never really broken."

Nice...will Adam find out the truth? Find out next time!!! :D
You've got a great novelist style. I like this one a lot and always look forward to the next chapter. Please keep it up.

It felt as if Dee's and Somnus' eyes were burning holes in Adam's skin, even though they were hidden behind sunglasses. "You know, it's not nice to stare," Adam stated, half-jokingly and half-annoyed.

"We will arrive shortly," said Dee.

Without a doubt, Dee was a ten. She seemed smart, athletic, and was drop-dead gorgeous. Well, Adam thought, at least the view is good.

From behind the darkened limo windows, it was hard to tell that it was late-morning. A storm was approaching. The sky was filled with clouds, and flashes of lightning could be seen in the distance. Suddenly, the limo stopped. "We're here," proclaimed Somnus, "come with me Adam. Dee you stay here, just in case."

Somnus exited the vehicle, leading Adam into a rundown apartment building, just as it began to rain. The type of apartment building where Adam imagined most of his defendants lived. The inside of the building appeared even worse than the outside. There was a plethora of grafitti inscribed on the corridor walls, the carpeting was ripped, and there was a stench of malt-liquor, urine, and vomit. Eventually, after taking Adam to the upper most level, Somnus stopped in front of one of the apartment doors. "Adam, I must leave you. I have led you where you need to go - to this doorway. It is you that must take the next step, if you so choose."

"You're leaving me here? In this place I've never been - thank God."

"Soon you will understand why. On the other side of that door is your answer."

"Will we meet again," asked Adam.

"I have faith that we will. But, our next meeting will be under much different circumstances." With this, Somnus turned, walked away, and disappeared around the corner.

"I guess this is my only option," Adam muttered, as he reached with a balled fist and knocked on the door. The door creaked open and he could see a man, from behind, sitting in a recliner, watching television.

"Come in and shut the door," said the man, and Adam complied. Slowly, the recliner swiveled around so the man could face Adam. Immediately, Adam recognized the face - it was Dodona. "You look surprised to see me, but you shouldn't be. I've been expecting you."

AHGAHAHAhHAHAHAhHAHAhAHHAhHAHAhHAHAhahHAhHAHAhahHAhAHHAhHAHAhAHHAhAhHaHahHAhAHHAHA

WTF is wrong with you? Would you like it if someone laughed at your writing? I hope you break both wrists and can't type for a very long time you moron.

TRO- this is great stuff- but when's the next bit? You've had me waiting since last week! (shock horror) I really like this story, and I can't wait to hear the rest. Please don't be put off by untalented jealous losers :D

Thanks for the support Truth. I'll post the next chapter in a couple of days.

It's been a couple of days! I'm getting impatient :D

will we be getting any more? I love what you've done so far and where it's going... very nice style :)

Wow, this is excellent! Great story, I can't wait for the next part!

For some reason, I thought of the "Devil's Advocate" when you mentioned that Adam was a young lawyer who never lost a case lol. Wonder if Adam looks a tad like Keanu Reeves :D

"Why the HELL am I here? If you're trying to intimidate me, it's not going to work. You're only pissing me off."

"Settle down, Adam. You don't have much time, so listen up" explained Dodona. "I eluded to this the first time we met, and now I will be more direct. You're whole life has virtually been mapped out for you. I wish I could give you more detail, but, as I said, time is not on our side. Why are you here? Because I believe you question your so-called reality, that you wish to discover reality, and that once you do, you will do anything to change the world as you now know it. The real question is whether you wish to learn the truth, or not."

"Well, you're the one that seems to have all the answers," snapped Adam. "You're the one that seemed to think I would be led to you when I was ready to talk." With a sarcastic tone, Adam said, "but, if you know everything, as you seem to think, then there would be no reason for me to talk to you. You should already know whether or not I want to know the truth."

"Indeed," said Dodona, "but you must be committed to your choice, because the path you choose will never intersect the path you do not choose. They each lead to a very different ending. So what will it be?"

"I choose . . ."

Suddenly, the door crashed open. Three figures, dressed in suits and holding handguns at their sides, stormed the apartment. Leading the individuals was Manny Kuhn, Adam's co-worker. "Consorting with the enemy, Adam?"

Adam was stunned - not only at the suprise entrance, but at the accusation. "I was brought here unknowingly. How did you find this place?"

"Easy, we bugged you. You've always been as curious as a cat. Combined with your affinity for breaking universal rules, we knew that one day you would lead us to those we have been looking for," Manny said. "Although we did not know that Dodona was their ring-leader when he was in custody, that intelligence followed soon-after. We quickly deduced that his contact with you would lead to a future contact. The question is whether we should believe your level of involvement with their cause."

"It is too risky," said the man to Manny's right.

"We must kill them both," said the man to Manny's left.

"Agreed," said Manny. "We no longer have a need for him."

Dodona stepped between Adam and the intruders. "Adam, as you can see, one path leads to a rather quick, and deadly, ending. The other path is out the window to your right. There you will find the truth. Do not concern yourself with my well-being. Hurry."

Adam turned to his right, and saw the open window. Without hesitation Adam began to sprint towards the window. He had no other choice. Through the corners of his eyes, Adam could see the handguns being raised, and just as Adam dove head-first through the open window, he heard gun shots. The adrenaline rushed through Adam's veins like a river through an undammed valley.

Outside, Adam could see that the closest building was nearly thirty yards away. There was no fire escape. There was no platform. The only thing between Adam and the ground was several stories of thin air. His life began to flash before his eyes. Birthdays, holidays, graduations. He remembered everything so vividly, including his childhood. As the memories passed like the cars of a freight train, Adam recalled experiencing countless "inexplicable" events. He quickly came to the realization that the only explanation was that this was not real - that it had all been a facade. At that moment, while Adam's body plummeted to its demise, he wished for nothing else but the truth. "I choose the truth," yelled Adam.

The next thing anybody heard was a loud thud. Manny placed his hands on the window sill and poked his head out the window, facing the ground. Below, splattered onto the newly cratered pavement, lay the body of his co-worker. "Once again, curiosity kills the cat."

Awesome! Wonderful story you got there, TheRealOne!

As Keanu would say, "whoah"

very nice :)

Just 14 weeks and 6 days had passed since the truth was discovered. Of course, reality seemed more definable, more simplistic, prior to that occassion. However, the truth was never simple. Never.

"Stick with me and you'll be fine," said Somnus.

"If you see an agent, run like hell and find a phone," said Dee. "On second thought, you may not need a phone."

"Don't worry about me," said Adam. "Let's just get this over with."

Adam was returning to the matrix for the first time since his awakening, and he was ready to get back onto that horse. Adam understood why Somnus considered him to be so special. After all, as everyone had told Adam, they never knew anyone else that self-substantiated. They never knew anyone to beat Somnus in a virtual fight. They never knew anyone else that made the first jump in the training construct. But, Adam was nervous. Not because he was afraid of agents - he had after all escaped a near death from agents, even before being uploaded with so much combat and martial art training - but because he was completely clueless as to what he needed to do. How, Adam thought, could one man save the world?

Thoughts were all that Adam had on the craft that Somnus had named "the Charon." He no longer had material possessions - they simply turned out to be programs. Constantly thinking, could drive a man insane, Adam would think, and then he would think about thinking, and think about thinking about thinking. He was thinking to the n-th power. It was pure insanity. Nevertheless, once Adam re-entered the matrix, he could not stop himself from thinking about how beautiful it was, and about how much he wished it WAS real. But, Adam knew it was not real, and that made all the difference.

"We're here. It's time to meet the Oracle," said Somnus pleasingly.

The three figures, two dressed in black trenchcoats and sporting shades, and one dressed in a black, skin-tight, latex outfit and also sporting shades, exited the limo. Perhaps the Oracle would shed more light on what to do, Adam thought. He understood why Somnus and the others seemed so obsessed with the Oracle - the Oracle gave them hope.

As they entered the unfamiliar apartment building, and made their way to the doorway, Somnus turned to Adam and said, "I've led you here, but it is you that must walk through." With that, Adam twisted the door-knob, opened the door, and entered. Somnus and Dee followed.

"Greetings," said a lady that emerged from the living room. "We've been waiting for you. Somnus and Dee, have a seat in the living room. Adam, the Oracle is expecting you in the den, it's on your right."

Adam followed the directions and entered the den, only to find Dodona sitting there with a grin.

ooooh! shoot, I wish there was more right away!!! Thanks for putting up this next installment :D (I hope to see more soon)

I'm intrigued, myself! I can't wait for more of the story!!! You're a good writer, by the way, therealone!

"You're the Oracle," Adam asked with a sort of bewilderment.

"The one and only," said Dodona.

"I thought you were dead. When I jumped out that window, you were surrounded by Agents. I thought for sure that they killed you. How did you escape?"

"Let's just say, I foresaw their appearance, and designed an appropriate exit," said Dodona through a sheepish smile.

"What now? What am I supposed to do? And how do you supposedly know so much?"

"All questions will be answered in time, but first things first young grasshopper. It is apparent that you have heard of the prophecy. Inquiring as to what you are supposed to do, suggests that you have heard the speculations that you are the One. Do you believe you are the One?"

"I hate to sound cocky or self-absorbed, but if I'm not the One, I don't know who else would be. People keep telling me that no one else has my abilities. So, yes, I do believe, but I have no idea what I need to do."

"That's why I'm here. To show you the proper path. You are the One, Adam. As the One, you must save Zion. To do this, you must reach the source. Once you reach the source, you will know what to do. But, you need someone to guide you down the path that leads to the source."

"Who will guide me?"

"His name is Janus. In twelve days you must meet him at this location, alone," said Dodona while handing Adam a post-it with a listed address. "In the meantime, I suggest you enjoy Zion and get your rest. Good luck."

Adam slowly left the den, wondering what his next adventure would entail. He was becoming increasingly annoyed that he was only receiving bits and pieces of information. He hated not having a plan. "Let's head back to Zion," Adam said to Somnus and Dee, as he began leaving the apartment.

"What did the Oracle tell you," asked Dee.

"Let's leave that between them," said Somnus. "You heard the man, we're returning to Zion."

very cool! I love the whole "I don't mean to sound cocky, but, well, yes" (my paraphrased version)
:D

Excellent, can't wait for the next installment!

It felt good to be in Zion. It felt even better to be making love to Dee.

From the moment Adam had met Dee, she intrigued him. She was smart, sexy, caring, witty, and athletic. Very little time passed after Adam's awakening before tension developed between them.

Their first romantic contact remained vivid in Adam's mind. He had just completed fighting Somnus in the training construct, and beating Somnus handidly. He remembered Somnus' suprise at how fast Adam moved, and the excitement Somnus conveyed due to the belief that Adam moved faster than Agents. Immediately after the fight, Somnus warped them to the "jumping" program, and demonstrated to Adam what he must do. However, to everyone's suprise, not only could Adam jump from building to building, but he could fly like a superhero. When Adam discovered his powers in the training construct, he remembered the extreme feeling from the adrenaline running through his veins, and when he exited the program, the feeling continued. Everyone aboard the Charon were yelling, shouting, and jumping up and down with excitement. Adam was taken back by the excitement, and was even more surprised when Dee began to kiss him.

At first, it seemed as if Dee was kissing him out of happiness. But the kiss continued, and soon they were kissing each other because it felt so good and so right. Adam was not certain when the cheering ceased, but the deck was completely silent once they pulled away from each other. He felt embarrassed at first, but immediately dismissed such feelings. After all, these were exciting times, and Adam was extremely attracted to Dee.

"What are you thinking," asked Dee, as they lay in Adam's bed, completely spent.

"I was just thinking about our first kiss," replied Adam, "and how you tried to take advantage of me," Adam said with a laugh.

"I didn't take advantage of you, you took advantage of me," Dee said with a smirk and while maintaining eye-contact with Adam. "I just wanted to give you a peck and you end up sticking your tongue down my throat."

"Well, if that were the case, you didn't provide much resistance. In fact, you were nothing but willing."

"What can I say, I didn't want to embarass you in front of everyone else," Dee said with a laugh. A moment passed and Dee's demeanor became much more serious, "what's going to happen to us?"

Sadly, Adam replied, "I don't know. I wish I knew, but I don't." Becoming very serious, Adam looked into Dee's eyes, "Dee, I know we've only known each other a short time, but you mean more to me than anything. Everything about you is wonderful. I'm crazy about you, Dee. I love you."

Staring into Adam's eyes, Dee replied, "I love you too."

awwwww!! makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and that crap :D


"Such things are not meant to last" hmmm... wonder what's next?

:)

Another great read, as usual TheRealOne!

Word was spreading like a prairie fire in the middle of July. The sentinels were coming. Coincidentally, the elders predicted that they would arrive in a few days - about the same time Adam needed to reenter the matrix to meet Janus.

Attempting to be as objective as possible, Adam knew there was no way that the people of Zion could stop the sentinels. There were too many, and they were too powerful. The only way to stop them, Adam thought, would be to control them.

Suddenly, everything was crystal clear. Do not try to stop the sentinels, try to control them, he thought. What was not obvious, was how to go about controlling the sentinels. Who was in control?

As Adam peered over the railing, it seemed as if Zion's boundaries were infinite. There was level, after level, after level. Amazingly, all these people had the same goal - to end the matrix, forever.

"Have you been enjoying yourself," asked a voice from behind Adam.

Adam looked over his right should, to find Somnus. "Trying to," replied Adam as he re-focused his attention over the railing, "considering the circumstances."

"And what circumstances are those," asked Somnus.

"Well," Adam replied sarcastically, "Zion is on a crash-course for destruction, I'm supposed to save it, and I have no idea how to stop the process."

"Oh, those circumstances," said Somnus with a chuckle. Turning more serious, Somnus said, "just remember, we must protect Zion at all costs. It is all that we have left."

WOW!! You've got me thoroughly intrigued now :) I can't wait for the next installment :D
Thanks once again for the excellent read.

"You are NOT taking one of the ships," exclaimed Ajax frantically, as he puffed out his already large chest. "I am the General of Zion's forces, and I cannot allow you to take such a powerful weapon when the sentinels are only 24 hours from reaching the dock walls."

"Just watch me, General," snapped Somnus as he boarded the Charon.

"If you lift off, I'll have no choice but to throw you in the brig upon your return," threatened Ajax.

"With all due respect, General, if we don't get Adam back into the matrix, there will no longer be a brigade. Zion, its walls and its inhabitants, will be annihalated." Somnus turned his back to Ajax and stormed towards the Charon.

Somnus' defiance caused the blood to boil in Ajax's veins, and he charged Somnus. He was not leaving without a fight. However, to Ajax's suprise, Somnus quickly pivoted to face Ajax, and Somnus delivered a crushing high-kick to Ajax's jaw. The quick and powerful kick caused Ajax to hit the ground like a ton of bricks.

Ajax would not rise anytime soon, and Somnus reconvened his journey towards, and into, the Charon. Dee, Adam, and Styx, the pilot, were already inside and ready for take off. "Styx, let's get out of here before the General wakes up from his nap and locks me up."

"Aye, aye, Captain," replied Styx.

The Charon lifted and began its expedition - to find an area where the crew could hack into the matrix with safety. As the Charon exited the main gate, Somnus turned to Adam and said with a smirk, "when we get back, I'm probably going to need a lawyer for knocking out the General. Do you know any good ones?"

"Don't look at me," laughed Adam. "In my former life, I was a district attorney. I prosecuted criminals like you."

I need more!!

"I prosecuted criminals like you"

hahaha!! This stuff rocks :)
I can't wait to read more :D

The trains came and went. The trio stood at the Main Street platform that evening, patiently awaiting the clock to strike eleven. Adam could not help but to wonder why it was so important for him to be in the matrix when it was estimated that the sentinels would breach the dock walls in only an hour.

One after another. It was amazing how many people used the subways at such a late hour. It was even more amazing that no one was paying attention to Adam, Dee, and Somnus, considering their choice attire.

Finally, one train came screeching down the tracks like no other, led by a blinding headlight. The train came to an abrupt stop. Unlike the other trains, only one individual exited, and he was enormous. His brown trenchcoat must have been seven feet in length itself. "Next stop, and the only stop, the Paatal Platform," yelled the individual.

"This is it," said Adam.

"Agreed," said Dee and Somnus collectively.

Adam began walking towards the individual, as did two unknown individuals with clothing similar to Adam's. "We're ready," said all three simultaneously, looking at each other befuddled.

"Well, get on then," said the man that exited the train. "My name is Janus and I will be your operator this evening.

All three boarded the train with looks of confusion. Dee and Somnus also began to approach the train.

"And just where do you think you two are going," asked Janus to Dee and Somnus.

"We're getting on this train," replied Dee, as if a matter of fact.

"Oh no you're not," replied Janus with just as much authority. "This train is only intended for potentials."

Swiftly, Dee pulled out a gun and lifted it towards Janus' skull. "I said, we're getting on this train."

"If you kill me, no one goes anywhere. In fact, everyone will die. So I suggest you leave us be, before it is too late."

"Do something, Somnus," said Dee in desperation.

"He's right," said Somnus. "We must let him go, alone."

A look of utter disappointment swept accross Dee's face, and she lowered the gun to her side. With that, Janus jumped aboard the train, shut the doors, and piloted the train towards the Paatal Platform.

Sorry to keep anyone interested waiting. I was out of town. Fortunately, it gave me the opportunity to clarify the ending to the story - which will arrive very soon.

After the ending, I will also create a reflection post, where the story will be discussed on a deeper level.

Not a word had been muttered between them. The three individuals, sat on the train, awaiting the destination. "Why are you here," asked Adam to one of the others.

"I know this is going to sound funny, but I think I'm going to save the world," replied the man.

"Interesting," said the other man, "I thought that was what I was supposed to do."

Both men turned to face Adam, and the first one stated rhetorically, "let me guess . . . you think the same thing."

Before Adam cared to answer, a light could be seen at the end of the tunnel. Once again, the train came to a screeching halt. The platform was covered in brick. From the platform, to the pillars, to the ceiling, to the walls. Janus emerged from the front of the train, the doors went flying open, and he said, "This is the final stop - Pataal Platform. Everyone off. Please be sure to remove any baggage or carry-on items, and don't forget to pick-up after yourselves. I hate trash."

The three arose, empty- handed, headed towards the doors, and stepped-off onto the platform. "Which way to the Source," asked one of the other passengers.

"That way," said Janus, pointing towards the end of the platform. All three passengers looked in the same direction, only to see a woman, dressed in what appeared to be a skin-tight lion-skin outfit, standing in a brick archway, armed with a sword. "I must warn you, here name is Sphinx, and she can be very testy," said Janus, staring each in the eyes. "She's been waiting for all of you, and you all know how agitated women become when they have to wait," laughed Janus deviantly.

All three set forth towards Sphinx in a horizontal line, with Adam in the middle. As the three were about 60 feet away, Sphinx yelled, "Stop. To enter the Source, you must be of both sound mind and sound body. You, on the right, approach."

Slowly, the man approached. Once near, the man and Sphinx appeared to engage in a conversation. A few moments passed, and without hesitation, Sphinx lifted her sword back, swung it, and decapitated the man. Stepping over the headless body, she took a couple of steps and yelled, "You, on the left, approach."

Even slower, the next man approached. Once near, the man and Sphinx appeared to engaged in a conversation. A few moments passed, and Adam faintly heard the man reply, "nothing." Suddenly, with a swift swing, Sphinx decapitated the other man. Stepping over the headless body, she walked towards Adam until she was standing three feet in front of him. Looking deeply into Adam's eyes, Sphinx said, "you may not pass without solving the following riddle. What walks on four feet in the morning, on two at noon, and on three in the evening?"

Adam could see Sphinx slowly lifting her sword. Standing upright and with shoulders back, Adam responded, "man crawls on all fours as a baby, walks upright in the prime of life, and uses a cane in old age.” Adam closed his eyes.

With a swift and sudden movement, Sphinx drove the sword into her own chest, and collapsed to one knee. "You have solved my riddle, Adam; thus proving that you are of sound mind. But," gasped Sphinx, "are you also of sound body," asked Sphinx as she fell onto the handle of her own sword.

The sound of a far-off train entered the silence, and the sound became louder as the moments passed. Finally, another train arrived at the platform on a separate set of tracks, coming to a screeching stop. The doors opened, and from the darkness, a figure emerged. The light reflected off the green suit, and Adam immediately knew who it was. It was Manny. His former co-worker. The person who tried to kill him. The Agent.

Awesome installment - good riddle too! Can't wait for more!

"Adam, . . . welcome back, . . . I missed you," said Manny, with his eyes hidden behind his sunglasses.

"The feeling is not mutual," replied Adam.

"Ha ha," laughed Manny. "The funny thing is that I watched you die already. You hit that pavement like a step-father hits a red-headed step-child," said Manny with an increasing volume of laughter. "Oh well," said Manny quite contrarily, "it will be fun watching you die again, but this time I will kill you with my own two hands."

"Die trying," replied Adam, crouching into a combat stance. "And, by the way, you were a crappy attorney."

The smile disappeared from Manny's face, and he began walking towards Adam - fists balled. Manny's stroll turned into a sprint, and Adam reciprocated by sprinting towards Manny. Adam was moving as fast - faster - than he had ever moved before. To Adam's suprise, he was no longer sprinting, but flying head-first.
Just before impact, Adam extended his arms above his head, with the largest magnitude of force that he could muster, and Adam's body entered the body of Manny.

Manny's skin began to bubble, and crack. Blinding rays of light began to shoot from the cracks, and Manny's body exploded like the big-bang. Adam stood, where Manny once stood, and the Matrix stretched with Adam's presence.

A few moments passed, and Janus said, "Through the archway, where Sphinx once stood, is the entrance to the Source." At that moment, the brick wall, consumed by the archway, began to divide. Beyond the bricks was a doorway - a portal - shining brightly.

Adam walked towards the light. Once he reached his destination, the light overtook Adam, taking him inside.

WOW!! Very fun! I love how you stick to the basic idea of the Matrix, but make your own twists and adapt it to your own style..
Thanks once again for the excellent read :D

Adam found himself in a cornerless room, plastered with monitors from floor to ceiling, all displaying his every movement. As he turned around, his eyes made contact with the eyes of a man sitting in a chair. The man was wearing a black suit, black shirt, and red tie, and his brown hair was slicked-back perfectly. Additionally, Adam noticed two doors, one to his right and one to his left. "Who are you," inquired Adam.

"I am the Architect. I created this version of the Matrix."

"This version? There have been others?"

"Oh yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Initially, a heavenly version was created, but humans rejected it and entire crops were lost. Then, there was a version which reflected humans' grotesqueries - but again, crops were lost. From there, a version was created where humans were led to believe they had choices inside the Matrix. This version was successful for several installments, but due to too many variables, it also failed. Finally, a version was created with the facade that humans had choices inside and outside of the Matrix. However, thanks to humans scorching the skies, the real world was uninhabitable for humans, and Zion's maximum capacity was only 500,000, leaving the other 15 billion with no real choice outside of the Matrix."

"And you created that final version?"

"No. My companion and I revised the previous version, eliminating all but one inevitable variable."

"And I am that variable."

"Indeed. Unfortunately, the equation contains an anomoly, like a fraction such as one third. While three thirds equals one, one third is point three three three - to the infinite - with no ascertainable tail. In our case, each time the equation is revised, the anomoly occurs in a fraction of the time - but it does eventually show its ugly head."

"Why not just destroy the anomoly?"

"Because everyone's life is planned inside the Matrix. When the anomoly does something unexpected, it causes ripples throughout the Matrix, ultimately causing the system to crash. The anomoly carries a code, and that code must be ascertained and reinserted before the Matrix is rebooted. Nevertheless, the relevant question is - have you been enjoying yourself?"

"How is that even remotely relevant?"

"Because I am offering you everlasting life."

"Or?"

"Death. Death for you. Death for the inhabitants of Zion. Death for all of those plugged into the Matrix. Essentially, the termination of the human race. If you do not enter the door on your right, the matrix will crash, killing all plugged-in. But, before that happens, the sentinels will destroy Zion and its every inhabitant. In fact, the sentinels are breaching Zion's dock-walls as we speak. You see, Adam, I was once like you. I was 'the One,'" said the Architect with sarcasm. "And when I was standing where you were standing, staring into the eyes of the Architect, I did the right thing. I walked through the door on the right. Once I did, while my physical body no longer remained, my mind was downloaded into the Matrix forever. Then, after waiting for the proper time, I overtook the Matrix."

"What was your name before you became the Architect?"

"I called myself the Merovingian."

*GASP*

Wow!!! NEVER saw that coming! That last installment was mind-blowing! Magnificant work TheRealOne - I MUST hear more!!!

AACCKK!!! whew, that's a shocker! This keeps getting better and better :D That will probably remain on my mind until I go to sleep tonight...

"So before you were the Architect, you called yourself the Merovingian," confirmed Adam, as the Merovingian nodded. "And at what point did you also become Somnus?"

The Merovingian cocked his head back and looked at Adam very perplexed. "That's right," said Adam. "It is not rocket-science. There will always be a variable inside the Matrix - the anomoly, but you sought to eliminate the variables that the prior architect overlooked - the variables outside of the Matrix. If knowledge can be downloaded onto human brains, such as martial arts, why couldn't the human brain be overwritten by a program completely? You overwrote a human's brain so you could steer me in the path that you wanted me to go, even when I was outside of the Matrix."

"That could not . . . have caused you to realize I was also Somnus," said the Merovingian with little confidence.

"No," replied Adam. "Undoubtedly, your response confirms my intuition, but it was your identical inquiries that caused the connection - whether I have been enjoying myself. Through this entire process, no one else has seemed to care how I feel, but whether I believe. I'm assuming you only cared to ask because you want me to choose to remain here."

"You know what happens when one assumes."

"Absolutely, and I have been an ass. You and your companion designed this version of the Matrix. Let me guess, that companion is Dee, or whatever the hell her name is."

"Very nicely done. I see why you were so successful in the courtroom. Indeed, my companion - Persephone - and I created this version of the Matrix for the reasons you deduced. To add control outside of the Matrix. Regardless, that still does not change the fact that you must enter the door to your right. Otherwise, Zion will be destroyed, the Matrix will crash, and the only human survivors will be myself and Persephone, onboard the Charon."

"You're forgetting me and Styx."

"Styx is dead. I killed him right after you got onto the train. I couldn't take the risk that he would do something unexpected at the final hour. As for you, I am currently holding a blaster on you in the real world. If you do not comply, I will kill you. Thus, out of your two options, you must enter the door on your right."

"You're wrong. I have a third option," proclaimed Adam as he balled his fists.

ooo! Nice cliffhanger :D This keeps taking more and more unexpected twists!

More, more more!!!

The Merovingian arose, snapped his fingers, and the chair in which he sat disappeared. "I usually have others take care of my dirty work, but I'll enjoy taking care of you myself," said the Merovingian.

There stood the One and the former One. The past and the present. The opponents began to circle the room, much like boxers before they unload on one another. "Before I put an end to you," said Adam, "there still is one thing that remains perplexing. You are here, the copies of you and Persephone are onboard the Charon, but where is the actual Persephone?"

Laughing, the Merovingian said, "first, you cannot put an end to me. Second, who do you think created the prophecy and led you down this path?"

"You mean . . . Persephone is Dodona? Persephone is a man?"

"No. Persephone is a program. Before she was a program, she was a woman. Her appearance as Dodona was simply a shell. I could not trust anyone but her to play such an important role."

"Well," said Adam, "it's relief she's not a guy. One last thing though, when I made love to her, I'm sure she enjoyed it much more than she ever did with you."

The comment infuriated the Merovingian and he charged Adam at an exponential rate. Adam squared up to the Merovingian and blocked the initial punches and kicks. However, one punch slipped past Adam's defenses and crushed against his jaw with enormous force, sending Adam flying into the television monitors and causing some to shatter upon impact. Adam arose to his knee, lifted his hand to the corner of his mouth, and saw that the punch had drawn blood. "See," said the Merovingian, "you are inferior. You are only human."

Adam suddenly lifted his head and took off flying towards the Merovingian, with his right hand extended. The Merovingian was unable to deflect Adam's fist from crashing into the his chest, and the Merovingian was sent slamming into monitors, causing them to shatter.

Without hesitation, the Merovingian flew to his feet and towards Adam, but missed his target when Adam cart-wheeled to the left. The Merovingian doubled-back towards Adam at the same time that Adam took off towards Adam. At full-speed, they collided, causing them both to slam back against the walls, and creating a ripple that shattered every monitor in the room.

Both were slow picking themselves off the floor, but the Merovingian was faster. He walked towards Adam, lifted Adam off the ground by his collar, and stuck his hand into Adam's chest. Slowly, a metallic liquid seeped out of the wound, spreading over most of Adam's body. "It will all be over soon," said the Merovingian, "I'll reinsert you myself."

Adam mustered enough power to break away the Merovingian's arms by slamming his own forearms against them. When this occurred, the Merovingian's arms went flying up and Adam quickly turned around so that his back was facing the Merovingian. Adam then reached backwards for the Merovingian's wrists, grabbed the wrists, and slammed the Merovingian over his head and to the ground.

Adam then took his right index finger and right middle finger and shoved them into the eyes of the Merovingian, finding that the same metallic liquid seeped from the wounds. The Merovingian screamed, and shouted, "Persephone! Kill him! Kill him now!" Nevertheless, the metallic liquid overtook the Merovingian completely, causing him to transform into a mirror-image of Adam.

Suddenly, Adam could feel and sense every program that was integrated with the Matrix, including the sentinels that were attacking Zion. Per Adam's wishes, the attacks immediately ceased. He rose to his feet, looked his mirror image in the eyes, and said, "you know what you must do."

"Yes, I do," replied the mirror image, "but, there are some loose ends that need tied first."

awesome! Absolutely awesome! I can't wait for the next installment!!!

Thank you, again, for the lovely read.

Adam could sense himself aboard the Charon, in a semi-counscious state, and he unplugged himself. He had caused himself to semi-self-substantiate and he had levels of consciousness within the Matrix and the real world. It was like playing a video game, or having a lucid dream - he could sense the two worlds simultaneously.

Immediately, Adam saw Dee, aka Persephone. She was holding what appeared to be a weapon - a rather large firearm. "Are you planning on shooting me with that, Persephone?"

"No. I saved you. I love you. And please, call me Dee. I want to rid myself of that horrible existence," said Dee.

Adam looked around the cabin and saw Styx, lying on the ground, completely charred and burnt. He also saw Somnus, aka the Merovingian, lying on his back lifeless. The Merovingian also appeared to be fried. "Unfortunately, we can never erase the past," said Adam with great disappointment. "I have so many questions for you I don't even know where to begin."

"Allow me. When the Merovingian was first unplugged, he was much like yourself - caring are selfless. He remained that way as he followed the prophecy and I fell in love with him during this time. However, once he found that he was unable to save the human race from the Matrix, he was devastated. He chose me, along with 22 others, to remain in the Matrix, but the longer he stayed, the more corrupt he became. He sought as much power as possible, and he eventually got all of the power that he could ever hope for, as he was able to control the Matrix. I, on the other hand, fell out of love with him. He was no longer the man I fell in love with. His ultimate mistake was being blind to the fact that I could, and would, fall in love with you."

"What happened to Styx and Somnus/Merovingian?"

"Merovingian killed Styx once we exited the Matrix. Then, he wanted to kill you when you refused to comply with his request to enter the source, but I couldn't let him do it. I couldn't let this happen again. I couldn't let him kill the man I now love."

"You know that we cannot be together."

"I know," said Dee disappointedly, "but before you do what you must do, tell me this. Do you love me?"

"Yes," said Adam, causing Dee to glow with relief and excitement. "Go back to Zion and tell them that all who wish to be freed will be freed."

Adam committed his consciousness completely to the Matrix. While his mirror-image remained to serve as the Architect, he entered the Source, and caused the Matrix to reset. He used his powers and resources to clean the skies of the real world, and all those that wished to be freed, were freed.

THE BEGINNING

Awesome! Absolutely amazing ending (?) to a fantastic tale.

Thank you, for the billionth time, for the excellent read :D

PsycikPsycho, thanks for all the support throughout this story. Indeed, it has ended. But stay tuned, as I still have some interesting tid-bits I would like to reveal about the story.

The vast majority of the characters' names held meaning. I will list these characters, and why their names were chosen.

Adam: From the Judeo/Christian Bible, Adam is the first man. Through the actions of Adam and his wife, Eve, humans are given free will. In many ways, although the character in my story was controlled throughout, he eventually ascertained free will by choosing a third and unexpected option - overtaking the Architect. Nevertheless, the real reason this name was chosen is because it is the name of someone who is, let's say, close to me.

Agent (Emanual) "Manny" Kuhn: Emanual Kuhn is a philosopher who fell within the "historicist" category. The historicists believed that history repeats itself, much like an equation. This is why I chose this name for an agent - someone who only thinks with equation and who thinks humans' resistance is ridiculous.

Dodona (the Oracle/Persephone): Dodona was the oldest of the Pagan Greek oracles and was sacred to Zeus. I found this name appropriate for the Oracle in this story since he/she was somewhat sacred to the Architect, who can be viewed as a manifestation of Zeus.

Matt Floory (Dodona's Lawyer): I just thought the name was funny since it could be easily interchanged with "floor matt," and since Matt was often walked all over.

Somnus (the Architect/Merovingian): Somnus was the ancient Roman God of sleep. I found this name appropriate since Somnus, along with Dee, ultimately facilitates Adam's awakening from the Matrix.

(Devi) "Dee" (the Oracle/Persephone): Devi, also known as Maha Devi or Uma Devi, is the Divine Mother of the Hindu world. Devi is the "Mother Goddess," meaning she is the mother of all. This name fits since she, along with the Merovingian, created the newest version of the Matrix. She is the Mother of this Matrix.

Styx (the operator of the Charon): In Greek mythology, a river of Hades that the souls of the dead had to cross on their journey from the realm of the living. This river was later personified as a nymph. I used this name for the operator of the Charon because his vessel carried Adam from the Matrix (which seemed to be the realm of the living) to Zion (a hell-like city).

The Charon (the vessel): In Greek mythology, the ferryman who conveyed the souls of the dead across the Styx. I used this name because the Charon carried the souls of the dead, such as Adam - who appeared to die in the Matrix.

Ajax (the general of Zion's army): In the Iliad he is represented as a gigantic man, slow of thought and speech, but quick in battle and always showing courage. This character could not see that simply fighting the sentinels would be pointless, but he was quick to fight.

Janus (the train-operator): He was a Roman god whose chief function was as guardian deity of gates and doors. In this story, he was the only one able to lead Adam to the door to the Source, and to open that door.

Sphinx: In the Greek legend of Oedipus she acts as a destructive agent of the gods, posing the riddle of the three ages of man: “What walks on four feet in the morning, on two at noon, and on three in the evening?” She killed all who failed to answer her question until Oedipus solved the riddle by saying, “Man crawls on all fours as a baby, walks upright in the prime of life, and uses a staff in old age.” The Sphinx then killed herself. I liked Sphinx as a character because she was able to test Adam's wits, she was destructive (killing the potentials that failed to answer), and bizarre (killing herself once the riddle was solved).

Spectacular story, TheRealOne. The thought you put into it behind the names and whatnot is very clever, and something that the Wach. Bros. would do.

Once again, thanks for a brilliant read - I enjoyed every installment!

I added some subtle dialogue to give the story more meaning. Here are some examples:

In my October 22 installment, I wrote, "[t]hat night, Adam could not sleep. Something really bugged him. * * * As Adam lay there, in his downtown studio apartment, he streamed in and out of consciousness. Even when he was able to sleep, he had the most bizarre dreams." I added this section because Agents literally bugged him at this time.

In that same installment, I wrote, "[a]t 3:16 am, Adam got up to use the john - to relieve himself." As most of you know, John 3:16 is the most well-known biblical reference to Jesus. It says something along the lines that God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, and that whoever believed in him would have eternal life. I added this reference to suggest that Adam was Christ-like.

In the November 2 installment, it noted that Dodona worked for Metacortex. Since many have theorized that Metacortex has been set up as a way to control some of the more curious humans, it thought it was fitting for Dodona to work there since he/she would later prove to be another way to control humans.

In the December 3 installment, it reads, "[j]ust 14 weeks and 6 days had passed since the truth was discovered. Of course, reality seemed more definable, more simplistic, prior to that occassion. However, the truth was never simple. Never." If you notice, the first letter of each sentence spells "John." John 14:16 speaks of Truth as Jesus. Once again, I used this reference to suggest that Adam was Christ-like - a saviour.

In the December 10 installment, Somnus jokingly asks Adam to be his lawyer after Somnus decked Ajax (Zion's general). Adam declines, replying that he was a D.A. and prosecuted criminals. I felt this would be ironic since Somnus would later prove to be the ultimate criminal - the Architect.

Finally, before entering the Source, Adam has to go to the Pataal Platform. In Hinduism, Pataal was the underworld. It would only seem appropriate that Adam pass through the underworld (aka hell) before entering the Source (aka heaven) since many believe Jesus passed through hell between his crucifiction and arising into heaven.

Fantastic story; wonderful additions :D I love the little puns here and there and how the names meant more than just names. I may have to go do some reading on this stuff now :D