Matrix Code - After the Revolution: Part II

After Revolutions first came out, I started this fanfic, however I never got around to finishing it. Thanks to the release of Revolutions on DVD, however, my passion for the Matrix is rekindled. Though I'm not sure how many people who originally read my story are still paying attention to the fanfic section and these boards, I'm still going to finish this story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it!

If you haven't read Part 1 yet, click the link below. Please post any comments, good and bad!

Click here to read Part I of "After the Revolution"

Part II

After the Revolution: An old friend

There is an eerie darkness outside as Smith's Audi pulls into the alley behind an apartment complex. The noise of the engine cuts off and Smith steps out of the car. It has just finished pouring rain and the clouds are still lingering in the night air, making it impossible for any human to see but four feet in front of them. Luckily, Smith wasn't human. His sense of sight - if such a thing exists in this place - is not snared by the digitized images projected into the minds of commoners in this world. He sees the Matrix in its pure form. Green code trickles all around him as he navigates to the apartment building, walking through the darkness even with his sunglasses on.

Upon reaching the 4th floor, Smith switches off the hallway lights. He strolls to room 411 and knocks on the door.

Inside, a scrawny kid in his mid-20's sets his head phones on his computer desk. As he slides his hand through his black hair, the kid yells "Who is it?" One can detect a slight British accent. There is no reply. The kid gets up and peers through the peep hole in his door. Nothing but darkness is visible. The kid turns around and starts to head back to his computer when a knock is again heard. Once more, he looks through the peep hole only to find blackness. He opens the door. It is very dark in the hallway. As he takes a step forward, a voice says "Are you the encrypter?" The kid could not find the owner of the voice. "What's it to you?" he replied. With that, an arm dressed in a business suit crept into the light that came out of the door from the apartment. It grabbed the kid and pulled him into the dark abyss. The kid would have screamed, but he was out cold before his vocal cords could produce an audible sound.

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"Councilor, can you please send down Captain Roland?" asks Morpheus. Morpheus is standing in the councilor's chambers. Niobe is at his side, and Locke is seated near a wall of the room. As Councilor Grace sends for Roland over her intercom, Councilor Hamman inquires, "May I ask why you wish to speak to the captain, Morpheus?" Morpheus looks at Councilor Hamman and replies, "While we were speaking to Redux today in his cell, I had this feeling... a feeling like I knew him before, but not as Redux. He reminded me of someone... It was the same feeling I got around Bane on the Hammer. I'd like to ask Captain Roland some questions about Bane."

Several minutes pass before Roland arrives. "They told me you wanted to speak with me?" questions Roland, looking at Morpheus. "Captain, I have a feeling of deja vu," starts Morpheus. "Thank God we're not in the Matrix," interjects Roland. He chuckles at his little joke. "I'd like to ask you some questions about Bane. After all, you were the person who spoke to him the most, besides Maggie," continues Morpheus. Roland stops smirking and a sullen look is displayed on his face. "I'm still pissed at myself for not beating the shit out of him... I knew he was hiding something. I hope Neo tore his head off," says Roland. Morpheus replies, "I know... I know... Tell me, what was Bane's condition... What was his personality, when you spoke to him?" Roland took a deep breath and began, "Well, he had self-inflicted scars all over his hands and arms. Goddamn bastard must have gone nuts. I know he blew triggered that EMP in the counter-attack. He definitely wasn't acting like himself - I had met him a couple times before, I'd never suspect him to do what he has done. Maggie also told me he had some severe scars on his brain... That's about all, really... Son-of-a-bitch." Morpheus, appearing content with Roland's response, walks over to a secretary stationed at a computer just outside the councilor's chamber. Morpheus says to the secretary, "Can you pull up the medical file for Redux written up after he was apprehended?" The secretary nods her head and presses a few buttons on her keyboard. "His condition is stable, but they found several unusual things. A few fragments of grass were lodged in his face. There are several scars on his face, most of which are from the glass. There are also cuts all over his left hand and both wrists and arms. They appear to be self-inflicted." "What about his brain? Does it appear normal," questions Morpheus. Roland adds, "He threw an EMP grenade into the engineering level of Zion, how the hell could his brain be normal." The secretary ignores Roland's remark and explains, "Scans report that there are scars on his brain, which appear to be several days old. It's odd, like nothing we've ever seen before. I don't know if this helps, but besides the medical report, an investigation of his apartment tells it is a total disaster. Papers and other items litter the floor, it's a real mess." Morpheus thanks the secretary and tells the councilors, "We need to speak to Redux."

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The steel door to Redux' cell swings open, and 2 armed guards come in. Morpheus, Locke, Niobe, Roland, and several of the councilors file in after the guards, one by one. Redux is still sitting in his chair, behind the table. Morpheus, who always gets right to business, tells Redux, "I can't help but notice a trend here, Redux. I'm not sure if you're acquainted with a man named Bane, but we picked him up after the counter-attack 2 days ago. He wasn't acting himself when he became conscious though... A bit like how you're acting. He also had damage to his brain, like our scans show about yours. He had self-inflicted wounds, as do you. And he is believed to have sabotaged our counter-attack... similar to your stunt in the engineering level today. Do you notice a correlation here? What in God's name is going on?" As Morpheus finishes speaking, it's obvious he's getting upset. Redux stares at Morpheus and calmly replies, "Interesting situation, hmm Morpheus? Feels a bit like… deja vu... What does that signify in the Matrix again? Ah yes, a change... It happens when I, or one of my former colleagues, change something." "When you change something?" asks Morpheus, puzzled. "He's out of his goddamn mind," adds Roland. Redux can't help but smile as he stares at their dumbfounded faces. He continues, "Not ringing a bell yet? Well I can tell you I remember you all quite vividly, I remember getting so close to catching each of you but then you somehow slipped out of my grasp. Morpheus, I am especially disappointed in losing you." Locke chimes in saying, "You're insane. Quit the bullshit and tell us what we want to know." Redux pretends not to hear Locke and continues, "Perhaps I should explain my revelation to you once more, Morpheus? Maybe that will spark a memory? You see, Morpheus, I've come to realize that you humans aren't really mammals. Unlike mammals, who develop a natural equilibrium with their surrounding environment, humans increase their population. More and more appear, feeding off of the environment. They keep taking from Mother Nature until there is nothing left. Once an area's natural resources are diminished, you simply move to another area. Tell me, Morpheus, do you remember what other species on this planet follows this pattern, seeing as how you're so good at spotting trends?" Morpheus cocks and eyebrow and stares at Redux, stunned. He replies, "It can't be... Smith?" As Redux’ grin grows larger, he says, "That's right... A virus."

TO BE CONTINUED