This is the story of the Network Imperium, a Zionist Faction of the Vector/Enumerator Instance. It is a tale that depicts it's members and it's philosophy. It  also shows the Continuing Struggle of The One, while even dead, his Code still haunts the Matrix....

 

## Enter Password:
## *******
##Welcome Commander Lock
## Accessing %.............. Granted.../
## Begin Transmission...

 

 

It all began with that **bleep** sting operation. Commander Pyxel suggested that we disguise ourselves as machinists in order to gain info. Myself, Pyx, Tem, Databit and Grieve had joined the jokerz, arguably the top machine faction in the matrix short of the machines themselves. After a few weeks it was time to thank our hosts, little did we know that it would cause so much grief…

 

- Imperial Supreme Commander Rhyse’s debriefing in Zion

 

Segment 1:

The Jokez on you

“We ready to do this, guys?” Rhyse piped into his cell phone. Through the listening device in built into his RSI he heard the voice of his crew all agree. They formed up at the hardline in Central Kedemoth. The four of them looked at each other. “Where’s Grieve?” it was Pyxel, the head of the op. “He’s upstairs, he arranged for the faction meeting to be here.” Rhyse pointed up to the top of the tower, where in the moonlit night you could see the lasers and lights coming from the penthouse club Duality. “Kid always had an ironic sense of humor.” Remarked Temsik. “Let’s get this over with” interjected Databit, the most reluctant to join with the Jokerz, who were famous for attacking inexperienced operatives. They proceeded up into the Kedemoth tower, ignoring the looks the bluepills were giving them. They approached the reception desk in the front. She gave them a once over glance. “Let me guess, the club?” Rhyse gave a little chuckle, “Yeh.” She tapped a few buttons on her computer. “The elevator will allow you to go up to the 21st floor now.” She looked at Pyxel, “Maybe later I’ll come up to join you.” Before Pyxel could respond, Data and Temsik dragged him to the elevator.

 

Up at the club, ShadowGriever, the fifth member of the operation was waiting on the top floor of the club. Surrounded by members of the Jokerz, he was ready to get out of this mess. Everyone was talking, having a good time, trading weapon and clothing codes. He was sitting by himself at the counter, downing his drink. He knew that the drink wasn’t real, that it was a code telling his mind that he was getting intoxicated, it was mostly to give himself something to so. Without noticing, someone was sitting beside him. It was Ginity, one of the heads of the Jokerz. She had a suitcase in front of her on the counter. “What’s wrong, bro?” he sobered up a bit. “Nothing.” “you’ve been like this all night.” “I’m not much for bars.” She placed her hand on his. “wanna tell me?” Just in time to save him the rest of his crew reached the floor. He slipped his hand from hers. “Bad memories.” He approached Rhyse and his crewmates. “Let’s get this over with, please?”

 

           After the festivities, they all formed a circle on the dance floor. Ginity was in the center. “Alrite guys, you all know why we are here.” “No we don’t!” cried one Joker. “Oh right, you don’t, well let me tell you. We are to…” “That will be enough, Ms Simmons.” The voice interrupting her could only come from one person, or one kind of person. It was an Agent, anyone’s guess which one. Apparantly he had taken over the body of one of the Bouncers.  He broke through the circle, right past Pyxel and Temsik. Rhyse quickly grabbed onto Grieve, knowing full well what he would do. “not yet.” He whispered. The Agent quickly looked around at the redpills surrounding him. “For some time now, we have been monitoring your actions. And we are pleased with what we have seen.” Everyone in the group started celebratring themselves for a brief moment, stopping when the Agent began again.

 

 “you are the best we have, you are also our greatest example of humanity. Your erratic and violent behavior towards your fellow humans has been the topic of many of our studies, but I digress. The reason why I have requested your presence here is to assign you a task. We have been noticing certain anomalous activities occurring in the Matrix, activities involving redpills. We want you to report any odd activity from other operatives, regardless of what faction they belong to. We have also been receiving reports of…” The Agent put his hand up to his earpiece, nodding as if agreeing with something. “I must go. I have given Ginity all the information you need. Good night.” Without another word, he began to convulse, like he was having a seizure. His body slowly changed back to the large bouncer, who was more than a little curious as to why and how he got in the circle.

 

Ginity re-entered the circle. “I will give the information to each captain. They will brief you on what machine central is asking. That is all, now go back to the party.” After that the DJ’s cranked up the music and everyone either stayed on the dance floor, the bar, or their own little corners with friends. The five crewmates gathered in a corner of the bar floor.  Rhyse turned to Pyxel. “Now?” “Not yet, I’m waiting for something…” Databit downed his drink. “Whatever it is better happen soon, I want back into Zion and fast.” “**bleep**in’ right.” Stated Tem. Grieve remained quiet. Pyxels cell phone started to ring. “yeah? Good, thanks Mord. Leave the light on for us.” He hung up the phone. “Ok, in five minutes we are home free. “Home free from what?” It was Amon-rah, a Joker. He and his crew approached the five of them. He eyed Pyxel. “Y’know, I always thought it was funny that you joined us and coincidentally had a crew of best friends to sign up with you.” “What are you trying to say?” At that moment, the thing Pyxel had been waiting for.

 

At that moment, Shadowkiller, leader of the Zionist Digital Remnant entered the club followed by all the members of his faction. “Guys, this is a bust.” Without another word the entire building exploded in fighting. Pyxel’s crew calmly took their drinks up stairs, walking over fighting masses and dodging bullet fire. They made their way to the dance floor upstairs. They saw Ginity and Shadow going blow for blow in the middle of the dance floor, trance music blaring the whole time. Rhyse looked at Pyxel. “Now?” Pyxel took a swig from the bottle in his hand, threw it in the air and with the swiftest of movements, took out one of his guns and shot the bottle, creating an explosion in the air. Everyone stopped. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is where we introduce ourselves.”

 

Pyxel removed his guns and began shooting at Jokerz using trick shots. Bouncing bullets off the walls and catching his targets in the ricochet. Databit, Grieve, and Temsik, each expert in Karate, Kung Fu and Aikido respectively, began to take on the unarmed machinists. Rhyse, an expert in altering the code of the matrix, started hacking the area around him, restoring the stability of the Digital Remnant operatives and enhancing their physical abilities. By the time the five of them were done, not a lot of jokerz were alive to fight back. Shadowkiller emerged from the carnage. “Your rides here guys.” “’Bout **bleep**ing time.” Pyxel holstered his guns. They all started to calmly walk down the stairs towards the elevator. Temisk, placed something at the DJ booth. Grieve looked at it, “A viral bomb?” “Helps clean our tracks.” Tem set it for five minutes. They bolted down the several flights of stairs to the elevator. The doors were about to close when Grieve slipped passed them and back into the club. Rhyse tried to pull him back in but the doors closed in on him. “Where the **bleep** is he going? GRIEVE!!” 

They reached it down stairs and headed to the hardline, all the time looking at the top of the tower. Temsik looked as his watch. “Ten seconds, he’s not gonna make it.” They all looked on as the code bomb went off, the entire roof was aglow with the green code of the Matrix, with it, every trace of the meeting, and any Joker dumb enough to not reconstruct or jackout was erased. In the glow a growing shadowy figure dedcended down. The body landed on the ground in a way that would liquefy regular people, but standard for redpills. It was Grieve, in his hand was a black briefcase with the Joker insignia on it. “I thought we could use this. Ginity was carrying it around.” He tossed it to Rhyse. Pyxel turned on his cell. “Mord, we need to upload some info of the Jokerz.” He was silent for a second. “He can’t upload it. We need to store it somewhere in here.” He handed the case to Shadowkiller. “I know just the place, take care you guys.” He and his men got into their muscle car and drove off into the slums. The phone booth near the crew began to ring. One by one they answered, jacking out of the false world of the Matrix and into the Real world. As their minds entered their bodies, their operator, Mordain, asked. “So, how was your vacation?”

 

“I’ll start coming up with a system to hold that info you found.” Mordain said as the debriefing ended. Rhyse and Pyxel signed off on it. “Ok guys, we all did a good job, in a few days all the crews are going to meet and we’ll be back and flying in no time.” As they separated, Pyxel pulled Grieve aside. “What was that back there?” “What?” “The Jump and the bomb and the briefcase.” “What about it?” “You’re acting like you don’t care if you live or die.” Despite Pyxel’s annoyance, Grieve remained calm. “Some things you lose fear of…” he broke away from Pyxel’s grip and walked down the hallway. “…Once you’ve already done them.” Pyxel watched him disappear into the shadows of the hallway, and then went down the other hall to his own quarters of the base for the Zion Network Imperium.

 

 

-End of Segment 1-

 

“Network Imperium: Zion Faction Characterized by renegade antics. Pranksters, Misfits,and Radicals. They are the disobedient of the disobedient. They are led by Rhyse, who handles the operations in the Matrix, and the retired Mordain, who serves as operator for their main base of operations, known only as “The Imperium.” Matrix operations are seconded by Commander Pyxel and Lt. Commander Temsik. They currently have four ships:

The Arbiter: Led by Zelder, ship focuses on firepower

The Locaz: Led by Aomis, Hybrid Ship uses speed and firepower

The Titan: Led by Seavyan, Mass Ship, able to carry the others. Used as the mobile base for Rhyse and Mordain

Despite their lack of discipline and disregard for law, they are fiercely loyal to Zion and should not be taken lightly

-Zionist Faction Listing

 

“Network Imperium: Zion Faction Characterized by renegade antics. Pranksters, Misfits,and Radicals. They are the disobedient of the disobedient. They are led by Rhyse, who handles the operations in the Matrix, and the retired Mordain, who serves as operator for their main base of operations, known only as “The Imperium.” Matrix operations are seconded by Commander Pyxel and Lt. Commander Temsik. They currently have four ships:

The Arbiter: Led by Zelder, ship focuses on firepower

The Locaz: Led by Aomis, Hybrid Ship uses speed and firepower

The Titan: Led by Seavyan, Mass Ship, able to carry the others. Used as the mobile base for Rhyse and Mordain

 

Despite their lack of discipline and disregard for law, they are fiercely loyal to Zion and should not be taken lightly

 

-Zionist Faction Listing

 

Segment 2:

La Familia

 

Three days later the rest of the Imperium formed at HQ. The three captains, Zelder, Aomis, and Seavyan, had brought their crews together. It had been months since they had all met in The Real. After the welcomes and the talks they all sat down for a debriefing of the Sting operation. The debriefing was held by Sharred, head of intelligence and a member of the Locaz. She is also the only female operative in the Imperium. “Well, it appears that that pointless exercise in pissing off the jokerz actually paid off.” Pyxel was beaming with pride. Sharred obviously wasn’t impressed. “The Jokerz were charged by the Agents to suspect any anomalous activities in redpills?” It was Vidicus. Seavyan, the burly captain of the Locaz laughed. “Yeah, like running at mach 2 and jumping over skyscrapers isn’t odd enough!” The faction began to chuckle.” Sharred loudly cleared her throat, silencing the group. “We believe that the briefcase that Grieve recovered contains specific information as to what kind of activities the Agents mean. Unfortunately the briefcase is protected up the *CENSORED* and we are currently unable to remove it from the Matrix. Mord has been in contact with The Digital Remnant, who are safeguarding it. They believe the briefcase is a specialized “black box” program that can only open using the correct code.”

 

 Aomis, captain of the Titan, raised his hand. “We have some of the best hackers in Zion, yourself included, cher.” She did a little curtsey. “And you’re saying that we can’t hack the **bleep** thing?” “Not yet. From what the DR have sent me it seems like the black bow is protected by a binary sequence key.” Half the room looked at her blankly and the rest were only faking they knew what she was talking about. “Think of it like this, and odd shaped lock that will open only for the key it was designed for.” Rhyse interjected, “so we need to find the key?”  “Yes.” “Do we know where it is?” It was Zelder, captain of the Arbiter. “Not at this moment. I suggest, if we want to open this black box up. We need to do some reconnaissance.Kilobit, your area is the slums, search there. Grieve, use your exile contacts, see if they know anything.” Grieve smiled, “Why’sa yassa Ms. Sharred, I’ll doos what’cha say.” He suddenly dropped the black slave accent. “But what’s to say they’ll help us?” Aomis sat up, “He’s right; most of the exiles in the matrix are out for themselves. We could be set up.” Rhyse replied “Chance worth taking, go for it SG. Ok folks, your ships will be fueled up within the day. When you reach broadcast depth I want you to all to keep an eye out as well for anything “out of the ordinary”, even by our standards. Any questions?” Dead silence. “Ok, mates, to the pub!” They all cheered, except for Sharred. “THE PUB!!!”

 

“**bleep** the ships, let’s get **bleep**faced!” Sevyan, the captain of the Locaz, and one of the most impressive drunks in the history of Zion, he ran the Pub Construct for the Imperium. Him, Rhyse, Mordain, Aomis, Zelder and Pyxel both started pouring the drinks freely. While everyone was off sleeping or practicing these guys spent their time drinking. Pyxel was telling them about the events of the Sting. “So we clean up the place, I mean a complete cluster**bleep**. Tem set the code bomb, all of a sudden Grieve runs back into the club to get the briefcase. He could’ve killed himself in there. And all of a sudden does this swan dive down 21 floors onto the pavement. I asked him what he was thinking and he acts spooky and **bleep**.” “Try livin with him for a few months.” Zelder stated. “He has nightmares, some so bad that you can hear the screams while jacked in. He’s really…” The doors busted open, a man covered in hair skidded through the bar floor. Suddenly Grieve came in, the Lupine warrior got up. In a move that would’ve made Bruce Lee proud, Grieve did a running cross kick, sending the Lupine sailing into the men’s bathroom. The rest of the patrons went back to their chairs and began drinking while the sounds of fighting could be heard in the bathroom. Mordain broke the silence, “Grieve’s been through a lot, remember, he didn’t escape the Matrix using the red pill like the rest of us, He…” The sound of the door opening interrupted him. It was Sharred, she walked calmly to the counter. “So, who’s gonna buy me a drink.” The entire bar stood up. Seav put one down on the table. “No one pays.” She took a sip of her beer. “Everyone pays.”

 

The bathroom door opened up. Grieve, slightly disheveled, came stormed out and turned towards the door. “And I don’t ever, EVER, wanna have this conversation again!” He walked towards the counter. Seav handed him a glass as well, except He downed it as opposed to Sharred’s sipping. The crew looked at him funny. “What!? Oh, seav, my friend in the bathroom will be paying the tab. When he’s done paying can we get sharred a asian restauraunt program to get rid of him.” Sharred sneered a bit, Mordain laughed. “A pub for seav, a restaurant for Shar, what’s next? A **bleep** porn shop for pyx?”  Pyx was about to say something when the bar phone rang. Seav picked it up, his face dropped. He slammed the phone on the receiver. “That was Ivan, Shadowkiller called…”

 

           In the Real, the entire Imperium looked at the image of Shadowkiller on monitor. “There was a break in last night. We didn’t see who, but they snuck past our noses and took the black box.” One of the crew members muttered a curse. “Some of my guys got hit bad. We’re sorry.” “So are we.” Rhyse’s voice was flat, then he let out a long sigh. “Alright, we’ll take it it from here. See you back in Zion.” The monitor shut off. Rhyse turned towards the crew. It was Aomis to speak first, “what now?” “we get that case back.” It was Pyxel. “Everyone, jack in, search the city for anything. Grieve, you have contacts with the Exiles?” “yeah.” “Use em. We are not gonna let someone steal what we rightly stole!”

 

-End of Segment 2-

 

“I’m one of the only Redpills that Exiles will talk freely to, not just give them stuff to do for them. I think they can relate to me in a way. I was part of the Matrix and escaped by my own means and they were apart of the machine world and escaped to the Matrix. Just because I am allowed to talk to them, does not mean I like doing it…”

-ShadowGriever: Comments

 

Segment 3:

Word on the Street

 

 “I’m one of the only Redpills that Exiles will talk freely to, not just give them stuff to do for them. I think they can relate to me in a way. I was part of the Matrix and escaped by my own means and they were apart of the machine world and escaped to the Matrix. Just because I am allowed to talk to them, does not mean I like doing it…”

-ShadowGriever: Comments

 

Segment 3:

Word on the Street

 

The hideout the Digital Remnant used was in the Slums. So the first place the Imperium stopped to ask questions was in Mara, to visit the Blackwood. The Blackwood was the largest gang in the Slums, working for the Merovingian. Nothing illegal in Richland would’ve happened without them knowing. The crew of the Locaz met them at polyvinyl, or, met them and at the hands of Seavyan Dragged them out and beat the ever loving crap out of them. Seavyan took the lead man and using his karate skills broke his leg at the knee, twisted to where the foot faced him and jammed the foot in his mouth. Needless to say, this got everyone to settle down some…

 

Exiles were difficult to deal with, if you didn’t know what they wanted or how they thought. There were many Exiles, but only two major groups. The Elements, who ruled most of Mara, and the Spectrum, which ruled…everything else. For one to deal with them, they needed to know their inner thinking. The spectrum was easy, one wanted power over the other. Dame white and Mr. Black used their own children to gain advantage over the other and the children used those favors to gain advantage over their parents. The Elements, who weren’t completely as power mad, had more human reasons. Argon wanted money, Anti-M wanted to be free from Argon, Beryl wanted Anti-M, Molly B wanted Argon. Their were also those who were neutral in such matters. One of these was Silver, an arrogant scientist who only cared for his research. Many claimed that he was responcible for the red LED fad a few months back, but it was never confirmed. Being an expert on electronics, maybe he could be responcible for the taking of the case, or at least be interested enough to track it. “A black box, you say?” His voice was raspy but slick to Grievers ears. “The machines were really worried if they’d use one of those.” “As they should be.” Silver scoffed, “You meatbags couldn’t hold onto for very long can you. You…” “Silver, can we save the belittling of my species for later, I’m in a rush. Do you know who might want it or where they could take it?” Silver pondered this. “Unless they had the key for it, they would need half the energy in the matrix to decrypt it. As to who, no, I wouldn’t know who.” Griever did a curt bow towards silver and ran up the long flight of steps to the roof, but not before hearing Silver “Meatbag…”

 

 The lead man was in pain, but not in the way most would think. Most gangs were programs, so emotions and feelings could be overwritten. Seavyan was enjoying this. “Now, I’m going to ask you a few questions, if you don’t answer, I’m gonna get nasty.” There wasn’t a program that could overwrite the fear in the blackwood’s eyes. He began to talk, but was mumbling. “What’s that? Can’t hear ya. Lemme help you get your foot outta your mouth.” Playing around with him, Seav removed the poor **bleep**’s foot from his mouth. Out of breath, the lead man spoke. “It was great wall security, in shirabaka district.” “Good, do you know who they are working for?” The lead man was hesitant. Seav twisted the limp leg. “I DON’T KNOW!!!” Seav released the leg, the man was finally broken. “Thanks little fella.” He pulled out his gun and shot him in the head. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed. “Hey A, they’re in your neck of the woods. Great wall security, shirabaka, have some fun for a change.” “How badly did you beat them, Seav.” “Not much, I must be getting soft at my age.” He hung up the phone and headed back into Polyvinyl. His crew members, Zigurath, Etheno and Zemaj, looked at the poor victim and then quickly ran back to the bar with their captain.

 

“It’s your move, Grieve.” The man chirped. The two were sitting in the middle of TaborPark, where many people played chess matches on stone tables with checkered squares engraved, a permanent game board. On one such table was Grieve, playing his eighth straight game of checkers with the Chessman, another neutral Exile. The Chessman focused on the workings of the matrix as a whole, shown by his elaborate chess set that was displayed on the table next to them. Every move on the board was a significant move made by someone, a move that could greatly affect the game. Griever moved a checker piece to a square The chessman chortled as he moved quickly from square to square, taking all of his pieces in one move. “Eight in a row, eight in a row.” The nerdy looking man sang. “You have experience on your side.” The chessman began to quickly place the pieces for another game. “You are getting better though, that last match was harder.” “Yeah, two moves. You’ve beaten me 8 times in ten minutes, let me die.” “Can’t let that happen, Grieve, who else would I play with?” “How’s the other game going?” He glanced at the Matrix chess set. “Well, not a lot of movement, I did notice that the Black Queens bishop made an impressive move yesterday. He looked at the board and saw that the Black Bishop was smack in the middle of the board, where no white piece could get at it directly. “Any idea who?” The Chessman placed his hand under his chin. Well, reading my board is like reading tarot, I read the first impression I get. I find it interesting that it was The Bishop that moved. Why not a knight or a Rook?” The chessman made the first move, in more ways than one. “you saying it’s a program?” Griever moved one piece forward. “It’s possible, ask yourself, “What program do you know is related in some way to The Bishop.” Griever’s face went pale as The Exile made his move. “Do I really have to?” He composed himself and made another move. “That Bishop is taunting the board, look closely, it knows it can take the King and checkmate us all, but it’s standing there, gloating. You have to go back.” He made another move. Grieve froze for a second, made a final move and then stood up. “Thanks for the match, CM.” “No problem, SG.” The chessman looked down and saw that Grieve had placed that final checker in a place making it impossible for him to move forward, he stalemated him. “Well…” He soon noticed that another piece on his board had moved, the White Kings Rook had moved to intercept the Black Bishop. “Hmm, The Imperial Castle to defend us against the Unholy Black. Things may go into checkmate sooner than I thought.”

 

It didn’t take long for Aomis to find Lieutenant Han of the Great Wall Security. His office in Shirabaka was big. The Crew of the Titan flew into the office, taking down guards everywhere. Aomis calmly walked to Han’s office and sat in the chair facing him. “Where’s the case?” Han was slightly nervous. “Where’s the case?” Aomis maintained his icy calm, but this time placing his gun on the table. Han threw the table on top of him, and jumped over Aomis and ran past crew members Vidicus and Saint. Han was almost home free when he suddenly froze still. It was as if his body froze up. Sharred, described by Aomis as one of the most talented hackers in Zion. She rooted Han right in that position. “I’m going to give you one chance. I assume by now you heard what Seavyan did to that blackwood?” Han moved the only thing he could, his eyes. He closed them, afraid that he would suffer a similar fate. Sharred was there to allay his fears. “Think worse.” He closed his eyes tighter. As she began speaking to him she used her hacking hacking abilities to lift him in the air. “Imagine the code you are made of being constantly degraded and restored over and over again for the rest of time. The hell Seavyan put that **bleep** through is going to look like heaven.” Han was very maintained what little composure he had left. Sharred, again hacking the area around Han began twirling him in the air. That did the trick, he began weeping, quickly saying something in an Asian dialect. When he finished, She dropped him on the ground. “He gave the case to a man.” Aomis, who hoisted the table up from him, asked “What man.”  “He described him as a Druid on Meth. Said he made the exchange at Stamos.” “Is he lying?” Sharred was almost insulted by that statement, but Aomis was a skeptic at heart and never trusted anything without a hundred percent certainty. “I’ll ask.” She looked down and the sniveling lieutenant. “Are you lying?” He screamed again in the asian dialect. “He isn’t.” Aomis took out his cell phone. “Hey Zel, it’s Aomis, we’ve tracked down the case to Stamos, be on the look out for a man dressed like a Druid or a Monk.” “Buddhist or Franciscan?” Zelder was devoted Buddhist. “I don’t know. Be on the lookout. Any news on Grieve?” “None yet, hopefully he’ll narrow the search, Stamos is a large area to cover.”

 

Grieve walked down the aisle of the Mara Congregational Church, he passed the pews that as a bluepill he sat in. He reached the altar and genuflected, crossing himself as he did. “It warms my heart to know that despite knowing the truth that God isn’t in here you still do that, Jason” It was a warm, motherly voice behind him, although he flinched when she mentioned his real name. “Forcive habit sister Margaret, one you taught me.” They hugged each other. “The chessman phoned ahead. Something about a bold move?” “Yeah, he told me that a piece of his board moved into the center, threatening the checkmate. Black Queens Bishop.” Sister froze in her tracks. “Why are you looking?” “I’m investigating the theft of something protected by a black box protocol from the machines.” She motioned him to sit down. “Do you know what’s in it?” He raised his elbows, signaling no. “It’s something important to protect, for us to steal and for it to be stolen again.” “It must be very important if HE wants it.” “Who’s he?” “An exile, of sorts. It’s really complicated. This man is dangerous, like SMITH dangerous, but he hasn’t appeared in years. Whatever is in that black box is something worthy of him making his presence felt again. After the return of the One, some of his followers built a shrine for Neo and Smith in the place where their battle began.” “Heart O’ The City…” “In Stamos in the Barrens. The room where Neo had been killed by Smith and rose again to create the new Smith. The Cardinal, as HE became known as, believes in maintaining balance in the Matrix, by any means necessary. Including the elimination of all forms of life here.” Griever got up from the pew. “Jason.” Again he flinched. “Jason Ixios is dead, sister. Because of the Agents he did a half gainer of PolyVinyl. He died; I’m merely the part of him that kept going.” She got up and came close to him. “You are like us.” He got confused at this. “You are who you are meant to be. You have a purpose, and no matter how you got there you will have the choice where you’re purpose takes you.” He looked at her in acknowledgement. “Now go my child, in the name of the—“ they silently made the sign of the cross. “Thank you sister.” “you’re welcome, Jason.” Griever left the church and phoned Zelder. “Guys, Stamos, Heart O’ the City. Room 303. Meet you there.

 

The Crew of the Arbiter met at the hotel. It was Zelder, Dremataker, Kilobit, Redbird and Griever. The hotel was popular as a Zionist hotspot and hardline back before Zion agreed on designated hardlines with the machines. They stormed the hotel, following the stairs up to the third floor. Following its ways to the third floor and the third room there. Kilobit kicked in the door. When they entered they saw written on the walls mathematical symbols, numbers. Out of no where, Griever, who hated math, spoke like he knew exactly what it was. “It’s NEO.” Everyone looked at him. “It’s the equation that made NEO the ONE.” He looked at the opposite wall, Another equation, similar in appearance to Neo’s but the solution was the exact opposite. “SMITH.” Griever flatly stated. “Would you like to know your equation, my child?” Out of no where, a man in a black leather cloak appeared in the room. Everyone drew their guns, except for Griever. “Where’s the case?” Zelder Commanded. No response. “I’m not going to ask again, where is it?” “Let him ask. “ He raised his robed arm towards Griever. Everyone looked at their crewmate, who looked mesmerized. “Cardinal, where’s the case?” “It’s safe, I’ve taken a look at it. Very interesting.” He pulled the case from under his robes, it appeared unopened. “I’ll give it back to you.” Zelder approached. “Not you.” With a wave of his hand he sent elder flying into the wall. “Here.” He gently handed Griever the case. “You may find the contents interesting.” Despite the cloak over his face, Griever knew he was smiling. And just as fast as he appeared, he vanished, like a blink. Zelder got up and looked at Grieve. “we need to debrief…NOW!!”

 

-End of Segment 3-

 

“Like everyone else, you want to know the way to win, but not accept the way to lose. To admit defeat, to learn to die is to be liberated from it. That is why when the time comes, you must release your ambitious mind and learn the art of dying”
-Bruce Lee

 

Segment 4:

The Art of Dying

## Enter Password:
## *******
##Welcome Commander Lock
## Accessing %.............. Granted.../
## Begin Transmission

“Like everyone else, you want to know the way to win, but not accept the way to lose. To admit defeat, to learn to die is to be liberated from it. That is why when the time comes, you must release your ambitious mind and learn the art of dying”
-Bruce Lee

 

Segment 4:

The Art of Dying

 

“What was that just now?” Zelder demanded. “I don’t know.” The rest of the crew was unconvinced. “What!? Look guys, I found out about this place from Sister Margaret, she told me that that guy was an Exile named the Cardinal. She said that he’s been gone for a while and that whatever is in this case must be something worth it to him to get.” “But why’d he give it back. And why was he talking to you like that?” Kilobit asked. “I don’t know!” Griever was noticeably upset. Zelder approached him. “Maybe the answer is in here.” He took the case from his hand and looked at it. “It looks like he locked it again.” Redbird looked at it. “It looks like he locked it again. I thought he needed the key?” “He didn’t, we still do though.” said Griever, as he said that his cell phone began to ring. “Yeah?” “Hello Meatbag.” “Silver, how ya doin?” “I assume by now you acquired the black box?” “Yeah it’s right here.We need the key though” “I did some looking for you, the key is located in a government office in Chelsea. I’m sure you and your fellow skinsacks will be able to confiscate it. I’m giving your operator the coordinates now.” “Silver, I love you, you know that?” “Pfft, love.” Silver was insulted. “You owe me, meatba…” Griever hung up on him before he could finish. “Key’s in Chelsea. Ivan has the coordinates.” Zelder picked up his phone and dialed. “Rhyse, we got the case, we know where to get the key. Chelsea, Ivan should be sending Mord the coordinates as we speak.” He turned away from Grieve and the others. “We have a problem with Grieve though, I’ll explain later.” He hung up. “Ok everyone, let’s find a hardline. Grieve, you and me are going to talk when we get back.”

 

The entire downtown area was in the jurisdiction of the Machines. Even the strongest operatives rarely came down here out of fear of The Agents, who were still stronger, faster and more intelligent than most humans. There has only been one recorded raid on a government building. Neo and Trinity blasted through that building using guns and sheer will power. Confident that others would not be so lucky, the machines kept their security at a minimum. Security guard programs with a few enforcers. They routinely swept the floors as bluepills unknowingly helped the machines with research and intelligence. Several guards walked past a janitor. Pretending to be attentive in his sweeping, Rhyse kept note at the intervals that the guards were present. He whispered into his earpiece. “Okay guys, we’re gonna be in and out in afew minutes. The room with the key is right down the hall.” “It’s about **bleep**ing time! I’m getting cramped in her, my guns are nearly up my *CENSORED*” Pyxel’s scream on the transceiver was almost loud enough for others to hear him. Temsik came on the line. “Well you always said you loved your guns.” Rhyse had to suppress his laugh. “I’m in place Rhyse, give me the word and I’ll get you out of there.” “Good.” He began to slowly drag his wheeled garbage bin down the hall when he suddenly heard the garbling stammer that became trademark. He peaked around the corner of the hall and saw three Agents standing there, apparently taking the bodies of the next security sweep. Rhyse let out an inaudible “**bleep**.” “We got a problem guys.” It was Mordain, the Imperium operator who responded. “Yeah, three agents just popped up and they are blocking the door to the key.” They looked his way and Rhyse kept his janitor act and swept the floors. “Tem, can you create a distraction?” “Thought you’d never ask.” His radio cut out. “Ok Pyx, get ready for action.” Rhyse could only hear Pyx’s guns **bleep**, which made him laugh when he remembered where Pyx said they were.

 

On the roof of a neighboring building, an army gunship landed on the pad. Temsik, hiding in an alcove for the right moment. He counted the army guards on the roof, Six, easy enough. He closed his eyes and focused, bringing himself into that state where time slows down around you while you are moving at an accelerated speed to everyone else. With all his speed and skill he charged at the closest guard. Before he knew what hit him, Tem had disarmed him by kicking his shotgun in the air and by using a trademark Aikido joint lock take down floored him,caught the shotgun and pumped a shell into his chest. Before the guards could fully react, he had already taken down three of the six. He dropped the shotgun and ran towards the others. The fired their guns, which to Tem looked like ripples in the air, he easily swerved passed them with ease. He reached one guard and floored him with one leg sweep with a finishing blow to the chest. Another swung a blow, but at that level of concentration, Tem took his arm and dislocated it. The final guard began swinging his rifle at Tem, who kept on back stepping. Although a bluepill, Tem was impressed with this guard. The guy’s unconventional attack had forced Tem to the edge of the roof. Feeling confident, the guard charged at Tem, thinking he could knock him off. But still focused, Temsik jumped into the air and kicked the back of the soldier, propelling him off the building and down dozens of stories to his death. The andreanline in Tem began to subside and everything became it’s usual speed. He looked at the gunship. He picked up his cell. “All ready here, boss.”

 

“alright, I’m gonna head for the door.” Rhyse began to sweep down towards the door guarded by the Agents. He slowly began whistling a tune as he did, as if he was enjoying his work. The Agents gave him a glance and went back to what they were doing. “Ready, Pyx?” “Born Ready.” Rhyse made his way to the Agents. They stepped infront of him, blocking the door. They spoke as a single entity, each taking turns in their monotone voice. “You cannot…” “…enter. This room is…” “under special access.” Rhyse stopped. “Aw, c’mon, I need to clean the entire floor or I don’t get paid. “We said…” “This Place…” “Is Restricted…” Rhyse sucked his teeth “Alright then. “He tapped the top of the bin three times, signaling a gujnshot to ring from the middle of the bin, catching an Agent in the chest.  The top of the bin popped open, revealing Pyxel, who began firing a flurry of bullets, which ricocheted off the walls, catching the other two Agents. Pyx climbed out of the bin and threw a silenced magnum to Rhyse, who had removed his janitors disguise. “we only got a few minutes before they come back.” Thet got to the door, only to find it locked. Pulling out his tool kit, Rhyse began picking the lock while Pyx gave him cover fire.

 

The other guards ran to the hall, but Pyx’s trick shots kept them at bay. He began twirling his guns as he fired, making the ricochets more random and frenzied. One of the guards started to stutter and convulse. In a split second, Pyx aimed and shot him in the head before he could be turned into an agent. He kept this up as Rhyse finally gained access. He really turned up the heat when he saw rhyse leave the room with a small black cubed sized case in his hand and his cell phone in the other. “Tem, I got it, get us out of here!” No sooner had he said that did the helicopter emerge outside the room length glass windows. Tem piloting the craft. Mordain’s voice poped into the transceiver. “Time to open up the window to let the flies out.” Pyx’s hand motions became blindingly flurried as he achieved  his focused state. He fired off four bullets that bounced off the wall, nicking the carotid arteries of the first line of guards, bouncing further down the wall, severing the jugulars of the backlines, bouncing firther down the wall again and hitting the glass windows, shattering them. The two of them made a mad dash to the helicopter, whose bay door was open for them to jump in. As they made their way past the adjacent hall they saw an agent run towards them. As they made a hurtling jump through the shattered window, they opened fire, focusing all their attention to hitting him. Although he dodged all the rounds, it gave them long enough time to get in the helicopter and take away.

 

The Agent, knowing that it’s goal could no longer be achieved, lowered his gun and fixed his tie. Before he casually walked down the hall, he heard a beeping sound coming from the other hallway. He slowly stalked towards the sound, walking over the carnage that lay before him as if it wasn’t there at all. He looked down the hall and followed the noise, which seemed to be emanating from the trash bin. He looked down, and with his emotionless expression he read the note on the Code Bomb. “If you can read this then you’re **bleep**ed… love the network imperium”

 

The green glow of the bomb lit up the darkening sky as the helicopter carried it’s passengers to safety. Rhyse relaxed in the seat in the hold as he looked at the black box he held in his hand. In it was the key to the top secret info that would help them and Zion maintain peace in the Matrix. He drew his eyes to Pyxel, who was cleaning his guns despite the fact they weren’t real. He thought back to when the Imperium started. Him and Mordain were partners when the Truce was being written up. They left their old faction in order to better protect that Truce. But the problem was that those who were deemed “the best of Zion” were in it only for their faction’s sake and not the whole of humanity. He was at fist surprised that those most wanting the Truce were those Zion was ready to chuck out. I guess it takes a group of outcasts to keep everything together…

 

The three crews of the Imperium were in the 21st floor of the office tower. Some were watching outside on the observation deck, other were inside trading items and code fragments. Griever was in a corner with Zelder, with more than usual gloom and sorrow about him. All looked out as the helicopter carrying their leaders came into view. Pyxel’s head popped out the side. “Someone call a locksmith!?” Sharred scoffed. “Anything for a **bleep**ing entrance.”

 

-end of segment 4-

 

“And when we finally opened that case, all sorts of hell came about us…”

-Commander Pyxel’s debriefing in Zion

 

 

Segment 5

Fallen

 

 

 

 

 

## Enter Password:
## *******
##Welcome Commander Lock
## Accessing %.............. Granted.../
## Begin Transmission

 

“And when we finally opened that case, all sorts of hell came about us…”

-Commander Pyxel’s debriefing in Zion

 

 

Segment 5

Fallen

 

 

“Well, that’s what I call a job well done.” Pyxel was already toasting the faction’s victory in finding the case and key. The 21st floor of the Tabor W tower was always the meeting ground for the Network Imperium, despite several gate crashings. It was here that they first met Sharred, who ran into them while practicing her newly downloaded Hyperjump ability. She often laughed at the fact that one single jump changed her life and the lives of the faction.

 

She was the only active female member of the faction, which is an interesting situation for any crew, but with the NI things were even more out of control. It was like everyone wanted a piece of her, figuratively, and literally. She had to evade Seavyan’s innuendo’s, Origato’s “raids” into her quarters and Pyxel, who flat out pulled out his “gun” and asked her to use her asian expertise on it. Despite these gender pressures she remains one of the top most operatives in the faction. “Hey sharred…” It was Pyx, “I wanted to know if I could  some HAS.” Ziguarath and Etheno looked at him. “HAS?”  “You guys know, Hot Asian…Whoa!” The last word was created when Sharred used her hacker program to send Pyxel flying to the other end of the room. Without another word she continued the conversation she was having with Zig and Etheno.

 

Griever was outside, sitting on the ledge of the roof, looking up at the rising moon. That was the only thing about the Matrix he liked anymore…the night sky. The Real Sky is covered in a black cloud that absorbs the energy from any machine that gets caught in it. He looked up, it was a harvest moon, when the it’s larger than usual with that faded orange tinge. “Second thoughts?” He looked back and saw Rhyse approaching him. “I can’t go back, not even if I wanted to.” “Then why are you so glum all the time?” Rhyse got on the ledge, dangling his feet over the edge. Despite there being the wide floor below them, it was still along way down to it. “Rhyse, you don’t know what it’s like to be removed from the Matrix. Not extracted, but forcibly removed from the **bleep** thing. I didn’t have the luxury of a red pill. I fell and transcended the limitations of the matrix. It feels like apart of me died here, a piece of my psyche that I can’t get back.” Rhyse took in a long sigh. “I didn’t know it was that painful for you. But isn’t there another…” “The Kid!? Ha! I’m not one of those Neo-nuts who bow at his door thinking he’s gonna walk through it again. No, Believe it or not, I’m happy here. You guys let me in when there was no one else that would take me and I appreciate it.” Rhyse chuckled a bit. “What?” “I was just a thought I had earlier.” Someone approached them from the door. It was kilobit. “C’mon, we’re gonna open the case.”

 

The case was on a small table in the center of the room with the key next to it. The crew of the Imperium approached the table. Tem held the case while Rhyse picked the key up. Unaware of what would happen when the case opened, Pyxel drew his guns, habitually twirling them. Rhyse was getting ready to unlock the case, slowly putting the key into the slot. Then he turned around “On second thought…” “RHYSE!!!” The entire faction shouted. “OKAY!!” He put the key in. Pyxel trained his guns on the case. With the turn of the key, the lights of the building flickered. Now everyone drew their guns. Soon the lights came back on full. Everyone composed themselves, lowering their weapons. Rhyse, now a little nervous lifted the case. Inside of it was a simple data disk. Aomis was the first to walk towards it. “That’s it? That’s what we nearly killed ourselves for?” “you’re only saying that because you got a table dumped on ya.” Laughed Saint, his first mate. The rest of the group laughes as well. Rhyse removed the disk from the foam impression inside the case. “We won’t know what’s in it until we upload it. “Which we will be doing.” Came a woman’s voice followed by gunfire. It was Ginity and all of Jokerz. “The jokes on you now!”

 

The two factions stood at a standoff with each other. “You thought what you did was really funny, didn’t you?” Ginity had her shotgun trained at Pyxel’s head. “Yeh, I got a few laughs.” Rhyse, Temsik and Grieve all nodded. Gin fired a shot into the air to silence them. Temsik was the first to speak after that. “What, we give you the disk and you go away?” “No, you give us the disk and we kill you all.” “Let’s try another option!” Temsik threw a grenade into the air inbetween the two groups. The device exploded, creating a cloud of smoke, but instead of the jokerz subsiding they charged ahead. The Imperium split up and began opening fire. Ginity reached Rhyse. The two exchanged blows as she tried to reach the disk in his hand. “Pyx!” He flung the disk across the room to Pyxel, who slipped it into a pocket As he began his wild west routine with his guns, keeping several Jokerz at bay with his ricocheting bullets. A blow out of nowhere floored Pyx. It was AmonRah, The jokerz shadow master. He pulled the disk out of Pyx’s pocket. “RAH!” Amon turned around fast enough to see Griever’s boot connect with his jaw. He loosed his grip on the disk, sending it flying into the air. Grieve ran into the carnage of the room, trying to focus on the disk. He vaulted in the air and caught it, landing on the ground. As soon as he landed, he saw a shotgun muzzle up at the left side of his face. “Time’s up little bro.” “Don’t miss.” Ginity pulled the trigger…and pulled the trigger again, and again. Griever suddenly felt a sensation he had felt earlier that day. It was at that moment a shadow decended over Griever and enveloped Ginity. And suddenly, the whole room became quiet as the man in the black cloak appeared out of nowhere, right over Griever.

 

“I have business with him.” Said the dark man. Ginity turned her shotgun to him. “Sorry, I seen him first.” She pulled the trigger, hoping to get a shot off, nothing. With a wave of his hand The Cardinal removed the weapon from her hand. She charged after him but with a point of his finger he stopped her dead in her tracks. “Jokerz leave or I will kill her…” They hesitated. Her body began to glow green as the code of the matrix began to reveal itself in her RSI. “Leave now!” They began to walk away,back the way they came. The Cloaked man looked towards Ginity, lowering his arm, giving her back her freedom of movement. “Go…” he whispered. “Now!” She hurried away for her life. Griever stood up with the disk in hand. “Well my child, you have what you need.” “Why did you stop her?” “She is not the one who gets to kill you…” With unbelievable speed he clutched Grievers head. “I AM!!!” Everyone came towards him. He lifted his hand in the air and everyone froze. He began squeezing Griever’s head. “Balance must be obtained.” Griever began to glow green, like Ginity, the coe of the matrix starting to surge. Pyxel, frozen in place, started straining every ounce of his digital muscle, forcing himself, willing himself to break free. His body in the real world was straining, the veins in his head were visible to Mordain, who took a small case from under his monitor. He removed a syringe and injected it into the plug in Pyxel’s right arm. “Come on, pyx, stop him.”

 

Pyxel’s RSI began to move, slowly, like he was stuck in molasses. After a few labored movements he broke free from the hold. He charged at the cardinal, who raised his free hand at him, focusing on him. “Who asked you to interfere?” With all his might he flung Pyxel through the glass window and over the building. “PYX!!!” The moment The Cardinal’s focus shifted Griever went into action. He dropped down and sprang up, doing a somersault kick to the Cardinal’s jaw, it didn’t floor him like it usually did for people, but it got him to back up a few steps. Griever, like he did with the Lupine in the bar, did a charged side kick. The cardinal bent over in pain as Griever followed up with a quick kick to the side of the face. This one sent him to the floor. Griever Raised his leg for a finishing Axe kick, but as he performed the coup de grace the cardinal vanished, immediately causing the entire faction to move forward after being released. Many ran to the window where Pyxel fell, the others ran to catch Grieve. Rhyse was one of the ones who went to Grieve, he picked up his cell phone and called mord. “Is Pyx…” “His vitals are ok, but he’s not showing up on my screens. He’s in there, but I can’t find him.” Rhyse took the disk out of Griever’s hand as Zelder and Kilobit carried him off to the hardline. Rhyse remained in the room a few minutes longer than the rest, trying to sort out the events of what just happened.

 

-End Of Segment 5-

 

“Pyxel: Commander of the Zionist Network Imperium. An orphan in the Matirx he was not given a name. It was only until he became a pre-adolescent hacker did he refer to himself as Pyxel. Oft times laid back, more oft times outrageous. His trademark is his trickshot style gunslinging, using flash and speed to his advantage. He is also proficient in several martial arts, as well he should be, for he was trained by the Exile known as “Seraph”

 

Segment 6

Angels

 

## Enter Password:
## *******
##Welcome Commander Lock
## Accessing %.............. Granted.../
## Begin Transmission

 

 

“After we met the Oracle, it all changed. For the faction, for Grieve…for me too. We were now set on a course that could threaten the lives of every Human, Machine and Exile in existence. Damnit Tyndall why can’t you see that!?”

 

-High Senator Mordain’s Debriefing in Zion

 

-Segment 8-

Run for your life

 

 

“So let me get this right.” Asked Pyx. “A program designed to monitor the ONE became and exile, and in a bid to save it’s self, entered your brain just as you jacked out?” “In so many words…yeah.” They were all back at the Imperium Base, every ship had been called back for a briefing. “and the Cardinal was a program to monitor the counter equation?” it was Vidicus. “That would eventually become Smith, yes.” “Their battle rages still.” It was Rhyse, who taken on some of Grieve’s usual morose attitude after seeing the Oracle two days previous. “Looks that way.” “So what can we do?” asked Aomis. “Get pissed drunk.” Of course, it was Seav. His voice was followed by cheers from the majority of the faction until  Mordain stood up. “HEY!!!” everyone lowered their voices. Grieve, who was at the briefing podium, began. “The cardinal is a threat, a major one. He believes that the Matrix needs to be balanced, and that means wiping out the matrix over again. Back to it’s original Paradise iteration. The Humans may not have believed it, but us…” He flinched when he said “us.” Many were beginning to notice this, as if he was having a hard time discerning his thoughts and the Nephillim. “the Original Programs, loved it. It was the ultimate balance.” He let out a sigh. “And the won’t stop there, he will kill every Exile in the Matrix, Every Human in Zion and every Machine in One-Zero. All that he deems “abhorrent” under the Matrix molded in his likeness.” Aomis again spoke. “But why now? Why not do this right after the battle in Zion when we were all weak?” “Because he was waiting for me…” again he winced. “The Nephillim. The only thing that can stop him is the counterbalance, the NEO to his SMITH.” Etheno raised his hand. “If that’s true, doesn’t that make you...” “Don’t say it Eth, please.” Etheno looked at his crewmates around him. “But that would mean he’s the…” “Etheno, stop.” It was Zelder who interrupted him. “All I’m trying to say is that he could be the…” He stopped dead when Grieve jumped over the podium. “DON’T…YOU…SAY IT!!!” Everyone was in shock at this display. Even though he was more often then not moody, anger was never one of Grieve’s stronger emotions. Before he could get a reprise, he ran out of the briefing room, slipping past Seav and Ziguarath. Rhyse stood up. “Let him go.” Etheno was still shocked. “why did he go off on me like that?” Sharred got in front of him. “Because the path of the ONE ends in Death. The only way the one’s purpose is fulfilled is by returning to the source and resetting the Matrix or counterbalancing the equation, which as we learned from Neo, means death. Not very promising, is it?”

 

Griever was in his quarters on the Arbiter, trying to forget the past few days. A loud banging from his door jarred his mind. He opened it to find Zeldar, his captain. “Mind If I come in?” “It’s your ship.” He stepped aside to let him in. “I wanted to talk to you?” Grieve slowed down abit. Zeldar was always a little…uncomfortable isn’t the correct term, but it’s close enough. “What do you wanna talk about?” “Well, it’s more of an apology.” Now he had Griever’s attention. Zeldar sat down on the bed, Griever sat next to him. “I’m sorry, for not being the warmest person around you. I had no idea the kind of pain you must’ve gone through and are going through.” His eyes looked a little watery. “I’ve never been really any good with trusting people, not since I came out into the Real. I’m sorry, Grieve, I just wanted you to know that.” Grieve looked at him. “what are you not telling me?” Zeldar gave a wry smile and began to talk very casually. “Y’know, I spoke to the Oracle once, long ago. Wonderful woman, hell of a baker. She told me something that gave me purpose, meaning in the world I had been forced into. But I thought it past me, that somehow I got gypped out of my purpose. Now, here I am. Confronted by it.” Griever’s eyes opened wide. “What did she say?” Zeldar didn’t respon. “Z, what did she…agh!!” Grieve clutched his head in pain. “What’s wrong Grieve?” All of a sudden the pain disappeared. “Someone’s coming.” Without another word he out of his room, leaving his captain to follow him through the narrow halls. He slid down the stairwell to the loading Deck, where Ivan was drinking some coffee infront of his monitor. “Are you picking anything up on your sensors?” Ivan’s face showed confusion. Before he could say anything Griever pulled him out of the way and began typing on the console. In a few key strokes, the sensors picked them up. Sentinels, hundreds of them, heading for the base. “Ho-ly **bleep**!!!” Zeldar screamed as he got on the Communication system. We are picking up massive Sentinel activity heading this way. Evacuate the area. Immediately!

 

Everyone scrambled to their ships. Rhyse, Tem and Mordain all entere the Leviathan, the mobile base of operations. The Locaz and Leviathan had already lifte off when Pyxel came on board. The crew saluted him. “Put that bull**bleep** away.” “Sir! Wouldn’t you be safer on the Leviathan. Sir!” He looked Kilobit straight in the eyes after he said that. “I was captain of this ship while you were still neck deep in red spunk. DO YOU GET ME!?” “SIR YES SIR!” “Good, now get this baby up and running.” Everyone began to scramble to their stations. As soon as Pyx and Zeldar were in the cockpit the Arbiter was up and flying out of the base. They flew into the connecting tunnel, right in view of the oncoming swarm of squidlike machines. “They look different.” Zelder stated. “Their eyes.” It was true that these sentinels eyes were not their usual red but were in fact yellow. Grieve looked out the cockpit window. “It’s him, he’s controlling them.” Pyxel hammered down the contriols. “Aww great!” The ship barreled through the tunnels, trying to catch up with the other ships. The swarm started to gain on them however. Finally, with the Locaz and Leviathan in sight, the swarm was within arms reach. Zeldar got on the intercom. “Hit it!” The Arbiters massive gun turrets all came active, most of them were automated controlled by Griever’s display in the cockpit, but several were being operated by the crew. They began launching rounds into the swarm, causing an inward surge to begin in the stream of machines. “Give us a little more Grieve.” Griever began typing on his console and flicking several switched and diodes, giving the ship more boost. As soon as they got to the other ships they all within unison began firing into the group. Zeldar checked his monitors. “We’re not losing them!” Pyx began to roar as he drove the ship faster through the tunnel. Griever looked at his engineering console, where he was controlling the turrets. He looked at the sentinels glowing yellow eyes. “No…I’m not going to let you hurt them.” He pressed a few buttons on the console and ran out of the cockpit. “Grieve!” cried Zeldar as he ran for him, leaving Pyxel alone “Ok baby, looks like it’s just you and me.”

 

Zeldar followed his subordinate once again to the loading deck, where Grieve was typing on one of the loading screens very quickly. “What are you doing?” “Buying us sometime. I need you to help me though.” He hopped into one of the loading chairs. “Plug me in.” Zeldar looked at him in astonishment. “DO IT!!!” He quickly picked up the long spike. “You sure about this?” “No, do it anyway.” He plugged the spike into Grievers brain. Soon after, Kilobit’s voice came from the intercom down in the gunner’s deck. “Something’s going on, they’re slowing down. Zeldar activated a view screen to see what was going on. The machines weren’t just slowing down, they were fighting each other. He then realized that some of them were showing purple eyes now. “Griever…” Zeldar was amazed, somehow Griever was using the transmission satellites to jack into the machines and control them. He looked down on him. His body was straining. “Oh god.” He got on the intercom. “Ivan, get up to the loading deck.” Ivan was there in a matter of seconds, only to be stunned at we he saw when he got there. “No time to explain, somehow he’s controlling some of the sentinels. “It looks like he’s losing.” Ivan pulled out a medical kit and removed a syringe. “This should help ease the pain for him.” He injected it into his arm plug. Griever’s body relaxed some but the veins in his head continued to twitch. Then, an alarm went off. Zeldar checked his monitor. “Bomb detected! They’re gonna fire!” Beyond Griever’s reach, a small, pupae-like machine was hurtling towards the Arbiter. Pyxel’s voice came on the intercom. “GET THAT **bleep** OUTTA HERE!!!” Just as it reached the arbiter, a purpled eyed Sentinel flew into it. The explosion was massive, punching a whole into the arbiter. “**bleep**, the blast disrupted the main converter. We’re going to lose energy to the hover pads.” Zeldar ran down to what remained of the engineering section. The damage was not as bad as it looked, the main energy converter to the hover pads was in several pieces. He began. He slowly began diverting the flow of power to the auxillary converters. Suddenly, the power started to die out, shutting off the power to the pads. The arbiter slowly began to descend to the ground. In a panic, Zelder began connecting wires to the converters. His mind racing. He connected the final wire and with a kick the engine jump started again. The arbiter picked up speed and sped down the tunnel again. He got to the intercom. “Pyxel, I fixed…” a major discharge of energy from the converter sparked, hitting Zeldar’s back.

 

“Zeldar…” whispered Grieve, his body still jacked in. Ivan looked at the load out screen as his brainwaves started to spike. The lights began to flicker as Grieve’s body contorted in the chair. “NOOOOOOO!!!!!” The scream was exclaimed when the blue white energy of the hover pads sparked into a purple. The energy trailed to one sentinel, and from there trailed to two more, and two more from each of them and so on until all of the Sentinels were fried. As his consciousness drifted back to his brain. Griever could feel the presence of the Cardinal. “Be seein ya.” He said as his mind slammed back into his head.

 

“What the hell is going on there?” came Rhyse’s voice from the intercom. “I’ll tell you later. We need a tow.” Aomis’ voice came on. “Docking bay doors open. Come on in.” Pyxel flew the Arbiter behind the Leviathan and slowly entered in to it’s cradled spot. Rhyse, Temsik, Mordaina and Aomis were at the docking bay as they entered. The first thing to come out was Zeldar. Kilobit and Redbird we’re moving him on a gurney. Rhyse was shocked“What the **bleep** happened?” Kilobit responded as he passed. “He caught discharge while fixing the hover pads.” They quickly carted their captain into the infirmary, where Sharred was already waiting. Pyxel walked off the ship, wiping the sweat from his face. “What the hell was going on back there? Some of those Sentinels were fighting each other. And th-that surge that killed them all, what could do that?” Pyxel didn’t say a word, instead he turned to the Arbiter, where Ivan was helping Grieve down the ramp. He had his eyes closed, but there were red streaks coming down his eyes like he was crying blood. As he approached them Mordain walked up to him, but jumped back out of fear for what he saw.

 

Soon Rhyse was making the one transmission he wished he’d never have to do…

 

## Begin Transmission...

-This is Rhyse of the Network Imperium...he’s…he’s coming. The Cardinal is coming to kill us, Machines and the Mero. One of my ships has been badly damaged by his attack. Captain Zeldar is in a coma. The rest of us are headed to Zion ASAP. In case we are attacked again, I am sending you a copy of the Imperium Logs, documenting what transpired up until now.-

…Sending Log Files For Network Imperium…-

-Lock, We’ve had our differences but you have to help us…for Zion…-

 

##End Transmission

 

The last thing he did before trying to sleep was go to visit Grieve, who kept his eyes closed as if blind. “He’s not going to come back, not after what we did to him.” His voice was calm, he was sitting Indian style. “We? Not you or the Nephillim? Both?” Griever didn’t respond. Rhyse approached him. “can you see me?” his voice changed back to it’s usual tenor “I can see you fine, boss.” Rhyse was aghast when Grieve opened his eyes, which had turned completely purple.

 

-End of segment 8-

 

“Zion, last free city the humans have. It is governed by a Counsel and enforced by Zion Command. It’s interesting how the two don’t usually have the same opinions about things. Typically human.”

 

-Agent Grey’s synopsis of Zion

 

Segment 9: Sleeping Awake…

## Enter Password:
## *******
##Welcome Commander Lock
## Accessing %.............. Granted.../
## Begin Transmission

“Zion, last free city the humans have. It is governed by a Counsel and enforced by Zion Command. It’s interesting how the two don’t usually have the same opinions about things. Typically human.”

-Agent Grey’s synopsis of Zion

Segment 9:

Sleeping Awake…

It had taken the Imperium two days to get near Zion . During that time, the Locaz joined up for yet another debriefing, where Ivan and Pyxel explained the events on The Arbiter. Griever had not left his room and refused any company since seeing Rhyse two days previous. “So he’s the One…” murmured Etheno. “Does it matter at this point?” replied Sharred, who had spent the past few days with Zeldar, who remained comatose. Rhyse was leaning over the podium, washed out from the past weeks events. “It doesn’t…all that matters now is getting back to Zion, help Zell, fix the Arbiter an get back at the sonofabitch responsible for what’s happened.” Kilobit raised his hand. “Who becomes the captain of the Arbiter?” “There’s always one who has to ask.” Muttered one of the faction members.  Rhyse straightened himself. “Commander Pyxel will be in command of the Arbiter until a suitable captain is found.” Kilobit was a little hesitant. “But…” “End of discussion!” Rhyse was obviously exasperated. He let out a sigh. “We’re all tired, I think we should just go back to our ships until we reach Zion. Dismissed.” Everyone scattered to their ships, leaving Rhyse, Temsik, Mordain and Pyxel in the Briefing room. Temsik was the first to talk when the last were gone. “Purple eyes, my god.” “should’ve seen him when he got out of the ship.” Pyxel kicked up his legs on one of the chairs. “His body was hot, and he looked like he was crying blood, I thought jesus came back.” “That’s exactly what Zion is going to think.” “What do you mean Mord?” Asked Tem. “Oh please. A report saying that a person resembling “The One”…” Mord made the quotation marks in the air. “…Is going to spread to the people.” Temsik’s face was incredulous. “That transmission was high priority, only The commander and his lieutenants would see that.” “He’s right though.” Said Rhyse. “Something like this is not going to be contained. Someone is going to spill. We need to get ready for an uprising.” He let out a sigh. “I just don’t know what Grieve’s reaction to this will be.” Pyxel was tapping his boot up on the chair. “Well we all know what he thinks of the Neo-ites. God knows what they think of him when they find out.” He let out a laugh. “I’d pay good money to see that meeting.” “And you’re going to.” Said Rhyse. “The crew of the Arbiter is to monitor Grieve while in Zion.” “No complaints here.” The radio began crackling, it was Simia. “We are approaching Zion territory.”

“This is the Network Imperium hovercraft Leviathan, carrying the Arbiter and Locaz. We request docking and emergency medical assistanc for one of our members.” It took Rhyse a few seconds until a female voice came on. “Network Imperium, You are cleared for Docking at Hanger 13. Commander Lock has Medical and Security on the way. “Security?” asked Simia. “Not surprised, we aren’t exactly Deadbolt’s favorite faction.” “Copy Control, hangar 13.” “Welcome home, Network Imperium.” Rhyse moaned as the Aomis Piloted the ship through the tunnels and to the hangar doors. Which swung open to reveal the massive interior of the HumanCity. The ship landing at docking bay 13. Where attendants began connecting cables and tubes to the exterior in order to refuel and recharge the ship. The inside the Leviathan the Arbiter and Locaz would be charge from cables in the Leviathan.  The first to be taken out of the ship was Zeldar, the paramedics team carted him off with Sharred quickly in toe. The Rest of the faction walked down the ramp to be greeted by twenty members of the “Mifune Squad” a crack team of free born Zionists who were the best that Zion Command had to offer. The reputation of the NI proceeded them. “Commander Rhyse!” Shouted the Squad leader. “Commander Lock has ordered…” A forceful grunt from Seavyan interrupted him. The two Bulls looked ready to pummel each other until the Squad leader began again. “…Requests, that you and your faction are to be debriefed at 2200 hours tonight.” “Or what?” Seav was intentionally giving them a hard time. “Or you will be thrown in the brig and will be summarily judged of all your crimes against Zion. Which from what I hear will…result in….” his voice trailed off as Griever walked down the ramp. He kept his eyes closed but moved down the ramp calmly and coolly. Several of the Security squad began to get nervous, including the squad leader.”Jesus, it’s Him!” exclaimed one of them. It seemed that the rumours had spread fast in three days. “You were saying something?” With his eyes still closed, Griever looked up at the leader, who was visibly sweating. “You will be tried summarily of your charges and sentenced to…” “Death.” He began chuckling. “Look me in the eyes lieutenant.” He slowly raised his lids, revealing the purple pools that were his eyes. “And ask yourself if death is something I’m worried about.” The Squad leader backed up a few feet. “2200 hours.” They all hurried away. “It’s gonna be a long stay.” Griever closed his eyes once again and walked out of the docking bay with the faction following.

The elevator finally stopped at their level and they slowly went their different ways. Pyxel and the Arbiter Crew walked towards their group quarters and quickly stopped at the connecting bridge. The entire deck was filled with people, some carrying baskets of fruit, wheat and trinkets. All of them were looking at Grieve. “Oh **bleep**.” He muttered to Pyxel as a familiar face walked towards them. “Hello brother.” The Kid said. since Neo’s death and the attack on Zion, the Kid was declared a hero and a prophet of Neo as he claimed it was it ws Neo’s power that helped him transcend the matrix. The only other human to do this was Griever. “I knew when I heard you escaped the Matrix like I did you were meant for great things. Who better to preach his word then the One…” “Stop right there.” Griever got up to him real close. “I didn’t ask for these powers, I didn’t ask to be freed, I didn’t ask for this.” He motioned to his eyes. He then looked over to the Crowd. “I will tell you this. Do not revere Neo, pity him. He did not save the world because you prayed to him, gave him offerings. He saved the world because he had the gift necessary to do it. In that regard, I am like him.” He looked at the Kid. “But I am NOT the One. Neo saw to it that there would not be a need for another.” He began to walk towards the crowd, intent on walking through them. “Move…” the crowd was hesitant to respond. “Don’t make me…” despite his pupil less eyes, his face showed infinite sorrow. The crowd slowly parted. The Arbiter crew walked past with Pyxel coming up the rear. He looked at The Kid as he walked past. “Nerd.” He laughed as he walked to his quarters.

The medical quarters in Zion had grown since the Machine’s attack and the mass awakenings.  With more people came more problems, that’s what the chief medical officer had said while talking to Mordain as he walked to the Intensive care wing where Zeldar was being held. Sharred had not left his side. “how is he?” She looked up from her chair, it was evident she hadn’t slept much or at all since he was injured. “His body took on a lot of plasma from the pads. He’s in a coma, the doctor say that there is a slim chance he will ever wake up. She sounded like she was about to collapse. “Did you know that Zeldar’s parents were redpills?” He was trying to keep her awake, it worked. He took a seat next to hers. “They were freed after he was born. They posted a Program to be his guardian. Growing up he resented his parents, and Zion. Then one day the Merovingian’s men came knocking. They died protecting him, nearly forced the red pill down his throat.” She perked up. “Explains his dislike for Merv.” “yeh, and he also blamed Zion for freeing his parents and abandoning him.” “Sounds familiar.” He had to laugh, it was true. Most, hell, every member of the faction had a beef with their own people. But they (Mordain Believed) still stayed in the hopes to change the system. The initial purpose pf the Imperium was to train and protect new redpills in the matrix. They were suppose to be the great guardians of Zion, but it seemed like the ones who truly wanted to protect Zion were the ones causing most of the disturbances. Now Mordains thoughts traveled to Grieve, who had a unique origin like Zeldar. Who knew what was going through his mind right now, or what Zion command would do to that mind if they had the chance. Mordain quickly got up out of his seat and placed a blanket over Sharred, who had fallen asleep.

He began to walk towards the residential quarters of the Arbiter, walking past several patches of Neo worshippers trying to get a glimpse of Their returning Messiah. Just by passing them Mord had learned of the incident with The Kid. He knocked on Grievers door, only to see Pyxel answer. “He’s not here.” “Where’d he go then?” “He slipped through the tunnels to a place he could think straight without these **bleep**ing morons constantly praying!” Pyxel’s voice raised with every word as he yelled at the fanatics. “How’d he slip by?” Pyxel quickly drew him into the room and told him that Griever knew of a system of tunnels from an operator friend who used to spend days in them. “But where did he go.” “he said that the tunnel connects to this room also connects to Neo’s quarters, better place than any.” Mord hurriedly walked out of the room and past the Fanatics, making sure that he wasn’t being followed. Surprisingly, the are around Neo’s door was relatively empty. Only baskets of food were left at the door, offerings to their messiah as if he would walk out to thank them. The door had been sealed shut by request of the Council and Morpheus. But Mord new all the access codes. He unlocked the door and found Griever, in the shadows of the room, staring at the door. “Had a feelin you’d bfind me.” “I wanted to see how you were.” “just fine, I figured the best place to hide from a bunch of religious nuts is to hide in the home of their Savior.” “The logic is scary.” Mordain laughed. “How’s Zeldar?” “Not good, comatose.” Griever groaned. “They don’t know if he’ll pull through.” “I…we…grr…should have been able to save him.”  “It’s not your fault. The Cardinal came after us. It’s him whose to blame.” Grieve lowered his head. “I’m not so sure about that.” Mordain could hear the bitterness in his voice. “what do you mean?” “I mean that at some point you might have to stop us from doing something I’d regret.” The fact that he clearly stated “us” and “I’d” did not escape him. “No matter what, the Imperium won’t let you be taken over.” “No Mord. Not the Imperium. You.” Mordain’s eyes widened. “One day, real soon, you are going to have to get over whatever happened to you in the Matrix and stop me yourself. I feel you are the only one who can.” After that, he looked around the room. “What time is it?” It took Mordain a moment to realize what time it was. “The debriefing.” “You mean our trial.” “Yeah, well let’s not give Lock a reason to throw us in the brig.” The two of them got up to leave the room. “at least not until we see him.” He added as he locked the door.

The Faction was ordered to meet at the Council Chambers. Even with all of them there it still looked bare. Rows of seats were filled for briefings, discussions, and of course, judicial hearings. The all knew they were there probably for all three. As they took their seats they were in awe as the entire Council entered the Room. Chancillors Hamman, Dillard and West led the congregation.  “Gentlemen, welcome.” Started Councillor Dillard, her voice soft but firm. Several members said hello. “We have gone over the information you sent us. The fact that it resembles the situation with Neo has not alluded us.” She looked at Grieve, who averted his eyes from everyone in the room. “But we have one question:” She was directing herself towards Griever. “Is this Cardinal such a threat?” Without looking at her, and with sadness in his voice he answered. “Ask Zeldar.” Councillor Dillard’s face tightened. “We would make our decision but there are those that have something to say.” “Thank you chancellor” The voice came from the back of the chamber. Everyone looked and found Tyndall, the Head of Operations in the Matrix and Commander Lock’s second in command. “this should faction is to be detained until further notice.” Hamman stood up. “On whose orders?” “Mine.” The gravel voice could only belong to Commander Lock. “**bleep**.” Muttered Pyxel, just loud enough for everyone to hear. “This…faction, has violated half the laws in our city.” He began walking down the line. “Aiding known Machines.” He signaled to Sharred, Saint  and Kilobit. Sharred merely made a “pfft” at him. “Lewd conduct.” He directed to Pyxel. “I prefer raising the population.” Lock ignored him.” “Drunk and disorderly conduct.” This covered most of the faction, to which Etheno, Ziguarath and Zemaj both seemed particularly pleased. “Assaulting a superior officer.” Seavyan looked him in the eyes. “Just a higher ranking one, glassjaw.” He quickly moved to Mordain. “Breaking into Zion archives.” “I did It a few days ago if it helps.” “very cute.” He stopped walking when he reached Rhyse. “Disobeying a direct order.” “You wanted me to fire into a crowd of bluepills for one Merovingian lieutenant.” “You could have gotten him.” “Oh sure, but the twenty or so exiles would’ve shredded me and the entire crowd.” Frustrated, Lock went to Grieve, who was at the end. “And aiding the known fugitive Morpheus.” Grieve didn’t flinch. “I guess now we see why Morpheus was so fascinated in you, he always did like to collect freaks didn’t he?” Grieves eyes twitched towards Lock, and the lights began to flicker for a few seconds until abruptly stopping. “Freak is our word and we do not like it when your kind uses it.” “Grieve.” It was Hammon, who befriended Griever when he was new in the Real. “I’m sorry councilor.” Rhyse began, “But this is ridiculous.”

He stood up and to address them all. “Since the creation of this faction, we have been labled outcasts, delinquents. And yet, we have done everything in our power to serve Zion.” Mordain stood up. “Now is no different, except now, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. We need to be able to go back into the Matrix to stop the Cardinal.” “You want us to send you back so you can cause more havoc?” “We are on a course that could threaten the lives of every man, Machine and exile, damnit Tyndall can’t you see that!?” “Enough both of you!” Shouted Dillard. The councilors spoke with each other for a few minutes whule Lock and Tyndall stared down the faction. “We have decided.” Everyone one on edge. “That the Network Imperium, who are responcible for both great deeds and great indiscretions against Zion. They shall be allowed to enter the Matrix once again.” Everyone but Lock brightened up, even Tyndall showed signs of relief. “You can’t be serious!?” Lock was fuming. Hammon was smiling. “careful commander.” Councillor west spoke first the first time. “Commander, you seem to have a problem with nearly every faction in Zion, the Imperium seems to be no different in that they do it just to annoy you most of the time.” “Then why are you letting them back in!?” “Because WE like to annoy you most of the time.” Hammon tried to refrain from laughing. Dillard merely stood up. “Gentlemen, good day.” The Crew stood up as the Council filed out. The faction stood up and began to exit as well. “Well that was pointless.” Stated Sharred. “I rather got a kick out of it.” Temsik said as he walked past Lock. Pyxel had approached Tyndall. “ I was wondering if you were up for commiting a few “lewd” acts like your boss calls them.” “GUARDS!!” Pyxel quickly walked away. “Just a suggestion.” Rhyse, Mord and Grieve were the last to leave. They stopped for Lock. “you should be proud.” He said. “No Lock, but you fail to understand.” “what’s there to understand? You break the rules. “Only so the rules can be upheld.” Chimed Mordain. They began to pass when Grieve came up to him. “And what do you have to say.” Grieve’s voice was soft and monotone “you’re still an **bleep**. Just thought you’d like an update.”  He left Lock alone with Tyndall. “I’ll get them.” “Yes, but they are the only hope we have if this Cardinal is such a threat.” “Hope, is something I don’t have a lot of.” He walked out as well, leavin Tyndall alone. “That’s why you’re an **bleep**.”

-End of Segment 9-

Ever since Neo defeated Smith there has been a massive surge of redpill activity both in and out of the Matrix. Zion underwent a boom and developed ten-fold as the people began to cultivate and rebuild. With this many people, other diversions were sought. Gardens, parks. Even bars and clubs were built. One of the more important were the broadcast station for Awakened Radio, which boasted a broadcast system as big as Zion Command’s.

-Zion Historical Archives, post Neo

 

Segment 10:

Dreaming of Zion

and then you woke up

## Enter Password:
## *******
##Welcome Commander Lock
## Accessing %.............. Granted.../
## Begin Transmission

 

Ever since Neo defeated Smith there has been a massive surge of redpill activity both in and out of the Matrix. Zion underwent a boom and developed ten-fold as the people began to cultivate and rebuild. With this many people, other diversions were sought. Gardens, parks. Even bars and clubs were built. One of the more important were the broadcast station for Awakened Radio, which boasted a broadcast system as big as Zion Command’s.

-Zion Historical Archives, post Neo

 

Segment 10:

Dreaming of Zion

 

Several Weeks had passed, and the repairs to the faction ships, especially the Arbiter, were almost finished. The crew kept themselves occupied: Mordain was working with Zion command, tracing any movements related to the Cardinal. It seemed after the attack on the Imperium he went silent, no movements or strange activity. Rhyse Continued his side job as DJ for Awakened Radio, which uses a pirate broadcast designed for only redpills to pick it up. Sharred remained with Zeldar, ever vigilant over him. Many in the faction believed she would stay and take care of him when they left. Grieve remained silent, no one knew where he was at any time. Several people thought they saw him near Neo’s room, but nothing confirmed. The rest of the faction used this time to relax.

 

“That’s twelve ladies!” Exclaimed Seavyan as he slammed another shot glass down on the table. Him, Ziguarath and Vidicus had been in the bar barely five minutes. The three had been competing in drinking contests since the first week back. They began slamming them, seeing who would pass out or throw up first.  An hour into this they were all thoroughly trashed. “I see you boys never found another hobby. Jaja.” They looked over and saw a familiar sight. Gunslinger, former member and captain of the now Defunct Midas. He was standing with several members of Fight Club, one of the more aggressive Zionists factions.“Get losht Gun before we call Temssssik.” Slurred Ziguarath. He winced for a moment, he looked around the bar to make sure Tem was no where to be seen. “Can’t a guy just sit down with some of his old comrades?” “Not…when they abandon their faction and crew in the middle of nowhere.” Stated Vidicus, sounding slightly sober. “You blame that on me?” “No one else to blame.” Seav was dead sober the moment Gun showed up. “And don’t use that bitchy “Tem owes me money” **bleep** you’ve been laying. We’ve already heard **bleep** when you were running around screaming “Tem’s a machine, Tem’s a machine.” To half the city trying to start **bleep** between us and then you get into our message center and start leaving insults.” “What can I say? I missed ya.” Zig, fed up with Gun, tried to get from his chair and fell down, taking the table with him. Gun began laughing that ridiculous laugh of his, replacing the “h” in HA with a “J”. As he was laughing, Seav caught a glimpse of who was behind him and slowly walked back. “Stop laughing you sack of **bleep**.” Gun’s eyes bugged out. He turned around and saw Temsik. “You got something to say you say it to me. That is of course you want Seavyan to hit you with that bottle.” Before Gun could react Seav had dropped a glass bottle onto Gun’s dome, sending him down on the ground on top of Zig. “Get off me you piece of **bleep**.” Zig sloppily dragged himself up. The Members of Fight Club stepped forward. “Your choice boys.” The all got ready for a bar brawl when the Fight Club members looked at Gun and said. “Been wanting to do that for weeks now.” They walked away while Tem, Seav, Zig and Vid found another seat to continue the competition.

 

“I think it’s time we leave.” It was almost a command Seraph gave to the Oracle. “I can’t leave Seraph. Neither can you or Sati. He is coming.” There was a loud knock on the door. Sati screamed as she ran into the living room and into The Oracle’s arms. Another knock came. The Oracle stood up as the door gently opened by it’s self. He came in, As if Gliding without feet. Behind him were several other people in slightly less decorated black later cloaks. “Hello Mother.” The Cardinal’s Voice was soft. He motioned his head to the other people in black. “Pay no attention to them. They are my acolytes.” “I see one of them is a little worse for the ware.” She noted the one in the back was having a hard time breathing. “Seems Grieve gave him a run for his money in the Real.” “Oh Sloth’ll be all right.” The cardinal focused his gaze on Sati, who immediately clutched onto the Oracle. “Leave her out of this.” The Oracle’s commanded. “I don’t see a problem with that.” He waved his hand passed Sati’s face, and the young exile fell asleep. Seraph Immediately approached. “Leave now.” “Or what? You neglect young one I’ve killed your master once. You wouldn’t even faze me.” Seraph slowly moved back. “Which brings us back to Griever.” “The Nephillim.” Stressed The Cardinal. “I’m not interested in that little abhorrent. I want to see him.” “No Deal.” The Oracle was defiant. “Then Sati will never wake up.” They all looked at Sati and realized that she was no longer breathing. “Contact him, you have the means. Surely one of your beloved imperfect beings can carry a message for me to see him.” She looked again at Sati, then at the Cardinal.

She lit a cigarette and blew the smoke towards him. “I’ll do it.” “Good. I’ll leave the information with you.” He waved his hand over Sati again. She awoke with a gasp. The Cardinal turned and again glided out of the room, his acolytes following. “Do you know what’s going to happen?” “I made my choice didn’t I? Now we need to see what He will choose.” “Surely the Nephillim will choose to fight.” “I’m sure he will, but that’s not who I was referring to.” She took in one more puff and set to work on the task at hand.

 

Grieve was in his quarters when he heard the knock on the door. He opened it to find a member of the Oracle’s Prophet’s. He handed Him a disk and walked away, giving a small curt bow. Grieve walked back to his bed and laid down, inserting it into a small disk drive on the side of his bed. He lied down on his back, the plug on the headrest of his bed into the hole in his skull. The disk played. But instead of seeing the Oracle he Saw his cloaked Nemesis. “Hello Brother. I want to congratulate you. You’ve been very difficult to kill. I want to meet, just to have a quiet talk with my old colleague. Meet me at the Dojo in Sai Kung. You remember where. And if I see one Other member of your hosts faction even say Sai Kung I’ll rip the eyes out of our **bleep** mother and feed them to her little brat. I’ll see you there.”

 

Grieve had gathered the faction members immediately. “I need to borrow one of the ships so I can see him.” “And do what?” Mordain did not trust the invitation. “Talk?” “Well I was planning on killing him but I’m sure some words’ll be said. “But only the Locaz is ready.” “He can have it Rhyse.” Seav said. Him, Tem and the others looked chewed up from all the drinking. “Hit em a few times for me.” Griever nodded. Pyxel stood up. “Well I’m coming with you, I have something to say to your “brother”.” “He said alone, but I appreciate the back up.” “I’m going too.” Rhyse said. “Me too.” Mordain said solemnly. Seav, Etheno, Ziguarath and Zemaj all stood up. The tears welled in Grieve’s purple eyes. “Thanks guys.”

 

Within the hour the Locaz was cleared for take off and nearing broadcast depth. Griever was preparing himself on the deck. Seav’s voice came on the intercom. “We are at broadcast Depth. Time to put foot to *CENSORED*.” Grieve sat down in the loading chair. Rhyse, Pyx and Mord all stood around him. “In case something happens.” “Shut up.” Interrupted Pyxel. “You ain’t going no where.” “Still, it’s been an honor.” He looked up, ready to be plugged in. “You ready for this?” Asked Rhyse. “No…ahhh!” Mordain had plugged him in immediately. His mind began to pull back as the code of the Matrix started to rush infront of his eyes. It seemed different than the last time. When he fully loaded back, he looked down at the canal that surrounded Most of International and especially Sai kung. He could see that his His spiky hair turned from white to purple, his eyes did have white, but still maintained the purple hue. He walked to the Dojo, immediately sensing the Cardinals prescence. He saw him kneeling in the center of the arena. “The Prodigal son returns.” “to kill the **bleep** brother.” “I see more of my brother shows himself in that flawed body.” “This “Flawed” Body was able to achieve what you couldn’t.” “Ah, there is m brother. It was getting a little difficult listening to the both of you talk.” The Nephillim, now in full control of Grieve, knelt down. “This boy escaped the matrix without any help.” “You helped.” “Actually I jumped on a split second before he hit the ground. It was all him.” “You still take stock in these abhorrent beings who defile what was once our Eden?” “It’s because of these beings that the machines that created us were created in the first place.” The Cardinal Scoffed but The Nephillim continued. “These people have an amazing imagination, which can exceed the thinking of any machine. They can think the unthinkable for a machine, and given the right resources and assistance, they can achieve it.” “They are violent, aggressive.” “They are fun loving, joyous.” “They prefer conflict.” “They want peace.” “They destroy their bodies, using vile things like drugs, alcohol, sex. Even in Reality the seek away to be free.” “Nothing is perfect brother.” “But we can change that.” The Nephillim was disappointed. “All this time, you’ve learned nothing. Nothing is perfect, and anything that claims it is doomed to fail, because it is so restrictive that it will crumble the moment change is introduced.” “We can stop the change.” “you can’t stop change!!!” “It is the only constant, things change, they may seem similar but they change.” The Cardinal was silent. “hmm, we seem to fall right back into our old habits.” “Is that why you invited me here? To try to kill me in the same place you tried the last time?” They both stood up at the same time. “Poetic, isn’t it?” “Yes, just one thing. You can’t kill me.” “Why not?” “You are not the Cardinal.” Grieve spun around and caught The Real Cardinal in time to stop from getting stabbed in the back. But the False Cardinal, using incredible speed, grabbed him. Then six other figures in black stormed him and began restraining him, his entire body was wrapped in wires that dug into his skin. The veins in his neck threatening to cut themselves with every pulse.

 

The Crew of the Locaz watched in horror at this. Mordain felt a deep cold feeling in the pit of his stomach. “We need to get in there now!” Pyxel said as he ran to the chair next to Grieve’s. “Pyxel Stop!” Everyone was stunned to see Mordain say that. “You can’t go in there, none of you can.” Rhyse looked at him, immediately knowing what was coming next. “Who then?” Mordain was already moving towards the chair, loading the screen. “Years ago, I made myself a promise.  I also promised Grieve that if the time came I would break it.” “What promise?” Pyx asked. Rhyse grabbed the plug as Mordain sat down. “I will kill once again!” He screamed as he Rhyse plugged him in.

 

-End of Segment 10-

 

##Accessing Personnel Files

Name: Mordain

Birth Name: Josh Steele

Rank: Operator, Founder

 

Profile: one of the “old school” operatives. He is Rhyse’s partner. He was an expert assassin who was legendary for his Body Count. For reasons unknown he is unable (or unwilling) to enter the Matrix. He has resigned himself as The Faction’s Operator and Head of Information. He is down to the point and takes his job seriously. Many of the faction have made off comments about his inactivity in the Matrix. Before retiring he was known by another name…

 

Final Segment:

God Of Death