Thesis on the War

Shadow Griever

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On August 12th, 1999 (using the Calender System of the Matrix), the Truce that was bought for us by Neo, was dissolved.

Almost immediately there have been shouts of approval and of name callings and hindsight predictions. It's gotten pretty ugly, pretty quickly.

I've been sitting here at my console, my ship attached to some rock in some maintenance tunnel like a strung out gecko. I've got the crew doing shifts at the guns, and my second mate's jury rigged a dead man's switch to the EMP. With all this going on, I've been wondering exactly how the Hell we managed to get in this spot.

I know what's going to be the first thing said: Zion started it, and it'll most likely be said by one of the more...aspiring members of the Machine faction. To be quite honest, it's not entirely true. It'd be pointless to start saying "he started it" because then we'd be at it for ages. No, we've done too many things to each other to just pin the blame.

The Truce

Let's start off with the Truce itself. It was set by Neo and the Machines. Neo, despite being the One and being the salvation of mankind, was still one man. The terms he set were for, what he felt, was best for Humanity. However, the terms he agreed to did not reflect the best interests of Zion.

There are many who believe that Zion won the war. This is not true. The war was not won, it was stopped, mid battle. This has left a sour taste in some of the higher ups of the two Organizations. This is the kickoff of The General's exile and incidental attempted takeover/ruination of the Matrix. I'm also fairly aware that many in Zion, those who were there at the War, felt less than satisfied with the Outcome. So, even at the beginning, there is already a sense of "unfinished business" between elements of the two powers.

Then there is the Truce itself. Actually, "Truce" would not be a correct term. It's technically a "Non-Aggression Pact". We don't break the terms, the Machines do not show Sentinels down our throats. The Truce has always been lopsided, and somewhat favored towards the Machines. This has also left a sour taste in some mouths.

Extreme Days

Now, with every major conflict, there are always several extremist standpoints. In this situation, we have The Cypherites, humans who favor the Machine/Reinsertion plan, and the E Pluribus Neo, who favor the Zion/Liberation plan. Both of these factions have very simple, very well intended mission statements. However, both have gone about it in a very...deconstructive way.

- Cypherites

The Cypherites, led by Cryptos, are a human Organization that's main goal was, originally believed to be, the reinsertion of redpills into the Matrix and the prevention of liberation from the simulation. The reason I say "Originally believed to be", is because due to the erratic nature of several of it's higher ups (Ie; Veil), the Cypherites seem more focused on revenge against the redpills in Zion than on the bluepills in the Matrix. They are responcible for the deaths of countless redpills, and the attempted deaths of many others.

At first, the Machines did not make any move to acknowledge the Cypherites. But slowly they linked themselves to their members, using the protection of the bluepills/simulation as a common thread. Then, after Seraphs attack on Cryptos, it was revealed that he (Cryptos) had been taken over by a Machine Program. In essence, the Machines manufactured the Cypherites. Then, to enhance the situation, it was revealed that the method of reinsertion, to which many of the Cypherites (including Cryptos) had seen as a goal, was a lie. There was no method of reinserting redpills to the Matrix.

I do not know what drives them now, are they guided by their hatred of Zion, or by their want to protect the bluepills still inside the system?

-EPN

E Pluribus Neo, a group guided by what they to believe to be Neo's will. They are aggresive in their goal of liberating humans from the matrix, and have been known to attack the Machines. For the most part, I have not seen their violent streak personally. I have however seen their eagerness for it at the forefront of this war. I do not frighten easily (or at least do not show it well) but the sheer ease that some of them went into discussing acts that could potentially cost lives, human or otherwise. I sit here and ask myself "Is this what Neo would truly have wanted?"

Straws and Camels

Well, I guess we should discuss the impetus of this soon-to-be bloody War. The building of New Zion. According to the Truce, Zion should not be/ is not allowed to expand further. As I am not aware of the exact terms of the Truce, I am not sure how or why this would be conciderd an infarction on Machine security. If it is, then it may have been best mentioned through proper channels and discussed or some other action that would have given leniency. If it isn't, then this is, as many in Zion have said, merely an excuse for the Machines to come down on Zion because they feel they are "losing control"

To be completely honest, the Machines are not blameless in increasing tensions as it is. As I mentioned earlier, they are (in)directly responcible for the creation of the Cypherites, and they also set out to take control of the mind of several members of Zion. They have violated free human minds, and no explanation has been given.

Where do we go from here?

You know, sitting here, I'd like to tell you I think we should all go back to the way things were, but I can't lie to you. We can't go back, if we are to guarantee any form of peace, we cannot go back to what we were doing. And there is far too much Bad Blood between our two sides that the only way to see this through is to let out the aggression, to, if you'll pardon the Godfather reference, go to the mattresses.

It is my firm belief, and I speak for myself, not my faction, that all life is sacred, human, machine and exile. I believe the only way we can achieve any peace is through the Matrix.

I have no suggestions for this, for the future is far too dark for me, all I can do is pray that some resolution is found, and fight to survive.

May God Protect You In All The Empty Places You Go...

##End Transmission....

Athena

That's actually a nice read that!

steadyhand

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## Broadcast Verified as HvCft Tengu.....Captain: Steadyhand....Faction: Network Imperium.

This is in response to the Broadcast by Shadow Griever a few days ago.

Iv not been a free mind for very long only about 3 months but in that short amount of time its is surprising what can happen over the over the last few weeks we have gone from removing another threat namely the general and with in two weeks we have gone from every body happy back to a all out War with the toasters expect that this time it is different.

During the last War it was just the Humans vs. machines and the battle ground happened to the be the matrix but I can tell you this at that time they sure has hell didn’t no as much as we do know, which in effect kept things simple humans freed blue pills the machines tried to get them, Then came one problem with this system namely Neo, know Neo was meant to go along and reset the system as the machines intended but being a human and sticking to our natural completely fed up the whole system one swift motion, the war ended zion was still standing and the zion and the machines now had a problem ONE! Person had just gone a but a stop to war which was unfinished.

Now though out human history and being one to look it up iv noticed something if a War ended with out some one being totally beaten the anyother War just happened to start a few years on, the best example for this is what I think are called world war 1 which in turn created War world 2 because of the bad blood between the sides from the first war.

So anyway the point im trying to make is, it does not matter the Truce was going to end it was just going to happen at some point, as it was clear nether side was happy with the Truce and both sides were just waiting for it to be called off. But this time thing are different and a hell of lot more complicated, first of is emergency jack outs well puts a whole interesting twist right their the toasters cant kill us out right though the matrix well not easily at lest, problem number two we know a hell of a lot more about the matrix this time around and thus can put some are understanding to better use, problem number three, the fact that there are redpills on both sides this point is the one that has me most stumped why are humans working for the toasters when it is clear they are going to wipe out zion including the free born’s who don’t have a choice in the matter of out of the matrix and then keep their system safe going to turn on them, or will the toasters keep them safe either way that’s a interesting twist on this war. The last problem with this War is that it is no longer two sides we now have a third player who I think knows which ever side he choices is going to win, the Frenchman he has more power within the matrix then other side and if im reading this Intel right he also now has squids in the real world. And so this War is know motivated by 3 different factors,

The machines are fighting for control
Zion survival
The Frenchman, power

The three strongest factors in any war and split between the three most powerful sides so the War was inevitable nobody deep down wanted peace and all we go do now hope for the best.
##End Transmission....

Shadow Griever

As much as I agree with you on that, Steady, the Merovingian seems to be keeping well away from the War. He seems content to watch Zion and the Machines bash the others brains out and then reep the rewards.

So unless someone makes a move toward his way, or he decides to make a move, the Merovingian seems to a...non combatant, for lack of a more appropriate term

steadyhand

ah yes the merovingain seems to be keeping well away. But as well all know and seen he has a habit of operating with out anybody knowing and also he could very be bideing(sp?) his time. the best time to jump into a war is when both sides have nearly had enough or are will into the thick of things. why do i say this simple.

both sides are now half way though thier respect supplies and both sides are tired at this point you may chose which side you wish to join and beucase your not had years or mothns of War on you your complete fresh and can quickly over whelm the two sides.

also for one to being involed in a War does not me one is fighting in it, simple tradeing information can be a powerful wepone. tricking either side to wipeing each other out leaving whats left you to take with little or no effort. i do believe he is simple playing both sides agents each other for the time being. also because of the nature of this war he can not simple afford not to get involved as battle ground is taking place on his home ground.

**Villemar_MxO**

I think the Merovingian is effectively Switzerland (but with spies). However, if this war gets completely out of hand and the simulation is truly threatened he will be forced to step in. After all if the Matrix goes then that's it for him and every single exile.

Shadow Griever

The_Big_V wrote:

I think the Merovingian is effectively Switzerland (but with spies). However, if this war gets completely out of hand and the simulation is truly threatened he will be forced to step in. After all if the Matrix goes then that's it for him and every single exile.

In my opinion "Switzerland but with spies" equates to, Ironically, France. But as long as he keeps what he knows to himself and keeps himself out of it. I see no reason why the Merovingian and his mancipals are in any direct threat in this War

**Villemar_MxO**

Shadow Griever wrote:

The_Big_V wrote:
I think the Merovingian is effectively Switzerland (but with spies). However, if this war gets completely out of hand and the simulation is truly threatened he will be forced to step in. After all if the Matrix goes then that's it for him and every single exile.

In my opinion "Switzerland but with spies" equates to, Ironically, France. But as long as he keeps what he knows to himself and keeps himself out of it. I see no reason why the Merovingian and his mancipals are in any direct threat in this War

France as in Vichy France? I don't see the parallel. But yeah, if you notice carefully, The Merovingian is showing a side of his personality not seen yet before.

Mnemasyne

Well ShadowGriever, we've talked many times about issues we face and the possible outcomes of this war. You are right - this truce we were all encouraged to abide by has been in favor of the machines over the the expansion and growth of Zion. I remember the days when a thousand and one machines and machinists accused the Pluribus of "truce-breaking", yet here we are because Zion decided it was necessary to move outside of machine control. Why the machines thought the human race wouldn't or shouldn't outgrow the boundary they set for them under conditions of the truce is beyond me. Like you said - we don't truly know the details of this agreement, and I think that was the root of our problem. Faction after faction under each umbrella of power, playing a game they don't really know the rules of.

Despite what many might be thinking, we don't want this war. We don't want to have to fight have have our families and friends die day after day. However, we do believe that our freedom is worth defending. Whether it be the redpill trying to survive on the outside, or the bluepill that knows something is wrong with the world and wants to be free.

Where do we go from here, you ask?

As a representative of E Pluribus Neo, I can say that at this point in the war, our cause is to find a solution to this conflict. Yes, there have been several severely extreme propositions given to defend ourselves against the machines, but they have been ruled out and disregarded. As some of you have said, all life is precious, and I think we can all agree that there has to be a better way. This war has to end, and without the destruction of countless lives. That is what we believe Neo would have wanted.

Shadow Griever

I with you on everything there, Mnem. But my problem from that particular meeting was that we seemed to go from 0 to Hiroshima damned quickly

Blank Frank

If the Mero are sitting this war out, why are Mero factions like LET helping Zionists continue extractions? Were LET operatives following their own whims or are Meros starting to take a side?

-Blank

Mnemasyne

They didn't help us. The operatives I did see there were Villemar and Riac, and they were just observing.

I was a little bothered as well ShadowGriever, but I assure you that only practical solutions to this problem are being considered.

Shadow Griever

Yes, the Merovingian and his people are keeping their level of neutrality. They have no business in the war, but they have every business with what goes on in the Matrix. It's their world as much as it is our and the machines, even more so perhaps.

**Denary**

A solution? to the conflict? there'll never be a Solution. A war not like some stupid argument, as long as one of us lives, the fight must continue, And you can't just make "peace" because there is something people never understand about this world

Instinct.

You want to hear the real reason, for fighting?
If you seek out fights, you want power. Everyone who wants power must fight and search for their battle. They fight to become more powerful or they want more power so that they can fight.
Which one you are I do not know. One thing I do know is that Redpills like us are chosen for this fate, we were made this way, our instincts are set to seek out those fights!
We were born to fight!
If you want the power to end the conflict, cut the opponent down, thats your only option!
It's the path laid before you, the path that remains behind you.
You can't go against your instincts, don't resist it, just enjoy it!

Shadow Griever

pack-hunter wrote:

A solution? to the conflict? there'll never be a Solution. A war not like some stupid argument, as long as one of us lives, the fight must continue, And you can't just make "peace" because there is something people never understand about this world

Instinct.

You want to hear the real reason, for fighting?
If you seek out fights, you want power. Everyone who wants power must fight and search for their battle. They fight to become more powerful or they want more power so that they can fight.
Which one you are I do not know. One thing I do know is that Redpills like us are chosen for this fate, we were made this way, our instincts are set to seek out those fights!
We were born to fight!
If you want the power to end the conflict, cut the opponent down, thats your only option!
It's the path laid before you, the path that remains behind you.
You can't go against your instincts, don't resist it, just enjoy it!

Granted, I agree that we are born with the primal drive to fight. It's still inside of us, since we grew legs and crawled out of the oceans so many thousand years ago. However, not every war is violent, and not all of them end in death. Neo did manage to find peace. It's just that the politics of those involved got in the way.