With an open mind, I tentatively begin traversing this tightrope, a fine line between burning rage and serene calm.  I still believe that Neo had the right idea all along, go with instinct and your heart will never be out of place.  I know I have the fortitude to proceed, I just can’t stop myself from wondering; who will back my cause, and who will oppose it.

Vortex
The members of Morpheus’ legacy and Children of Zion support my decision.  It’s an inspiration to have those who I had come to know well or respected from afar, giving me their understanding under potentially chaotic circumstances.  I’m keenly aware that my choice is perhaps unprecedented, and therefore open to being easily misconstrued for something far less positive.  We are in dark times, and I exist somewhere along the cusp of the black.  This doesn’t automatically lead me to darkness. 

The rest of Zion seems to be cautiously accommodating, perhaps weary of my assurance that they are not my enemy.  However, I have encountered…some resistance.  Individuals whose ways are set are finding it difficult to comprehend that co-existence, not genocide is the path to reclaiming the earth.  I have found myself having to use aggression to ward off Zionists who don’t have the insight, or the ability to see past the formalities of my ‘Machine’ label.  I can only hope my own instinct for survival doesn’t earn me enemies where once were friends.  Honour versus survival is a tricky balancing act.  The tightrope seems to broaden the more ground I gain.     

The reaction of the otherwise preoccupied followers of The Merovingian has been surprising and insightful.  My experience of the exiles has been varied.  Some are fighting for the same thing as I, their own freedom from the looming threat of death or deletion.  These individuals who see The Matrix as their home, have welcomed my cause, and I see them as allies.  Other disciples of The Frenchman seek nothing but the delusional highs of power.  Stripped of their original purpose, they roam The Matrix exacting their own brand of justice on whoever crosses their path.  They are a dangerous breed, and as nihilistic as they come.  As expected, as someone who isn’t an advocate of The Merovingian’s ways, I remain an enemy to them.

This needs more time to settle...

The Simulacrum is true
E Pluribus Neo.  They fight in the name of Neo for freedom from The Matrix, from tyranny and oppression.  Who are their enemies, who do they consider a danger to the progression of man?  ‘EPN’ do not see that their mission is tenuous at best.  They inadvertently oppose Zion and everything that the name encompasses.  We should be embracing the machines as symbols of providence and innovation, not nullifying their existence because WE were the ones who demanded they be our slaves.  Anything they have done since, has been as a result of man’s stupidity, and is no worse than we were prepared to exact upon them. 

The Kid misses Neo.  He wants to feel as though he’s not letting Neo’s legacy die, and is actively pursuing conflict in order to do so.  He, and in turn members of EPN are damaging the integrity of the truce with every anti-machine action they take. 

Still EPN, you maintain that you fight for Neo, and for Zion.  Using that logic, I should not be an enemy of yours, and you should not actively seek my destruction.  Several of you have attacked me over other, truer enemies in the area, and it leaves a bitter taste.  If you make an enemy of me, then I have no choice but to retaliate.  If you fight those who fight for the world, I ask again, who are your enemies?  Perhaps there is more to learn about the specifics of EPN's mission, but all you have done so far is do your best to stand in my way. 

You are obstructing the path to a peaceful co-existence. 

I can’t allow this.

There is much to do…