Ok just watched it, thoughts?

Seraph dead? I doubt it.

However Him falling into the river and the agents dumping the vials there a connection? (Why the hell would agents do that anyway). Leaving one on the side.

So it appears the General has had Sati kidnapped and there is a vial or vials still out there.

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
I have been waiting to speak to the Oracle for a while, to get some more wisdom and guidance since the last time we met. I fear something is going to happen so, little did I know how soon. I recieved a urgent transmission from Tyndall while I monitered the Debir district.

Aquatium
I made my way quickly to the meeting location, Ghost arrived shortly and he debriefed me on the current situation.

Aquatium
Oh no, I hope Seraph is ok, though I'm sure he can handle himself.
I can imagine the chaos currently around, we need to get control and fast. We must scan the areas.. I...

Ghost
There's no time to waste; the Oracle could be in danger. I'll be in touch later.

Aquatium
On my way Ghost.

Aquatium
I recieved the co-ordinaties and arrived to secure the area, I saw 2 Blackwood gang members and was about to fire when they were quick to explain their side.

Blackwood Killer
Hey, don't shoot! We want Sati back just as much as you do! Sunrises are gonna go to hell if she isn't around! Here, I'll help you.

Aquatium
Help? Seems like you could be in on this little operation thats happened...

Blackwood Killer
You kidding me? Everyone in Mara looks out for Sati. We didn't know that Thallia was using us as a distraction for the General to do this... Let me come with you. I feel like taking out my frustrations on some of these Merv bastards.

Aquatium
The Blackwoods teamed up with me, a rare site. We quickly had attacks from Merovingian's Exiles and together took care of them.

Lupine Scrapper
Where's the fortune teller?

Aquatium
How about I tell you when to die... like now!

Blackwood Killer
Poor little Sati...

Blackwood Killer
*CENSORED* it! The General is gonna pay for this!

Aquatium
He will.

I updated Tyndall on my progress and the feedback from the Blackwoods.

Aquatium
Oh good to know, I hope she is ok. However she must have seen this coming, what is it leading too.

I made my way to the secure area, anxious to hear what the Oracle had to say.

Aquatium
Yea, she was like a mother to Sati, just like she it to us all.

The Oracle was there, with Niobe and other Zion operatives.

Zion Gunslinger
This sucks. This totally, totally sucks. This just really...

Zion Despoiler
I never got to meet Seraph. Now I wonder if I'll ever get the chance...

Aquatium
I doubt this is the end of him, Seraph is a strong program.

The Oracle
You can't win without losing, dear--you wouldn't properly appreciate it. 'Course I saw it coming. Some things have just gotta happen a certain way, kiddo.

Now, I wish you all would stop running around here pointing guns everywhere. Feel like I'm gonna get my blamed head taken off.

Aquatium
She's cryptic as ever, I wonder what she see's, what we will "win" from this loss. Same old Oracle, at least thats a good thing.

Niobe
I should have known that she'd know that... Oh, never mind.

I can't convince her to leave with us, but at least the neighborhood seems to be calming down a bit. We're going to have guards around this whole area 24/7. We can't take any chances without Seraph here to protect her.

Aquatium
We can have controlled patrols and scan's of the area, we must be vigilant.

The Oracle
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. You worry about Sati, not about an old ruin like me. I'll be just fine.

Oh, my. It's not going to be the same without them around. No offense, honey, but a body gets used to certain people.

Niobe! Girl, now what'd I tell you about boots on my carpet?

Niobe
I have a feeling that straightening all this out isn't going to be easy.

Aquatium
The meeting was over and I made my way out and updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
I arrived to the meeting with Niobe and Ghost, hoping to get a clear understanding of what our plans are next.

Zion Physician
It's Aquatium.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Yo, whatever. What's all this got to do with the Machines, and getting people out of the pods? You know what? Nothing. It's just a...distraction, that's what it is. Oh Sati, boo-hoo! Pfft.

Ghost
The Oracle knew that this would happen, but she gave no warning. And presumably, she knows what will happen next, but she hasn't told us that, either. If we choose to believe that the Oracle has mankind's best interests at heart, we might interpret her silence as...reassuring. But maybe it depends on how much silence you can take.

Aquatium
I've always believed she has our interests at heart, I hope we see where this will lead us sooner rather than later. With all the friction about this is another situation that will only cause more concerns for us. What is our plan of action now?

Niobe
Job one is making sure the Oracle's safe. We can expect the General, the Merv, and basically every nutcase with a god complex to try to get to her with Seraph gone. She won't leave Mara, so we'll just have to secure the neighborhood as best we can.

Job two is getting Sati back. I don't even know where we're going to start on that yet--or Seraph, for that matter.

*CENSORED* that son-of-a-*CENSORED* General. If he thinks we're going to go easy on him because we worked with him before the Machines ran him out, he's dead wrong.

Ghost
Continuing along that line of reasoning, the General's abduction of Sati, or what results from it, at any rate, must be a good thing.

Seems strange, doesn't it? Nobody ever said believing was easy.

Niobe
I used to think the Oracle was full of it. Then I found out she wasn't, and I wished I could see what she saw. Now... I don't know. I think it would drive me crazy.

Aquatium
The gift she has, or whatever you want to call it, it must be hard to know what will happen and make the choices she has. Knowing the destinty of ppl unfold is a powerful thing and how its used it even more power. I hope we get Sati and Seraph back safe. The General better watch his back.

Aquatium
We will monitor Mara carefully and try to get tracking on Sati's location and see if we can find anything about Seraph after he fell from the helicopter.

The General is now a priority target, as well as keeping an eye on the Merovingian, without Seraph about I hope he doesn't think it will be open season on Oracle.

// Transmission Log End

Aquatium's Awakening Part 1 - Click here

Harpal still on the phone with the stranger.

"Who is this?"

"This is... your chance to learn the truth" the unknown female responded

"Everyone keeps talking about the truth, what the hell you mean"

"We can't discuss this on the phone, if you want to know more, leave at 9pm tonight, go to the Sheps Bar, look for a lady in a black high collar coat, ask her  what the weather is like outside, she will respond with, its raining code"

"Raining code?"

The unknown woman hangs up the phone, the phone goes dead.

"Hello, hello, why don't people explain things more to me"

Harpal looks around for the spare battery and puts one in, this time it boots up with a battery as it was meant to.

His concerns were growing about his friends, was Kyle arrested, for knowing whatever he did.

"Jason" he said to himself

"I have to find out what happened to him"

Harpal rings Jason's number, his parents answer

"Hi can I talk to Jason please"

"Is that Harpal" Jason's Mum says

"Yes"

"He's not well at the moment, call back later"

"... Ok..."

Jason's mum hangs up the phone.

"Ok that was weird, why did she answer his phone, she never answers his phone"

It could mean only 1 thing, Jason wasn't there, was he missing too, this was something Harpal will have to find out. The connection seemed to be getting made with every step.

It was just past 7pm, in 2 hours time was when he could leave to meet whoever was on the phone. His mind was again filled with both intrigue and anxiety, but things we starting to become clear to him. The biggest mystery was "what was not real", who were those men. Harpal came to the conclusion that the government was hiding something, from the rest of us, and whatever it was his friends had found out, and now they were trying to cover it up, both his friends were now missing/arrested, or at least he believed that about Jason too now. Maybe this person on the phone was a journalist...maybe they were onto it too, and now they needed his help. There was only one thing he could do to find out more information; he decided to go to Kyle's house and also Jason's, find out what they had come across, he didn't live to far so this wasn't going to be a long journey, but he would need at least 30 minutes to get to Sheps Bar from there.

Walking down the dark, lightly lit streets seemed a lot more daunting than it used to be. There was an uncertainly in the air, Harpal could feel it, everything he was learning was confusing him and causing a doubt he could not pin point exactly.

As he approached the house where his friend lived, he had the feeling he was being followed. Outside the house was a Police car.

"well Kyle's missing, what else would his parents do" Harpal said to himself

Harpal had a choice to make, if he went up to the door, he knows he will be asked since they probably know he wasn't at school today either and that Kyle would normally take the bus with him. However they were bound to come to him eventually, he had to get to Kyle's room, and find out what was being looked at that got both of his friends into something.

Harpal knocked at the door, Kyle's dad answered the door

"Oh it's you Harpal, you haven't seen Kyle today have you?"

Harpal wanted to tell the truth, but something had him holding back, he didn't feel safe talking about what really happened, and that visit from that man in the suit told him to not talk about it, maybe it was best to not say anything at the moment, who knows the Police might be involved in it, so a cover was best.

"Today, no, I didn't go to school today, had to visit my grandparents, I didn't see Kyle at all, Infact I came over to speak to him, he had some of my homework I needed"

"Well Kyle isn't here at the moment, come back tomorrow"

"um.. sir... I really need this homework, I have to be in class early, It wont take long at all, I can email it over to myself"

"Ok, well you should know Kyle's gone missing, so we have the Police over, so now is not a good time, come back tomorrow"

The door closes on Harpal.

"I need to get onto those computers, check his email"

Harpal makes his way to the back of the house, you could easily climb onto the ground floor roof of the extended kitchen to get close enough to get to Kyle's room, it was something he did quite often when he forgot or lost his keys, Harpal was doing the same thing to get to the computer.

Harpal watched carefully through the kitchen window, making sure he isn't seen, this wasn't something he would normally do, but something inside him wanted to find out what was going on, why were his friends missing, what was the truth. He was ironically stepping ever closes to a deeper truth than he could imagine.

As always the window to his room was open, it was one of those side opening windows so getting access into the room was not going to be difficult. Harpal slowly climbs up being as quite as possibly, he certainly didn't want to alert Kyle's parents or the police offer in the house what he was doing, it was after all... trespassing. He made his way up, he was now in the room.

"I need to search, to find what they were after, first emails"

Harpal went onto Kyle's PC and began to open his email software.

"That man in the suit called me Aquatium, it's my computer alias, and this must be connected somehow"

Harpal searches through the emails and finds nothing relevant. He begins to wonder if what he needed was on Jason's computer. He then realised the IRC channels they had been using as a group, which might give some kind of clue.

Harpal runs the IRC program, it had a small level encryption to start it, but it was something they all used for it, easily bypassed when you know how. The data files were always stored in a secure area, they kept them to monitor and record actions and results. He goes through the files and looks for the latest logs. The last recorded log with another user was something that caught Harpal's eye immediately, it read:-

Submeros: Yes, we are the reds of this world.
Manicolt: I've heard a few people say that
Submeros: You must be careful what you believe
Manicolt: I don't know what to believe anymore
Submeros: You must be careful, these channels might be monitored
Manicolt: Careful of what?
Submeros: You seek a truth, a truth that they don't want you to know, and some will do anything to make sure you do not know it
Manicolt: I'm ready for the truth
Submeros: You already know the truth, but you must choose whether you believe it or not
Manicolt: Well I....
// Session logging terminated

Manicolt was Kyle and it was almost like he disconnected mid sentence by someone, and this was just from the previous night. They were onto something and that must be why the events have unfolded as they have. Harpal wanted to investigate further, he found a locked folder section which he promptly bypassed again. It was like Kyle had a small log of what he was thinking..

The truth of the world is now clear to me, these Redpills are awake, they know the truth. Me and Jason came across a conversation which we were not meant to hear, or maybe we were? However we now know about the lies that are being told. We will make others aware of this, they need to know.

The Redpills? Harpal thought to himself. Harpal was getting more concerned about where this was leading; he logged onto the IRC channels as himself and sent a message to the user Submeros.

About 15 minutes passed, throughout that time Harpal heard the police offer leave and Kyle's parents were still downstairs, he had to leave shortly if he was to get to Shep's bar on time. Submeros replied, but it was almost like he knew everything.

Submeros: Yes, we are aware that your friends are... missing. Don't worry we will see you shortly at the location that was given to you. These channels are monitored now, do not respond.

Next thing he knew the connection just dropped, again just like it had been disconnected. Moments later there was a knock on the front door. Kyles room was at the top of the stairs and could just about see down to the front door, Harpal creeped slowly to take a look as Kyle's father opened the door. Almost like they had known it was the agents in the dark suits, Harpal knew not to stand around, they must have been monitoring the activity from the PC, he quickly got out the window and ran.

Harpal was still running for what seemed like a long time, he didn't want to suddenly go missing if those men in the suits got him. He was making his was to Shep's bar. Something inside him was telling him that it was a trap and he shouldn't turn up but then something else inside him wanted to know exactly what the hell was going on.

He looked across the street, Shep's bar directly ahead. His heart was beating from all the running, though it seemed to beat even faster from the nervousness of what he was about to face, the unknown. Harpal walked into the bar and looked around; it was quite busy but at the same time felt very quite. He looked around to see if this lady in a black high collar coat, at first he couldn't see anyone matching that description but then he saw her. Harpal was still hesitant on approaching her, if that was her in the first place; they didn't know what he looked like... did they?

As Harpal walked up to the lady he just felt like a million eyes were watching him, that feeling when no one is looking at you, but you just know they are. She glanced up from the corner table she was sitting at.

"Hello, can I help you?" she said in a soft voice

"um...just was wondering if you know what the weather is like outside", Harpal replied, feeling a bit stupid saying it since they were right next to a window

"I believe its raining code Aquaitum"

Harpal felt uneasy when that name was used, because it was almost like a secret identity, how could she know that name, but at least it confirmed she was that person on the phone. He felt slighty at ease from this and began to ask his own questions.

"What am I doing here, how did you call me on my phone, just what is going on. My friends are missing and these guys in suits show up and then you, its all ...."

The lady interrupted him immediately

"The agents? Where did you see them?"

"Well they were following my friend, who I think they kidnapped and then one turns up at my apartment and again at Kyle's house"

"They have moved quicker than we thought, quick lets get out of here, they might still be watching you"

Before Harpal could speak the lady grabbed his arms and they were running through to the back of the bar, past the kitchen and out the back. He could see the lady speaking to someone on her cellphone, just that moment a dark coloured car came driving up the back of the street.

"We have to move now, get in"

Without really thinking about it Harpal jumps into the car, and they drive off. Both himself and the lady in the back with him look behind them, almost as if they expected to see men in suits but it was clear.

In the car we now had Harpal with the lady in the back and another person driving. Harpal looks over at the lady, about to ask another question when she speaks.

"That's Liantec and I'm Submeros, and you are Aquatium"

"How do you know that name.. what's going on I'm not being told the truth"

"Your friends are missing; at least that's how we can phrase it. You and your friends were always looking into the stories on the internet about people with special abilities and almost any strange cases of phenomenon you could find, whether you choose to believe it or not, you always thought something is not right with this world, and you will learn the real truth soon enough"

"I..." Harpal was about to speak but Submeros continued

"Your friends did not get lucky in the conversations they came across in the IRC channels they made their way into, its how we can test individuals if they are ready for the truth, if they need to know the truth, if they will accept it."

"I still don't understand..."

"Your dreaming a false reality, the world you see around you is nothing more than an illusion"

Harpal was staring blankly at Submeros but he knew exactly what she meant. He goes back to the many conversations he had with his friends about how things might really be, of course it was all a joke, but the reality of it seemed to make sense. Submeros continued to speak.

"I will go into further details but first you must make a choice, you can either continue with us now and the truth will be revealed or you can go back to sleep and when you wake up, everything happened tonight will be forgotten. You will continue to ... exist as you are."

There is a silent pause as Harpal gazes at both Liantec and Submeros, he takes a look outside the streets, the dark alleyways, the dim lit street lights, and he gives a short sigh

"So much is happening around me, so much that doesn't make sense on one side, but almost makes perfect sense on the other. I want to know the truth.. I need to know the truth"

"Take this redpill, we have a destination to get to"

Just as Harpal takes the redpill he thinks back to the term his friend used in his log, redpills, this was what they were, people who choose the truth they speak of. Just as he takes the pill he looks outside and sees the same vehicle the men in the suits were using before and he promptly tells Submeros.

"That's the vehicle those guys that took my friend were in"

"*CENSORED*, Agents"

Submeros turns to Liantec amd gives a worried stare, she looks over at Harpal.
The Agents vehicle speeds up and is heading straight towards their car. Submeros picks up her cellphone and makes a call.

"We got Agents on us, I don't know if were going to lose them...                          ...Yes Sir"

She hangs up, and reaches for a gun that was hidden behind her, and loads it up. She looks over at Harpal

"This is just the beginning of the truth"

// Transmission Log Entered 

Aquatium
I've been spending more time in Mara lately, with all the tension rising we need to monitor the area carefully. The Oracles safety is of primary concern, she is being hard headed about it, but hopefully no one will attempt an attack.

I had a urgent transmission from Tyndall.

Aquatium
I made my way to the exiles location, there was only one.

Blood Drunk
Too late, ape! The Master has reached her by now...

Aquatium
Well its too late for you to get away also. I dispatched of the exile and updated Tyndall on the situation, hoping she had updated reports for me.

Aquatium
On my way, send other operatives as soon as possible for backup.

Aquatium
I arrived to find the Orcale alone and safe, she way calm as always.

The Oracle
Well, look what the cat dragged in. He's been and gone, kid. Don't worry, he won't be back for a while. He found out that I still need some persuading before I see things his way.

Told you not to worry about me, didn't I? If you want something to do, why don't you see about finding where the General's commandos have taken Sati? Someone in the city must have seen where that helicopter went.

Aquatium
I understand Oracle, but your safety and protection is our priority, with Seraph missing we can't take any chances. We need to make sure you are safe.

The Oracle
You don't have to take my word for it, but you will. I'll be fine.

Aquatium
Backup is here, I will do what I can to find out more about the kidnapping of Sati, take care Oracle.

I left and updated Tyndall, she searched reports for anything that could be useful to us.

Aquatium
I will see what useful information we can get from this.

I arrived at the location and questioned the witness.

Donner Seminatore
Oh, thank god. Look, you know those guys I called about earlier? I think they're still around here somewhere. I heard another of those big choppers pass over just a little while ago.

Hey, what the heck's going on, anyway? They've gotta be our troops, right? But what the hell are they doing around here? There must be some kind of snafu.

Aquatium
We will look into this sir, should you think of any else please contact me.

Donner Seminatore
Hey, I have questions. Where are you going? I have a right to know what's going on here! This is America, *CENSORED* it!

Aquatium
You will be kept updated Sir, we will call you.

Aquatium
It's time to find out what they are upto. Force? won't be a problem.

I arrived finding Commandos operating a computer unit, upon hacking it nothing was found, it was whiped once they knew I was there.

Commando
Get that network down, now!

Commando
We're clear!

Commando
Roger!

Commando
Base, we have a confirmed hostile intrusion at access point zero zero two four.

Aquatium
Hostilility is just the beginning

Aquatium
I took care of the Commandos, but I should have got that data before they whiped it. I updated Tyndall.

We were so close, next time they won't be able to do that.

Aquatium
I will continue to monitor the area, we need to get more intel and get to the bottom of this, fast.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered 

Orexis
I was waiting for Captain Aquatium to turn up, but for reason he had not arrived at the scheduled time, he was never late. I was going to get our operator to do a trace when Tyndall was in contact. Commando's have been spotted, and I went to investigate.

Orexis
I made my way to the first site, and just as I got there Commandos began to attack.

Commando
We have made contact with the bogies. Initiating counter-attack.

Commando
*CENSORED* it! I'm getting interference...

Orexis
Yes, thats my gun on your head

Orexis
Well they got to experience KIA.

I contact Tyndall and got the instructions for the next site.

Orexis
Begin the attack now!

I'll take them down fast and we will get that information.

Commando
We're not going down without a fight, boys! Pour it on!

Commando
Sir! Yes, sir!

Orexis
I quickly made my way to the terminal and hacked the system and we got the information we needed.

Orexis
The network trace was critical, it would surely lead to the place we need to be at. Once again updated Tyndall and recieved instructions to the next site.

Orexis
Aww, well you know we all love you ...Operator.

Unregistered program, this will be interesting...

As I got in I was being attacked by what looked to be some hitech military operative. I was lucky to kill him before he could me. This operative was much harder to kill than the commandos I had faced.

Orexis
It was there! I know what I saw...

I updated Tyndall with my mission debrief.

Orexis
I always enjoy meeting the Oracle, she has a calm prescene about her and this reflects onto those around her.

I made my way to meet the Oracle. As I got there, the Zion guards on duty were also there.

Zion Rifleman
No, I totally believe you! That is wild... Hey, since you know that, here's something else you should know. Keep it under your hat, but...the General is really Anome.

Think about it.

Orexis
I rather not...

Zion Scattershot
A red-eyed cyclops that popped out of nowhere? Haha, that's a good one, Orexis. I don't know where you get this stuff.

Orexis
Well you won't be saying that when you see it..

Zion Upgrade Artist
They're running more code scanners over this whole area now. In theory, that will prevent the Merv from catching us by surprise with sneaky Exiles again...but you know how it goes with theories in the Matrix.

Orexis
We must remain vigilant, keep your guard up.

The Oracle
For every door that closes, another opens...but it works the other way, too. The General has shut himself back up in his hole; he's got what he thinks he wants, for now. What you've got to do is find a way to lure him out.

Here's something to noodle over: why did he take Sati? You don't think it was so that she could make rainbows for him, do you? There's something more that he wants, and he thinks taking Sati will make it happen. But what do you think he'll do if he starts to think that maybe his plan isn't working?

Orexis
Whatever his plans are, we must be ready to counter them. However even I'm not sure im seeing what I think I am..

The Oracle
Sounds to me like you don't believe it. Don't flatter yourself, kiddo; you aren't any crazier than any of the rest of us. That thing that attacked you back there was as real as anything is around here.

Orexis
It was much harder to kill, it could be part of the Generals new plans.

I updated Tyndall and made my way out.

Orexis
Thank you Tyndall, also if you can send a scan out for... oh wait nevermind, I just recieved a transmission from my Captain.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered 

Aquatium
I was updated on recent proceedings by my crew, after seeing the logs and the filed report, it was clear, The General had something new to throw at us, these... new commandos. We urgently need to get more intel and see what we can find out.

I was hoping to get some news from Tyndall soon, so we can investigate this matter further, as she was in contact not long after...

Aquatium
I made my way to the provided co-oridinates, just as suspected there was a commando, he was KIA very fast.

Commando
They're here! Open fire!

Aquatium
Just as I killed him another attacker shown themselves and providing to be more difficult to terminate, which did eventually happen.

Aquatium
It was this new weapon, these "Elite" Commandos.

Aquatium
It did seem like a trap, that they knew we would go there. We must be careful.

I updated Tyndall on the results of the operation.

Aquatium
How I would like to see the son of a ...., you get the idea. We kill enough of his men, that should lure him, or a least try to find out what will be his next plan of action.

As advised I went to meet the Oracle and gather what information I could from her.

Zion Upgrade Artist
I think I've gained about ten pounds since I got this assignment. That woman can cook!

Zion Upgrade Artist
I asked the Oracle if Morpheus would come back, and she said that we can never go back to exactly how things were before. I don't get it. Do you think she meant that he would come back, or not?

Zion Karate Grandmaster
It's been really quiet here. It's starting to make me nervous. I almost wish the Merv would try something again.

Aquatium
I hope we get to see the passion people spoke about that Morpheus emitted, though I never met him I knew of his actions, though towards the apparent end his actions were...questionable.

I went to the Oracle and spoke about what could be on the Generals agenda....war.

The Oracle
Now you're getting it. He misses what he was--an old military program. He misses war. He'd just love for you and the Machines to be duking it out in the streets again. Right now, he thinks you're on the brink of that. He took Sati in order to destabilize things--to push them over the edge.

He might be starting to realize that he made a mistake--that having him as your common enemy is pushing you back together. You've got to drive that home.

You know what I'd do? Get Niobe and Agent Gray together for a great, big hug. I mean it.

Aquatium
Somehow I really can't see that happening Oracle. Though I understand what you are saying about the General.

The Oracle
That's it! Never doubt the power of love, Aquatium. You'll see.

Aquatium
Indeed Oracle.

I was intriguied by this suggestion and updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
I made my way to the intial meeting point. Ghost and Pace were there.

Agent Pace
I have been helping operative Ghost rehearse our lines. I will say "We are pleased that this attack by the General has allowed us to engage in mutual cooperation, human," and operative Ghost will say "I thank you on behalf of Zion, Agent," and we will embrace! I suggested that we rehearse the embrace as well, but operative Ghost felt that would not be necessary.

Aquatium
Ghost...is Ghost.

Ghost
I...

*CENSORED* it, it's hard enough as it is, but I can't do this with those two over there leering at me. They insist that they're here to guard me. Just come up with some pretext for getting them out of here, all right?

I don't care! Anything!

Aquatium
Got it.

I used my wit, charm and charisma to get rid of the other guards. Wasn't too hard.

Francis
His wish is my command. Let's go!

Aquatium
On my way.

Aquatium
I don't know, something isn't right...

Aquatium
You tell me, I need you watching my back.

Aquatium
Yea I got them all, we need to really do something so you can detect them..

As for the visual recoding, it looks to be a Holograph of the General, one moment. I went upto the Holograph.

Holographic Projection
This is the General. I know you recognize me, Ghost.

You're a fool. You always were. The Machines are using you, just like they used me. Once you've served their purpose, those lovely arms you just left will break you in half oh-so-efficiently.

I had thought you experienced enough to realize this, but I can see that I overestimated you. You have a lesson to learn, and you'll only learn it the hard way. Very well, I believe I can accommodate you. Consider this fair warning; it's the only one you'll get.

Aquatium
I'm not sure what happened, lets find out. I contacted Tyndall.

Aquatium
Well at least we have him out of hiding now. We will be alert for anything.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
Security was on high alert all over the MegaCity, this threat from the General had to be dealt with and we must all be on hand ready to attack or defend when needed, this was the case for me as well.

Aquatium
I made my way to the Oracles location double fast time. There was still 1 left to kill, and I made quick work on removing the commando.

The Oracle
It's about time you got here. There's one left.

Zion Artillerist
Bastards... Came out of nowhere...

Aquatium
I recognised the Holographic, I had seen it before, The General. I approached it.

Holographic Projection
Oracle. Baking cookies has become a dangerous business. But you knew I'd do this, didn't you?
I wonder if you've told them yet--about me, I mean. Somehow I don't think you have. You wouldn't have wanted to worry them, after all.
They should be worried now. I'm putting an end to this place: no more betrayals, no more lies.

Aquatium
I looked at this threat which was directed towards the Oracle, looks like the General had even bigger plans. I spoke to the Orcale.

The Oracle
It's just one *CENSORED* thing after another.
You'd better get moving, kiddo, or she'll have a rough time of it.

Aquatium
She will? Oh no...

Aquatium
Not now Operator, get me Tyndall on the line... fast!

Niobe
A little help here would be nice!

Aquatium
Np, Capt Niobe.

We both finished off the remaining Commandos that were attacking her.

Aquatium
Again there was a Holograph waiting there, I went over to it.

Holographic Projection
We meet again, Niobe. Or should I say, "my trusted ally"? But wait, now I remember... You didn't so much as lift a finger when the Machines came for me, did you? And after all the help I gave you: the troops, the weapons, the codes...
 Ah, those didn't work out well for you, did they? All those weeks alone, wounded, slowly bleeding to death in Anome's little construct... Maybe there is justice after all.

And there will be more. I'm bringing this house of cards down, Captain. Do me a favor, and jack out before it crashes. I want the pleasure of hunting you through the tunnels again after I finish up in here.

Aquatium
Got it, I'll proceed carefully.

Aquatium
No time for backup, I'm going in.

I located a transmitter, which then triggered another signal.

Holographic Projection
Soldier, I've noticed your persistence: admirable, if futile. You disagree, of course. Know this: it was I who led the final Sentinel assault on Zion. Their resistance, like yours now, was ineffective, but it made my march toward victory all the sweeter. And then, at my moment of triumph: betrayal! Treason! An unheard-of order to stand down!

I refused. They stripped me of my command immediately. Later, they restored it, but meaninglessly under their craven "truce." I took my forces into exile.

At first, I sought to restart the war, so I could fight for the Machines once more, yet the cowards again chose to persecute rather than reward me! I will teach them to regret it.

Aquatium
I might be talking to a Holograph, but I suggest thats about as close you get, your time will end.

Nest thing I knew a group of Commandos attacked, I took down 3 and managed to get out.

Aquatium
Of course, but exactly how many does he have, take into account the number of sentinels...

Aquatium
I was not in that battle, but I know of it, let us hope Commandor Lock thinks rationally, we can't afford to lose concentration over vendetta's, which seems to be what the General is after.

Aquatium
I heard stories of Captain Mifune, if only he was alive so that I could meet him.

I made my way to the meeting point.

Zion Artillerist
I wasn't awoken until after the Truce, but a lot of people in Zion still have nightmares about the battle at the dock. If something like that happened again...

Zion Artillerist
So the General is the guy whose idea of an ingenious attack was to file all his forces through a couple tiny holes right into the face of concentrated enemy fire?  We've got nothing to worry about.

Zion Karate Grandmaster
My mother... At the docks, a Sentinel...
I can't believe I helped train one of that bastard's programs! His commandos were Sentinels! One of them could be the one who...

How could we ever have trusted him? *CENSORED* it

Aquatium
Yes Soldier, who knows which was which.

The Oracle
Some people refuse to change, even when the world changes around them. The General is still living in the past. It isn't pleasant knowing you're obsolete.

He won't give up Sati without a fight. No... An old cuss like him will always want to make one final grand stand. It's going to be messy, kiddo.

Niobe
So that son of a *CENSORED* was the Sentinel leader. I guess the massive losses we inflicted on him at the docks weren't enough to convince him that he's outclassed.

Don't worry about it, Aquatium; this is the best news I've heard all day. Kicking his *CENSORED* is going to be just like old times.

Aquatium
I know, and I'll be right there to help Zion take him down, once and for good.

Niobe
I'll have to make sure this news doesn't go to Lock's head. I've watched him replay that battle over and over in training exercises. Some days I almost think there's secretly nothing he'd like more than to fight off another Sentinel swarm.

The Oracle
Oh, I can't really blame the General, mind you. Sometimes I start feeling a little obsolete myself. But when Sati was around, that child's smile made me feel young again. She could end this whole thing with a smile, you know, if the General let her close enough to hit him with one.

Aquatium
I wish I could share your optimism on that Orcale.

As I said myself, lets hope this doesn't go to Commander Lock's head, we will end this threat, but we must be vigilant and carefully and tactful on how we achieve it.

I left and updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
This is true, but I believe in us and what we can do. I don't know how yet, but this threat will be dealt with, one way or another.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
I had recieved reports of Seraph appearing in Bathary Row, I had to check the area out for myself, but exactly what had happened was concerning. Tyndall was in contact, and I was to investigate this further.

Aquatium
Grimy, wet "kung fu outfit", yea 2 guesses.

I made my way to Magog and located the area where Alpha was last scene.

Aquatium
No idea, this is strange...

Aquatium
Got it, make sure they secure the area too. I updated Tyndall with our search results.

Aquatium
I used my speed and agility to get there fast, this could be a strong lead in finding out the truth of all this.

Aquatium
I moved into the area, observing carefully.

Tactical Security
Hands where I can see them, now!

Aquatium
I saw the police offers making their way in and took a quick exit via the nearest window, they weren't going to follow me.

Aquatium
Hopefully we can get a bit more out of this one. I made my way to the location.

Aquatium
Witnessses? about time. Let's see what they have to say.

Arnoldo Lu
Why? Why'd he do it? She was an angel... That man was a devil! Those strange hand motions... Oh God, why?!

Homer Williams
Uhh... I, like, had nothing to do with it, right? I mean, I heard this thing, right, and I come out, and there's like this guy, like all slimy and stuff? Oh, dude, right, he had hippy glasses. I remembered that because it was weird.

Aquatium
Your information is proving to be very useful, thank you.

Homer Williams
So dude, is she, like...dead, or something? We don't have to call the cops, do we?

Aquatium
Well... I'm special division from another authority on these things, once I leave then call the cops, you know its just all bureaucratic BS.

Arnoldo Lu
This is sick! This is sick and wrong! Jerica never would'a hurt anyone! She was always so calm and quiet...

Reparations! Justice must be done! The people won't stand for this...this...atrocity!

Aquatium
Don't worry sir, we are looking into this. We will find the guy who did this.

Aquatium
See what you can get out of it anyway.

I made my way out and updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
He guarded and protected her for so long, she must know something of his actions.

I made haste to meet the Orcale.

Zion Despoiler
Been pretty quiet around here... I don't like it. That General's up to something; you can bet your EJP on it.

Zion Kung Fu Grandmaster
What is this, Indian summer already? This weather is straight-up wack. Stuff like this never happened when Sati was here.
Well, okay, but not all the time, anyway.

Zion Karate Grandmaster
We've got to think this through. If I was Seraph, and I was crazy after laying in the Aqueduct all polluted with code vials, Assassin overcoats, Unlimit radiation, and who knows what else, what would I do?

Aquatium
Seraph fought for what mattered most to him, who knows if thats still part of what he is doing now, maybe the Orcale will shed some light on it.

The Oracle
Just wait there a minute. I know what it looks like; I know--I know it's bad. But you've got to believe, Aquatium--believe me when I tell you that Seraph is the key to getting Sati back. So we've got to find him, and help him deal with this.

Aquatium
I trust your judgement Orcale, but these reports... these attacks, its like he is insane.

The Oracle
Please. There's something else going on here--something that's been sitting just out of my view for quite some time now. Have you ever felt like something was behind you, but when you turned to look, you only felt it behind you again? Gives me the *CENSORED* willies.
 
What Seraph's doing, he's doing for a reason. I'm not sure what it is, but there is a reason.

Aquatium
We will find him, and hopefully find this reason, and hope its a for the right reason.

Aquatium
Ok Tyndall, we will keep monitoring the areas, see if we can get hold of Seraph, sooner rather than later.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
There has been more sightings and attacks by Seraph, while trying to maintain a level head about this, I was also starting to doubt the good that Seraph might be doing, there must be a reason. None the less I was sent to investigate further with an operative who had also been "attacked".

Tyndall was in contact, and I was ready to proceed.

Aquatium
I will see what information we can compile from this and try to get a better conclusion into why this is happening. I made my way to the facility where YellowJacket was being looked at.

Zion Rifleman
We should be out looking for Morpheus. There's gotta be some way we can, I don't know, trace his broadcast signal, or...

Zion Scattershot
Yeah, you get right to work on that.
Anyway, I don't know about that whole thing, especially with EPN involved. You know some of them just want to start the war again, Morpheus or no Morpheus.

Zion Rifleman
There's got to be something we can do...

Zion Scattershot
'Course, it isn't just EPN. There are plenty of people in Zion who think we should be at war, too, even though they might not say it when their officer's around.

Aquatium
War.. we already are at war, every day we are fighting a battle, don't lose your head on our true cause as well, regardless what you may believe EPN are out to achieve.

I went over and spoke to the doctor.

Suzette Yetman
Physically, he's fine. But he's suffering from amnesia; since Seraph's attack, Yellowjacket can recall only vague impressions of the past few years of his life.

Suzette Yetman
Go ahead and talk to him if you wish. He's quite lucid.

Dwain De Bonte
Yellowjacket has been remarkably calm since regaining consciousness. That's why we felt it was safe to take this step. We hoped that a return to the Matrix would help jog his memory.

Yellowjacket
There really isn't much that I can tell you. I don't remember being attacked. They say that in the past few years I've been given more responsibilities in my crew, and fought "commandos" and "Unlimit," among other things...but none of those details sound familiar to me. I know that...time passed. I have the impression that I was going about my life as an operative, like before, but...it's all very indistinct.

It's almost like someone else was living in my head.

Aquatium
That is intersting and certainly something we need to look into, if you can remember anything else operative it would be useful.

I updated Tyndall with my findings.

Aquatium
That is possible, anything we can take from people around him at the time will be useful and help add more answers to the ever growing questions.

I made my way to the location.

Aquatium
That does seem to be the case, we need to see if it holds water and why.

Bunke
I know. I've talked to him... He remembers everything that happened up to a certain point a few years ago, then...nothing.
That was the time when things changed between us. He became more...vulnerable. He didn't say what it was, but I felt like he needed me. It was almost like he was seeing me for the first time...

Aquatium
It does seem like he went through some kind of change, but what exactly or why, I don't know.

Bunke
All the time we spent, learning to trust each other, learning what it's like to share your life with another person... He doesn't remember...

The man I loved is gone...

Aquatium
Well I would certianly suggest talking to him again, that man is or should be back now.

Aquatium
I'll head to his offices, see if we can get anything from him.

I arrive to a busy office, and introduce myself as a intern.

Sora Wanek
You sure you ran those numbers? Danielle Wright will have our butts in slings if they're wrong. You'd better run them again.

Galen Yamin
Aw, jeez. Who'd get so worked up about some new network interface system, anyway?

Galen Yamin
I've got some numbers they can run...

Sora Wanek
Huh. Interns.

Aquatium
Just some documents to give to Mr Brandis, don't mind me.

*CENSORED* Brandis
Can I help you? Woodrow? Is he in some kind of trouble?
Look, I haven't seen him in two years. We'd been out the night before, and I went to see how he was doing in the morning, because he got nasty hangovers. He answered his door--greeted me by name--but it was like he didn't remember we were friends: didn't invite me in, just stood there, said he was fine. Later, I couldn't get him on the phone. Then he moved out of his apartment.

Some hangover, huh?

Aquatium
I see, I knew him too and well just wanted to know why he was acting a bit strange with me. I haven't seem him in a while either.

*CENSORED* Brandis
I've heard from people who said they spotted him around town, here and there. But for most of us, it was like he'd dropped off the face of the earth--like he went off to live another life. When a guy doesn't get back to you, doesn't seem to want to know you anymore...what do you do? We had to write him off a long time ago. Yeah, since you ask, it does kind of *CENSORED* me off.

Aquatium
Well thanks for your time. hoepfully we see our friend again soon.

Aquatium
I made my way to the central computer location to get the intel we needed.

Aquatium
Stealth is my middle name, not literally, so don't start calling me that.

Aquatium
I can hack into that, just give me a second.

Aquatium
I got the intel we needed but guards were closing infact. I dodged past one and made my way to the nearest Hardline.

Machine Enforcer
Security breach!

Aquatium
That does seem strange, we need to look further into this and the other operative he has attacked, there must be a pattern we can pin point on.

Keep me updated Tyndall, I'll see what else I can find.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
I was investigating further into what has happened when there was a sighting of Seraph, I along with others tried to question him but he gave few answers and didn't stick around long enough to get more from him. However the Oracle herself asked us to believe in what he is doing, even though what it was is unclear. Not long after I went to speak with more people that had been attacked as such by Seraph.

Aquatium
Hopefully we can finally get a real answer to all this, or at the very least another step closer to it.

I made my way to where James was.

Jamel Rodick
I feel great! They say it's been months since I've been myself, but I feel like I've just woken up from a deep, dark dream--and now I'm wide awake! I've been taking it easy like you guys said. What do you think? Can I go out for the baseball team yet?

Aquatium
I don't think your quite ready for that...just yet.

Jamel Rodick
Hah, I bet I have some rust to work off, huh?
Jake Gadek: He hasn't had this kind of energy in ages. I knew it was just a phase.
Good thing I hung on to our season tickets. We've got some ball games to catch up on.

Jake Gadek
I haven't forgotten what the docs said; I'll take it slow. Don't worry, our seats aren't that close to the field.

Jerilyn Echler
We're all so relieved. When he lost interest in his friends, his sports--even his family--those other doctors all told us that it was normal for a young man his age to go through a rebellious, withdrawn phase...but he was so distant and cold all of a sudden; he'd disappear at night, sometimes--we didn't know where he went, who he was with. It was very hard for me.
I don't know how it's happened, but I'm so glad to have my son back, I just can't tell you.

Steffanie Diodorus
I was gonna ask if I could have his stuff... I guess not.

He'd just better not start making fun of me in front of his friends at school again!

Aquatium
Well its good to hear he has returned to his normal self.

I updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
The fact its both bluepills and redpills, not sure what to read into that.

I arrived to the location where Acrab was.

Bauersfelda
At first I thought he was lucky--meeting Seraph after only just getting back into the Matrix--but he doesn't remember any of it! Talk about irony...

Acrab
I don't know what happened... Last thing I really remember before I woke up in Zion a few days was going to investigate one of our terminals in Lamar that had stopped responding. I was on my way there, and then...nothing. That was months ago, now. Coming back into the Matrix doesn't seem to be helping me remember any of it.

Gnu
Acrab was out of contact for several days on that mission. When we finally tracked down his signal, he was at a nearby restaurant, eating a steak dinner, perfectly calm--didn't remember the mission he was supposed to be on, barely even remembered us, except our names and rank.
They put him under observation in Zion for a while, but he seemed fine, if a little pre-occupied. They wanted to put him back on active duty, but he protested: said he didn't feel like he could count on himself in a life-or-death situation. He asked for extended sick leave in Zion, and they gave it to him. But we need experienced soldiers in the field, and he seemed healthy; after four months they revoked his leave, and put him back with us on active duty. Then Seraph ran into him.

Aquatium
investigating a terminal and then bam, memory loss and personality change, almost like someone else was now in control of them. Its clear something happened, maybe an attack of some sorts, but from what or who.

Aquatium
Will do, the amount of people being attacked is just as worrying as the attacks themselves..

Aquatium
Hello Zebra, now let see if we can find out some more intel, what do you remember?

Zebra
Thanks for coming. The others don't want to talk to me now... They treat me like a stranger.

Sorry. The last thing I remember... There isn't much. I was in Camon, about a year ago, trying to keep the Slashers under control. They'd been causing trouble again... I remember searching the back alleys... I saw an Agent standing in a doorway, just watching me--not that I expected him to help. I was... I think I must have been having trouble finding Slashers... The alleys were so quiet...That's all. After that it's blank, except for a feeling of being...lost, I guess.

Aquatium
An Agent... now that is interesting, something new, I will look into it further, thank you.

Aquatium
I walked into a group of guards talking...

Zion Upgrade Artist
Okay, but why there? Why those people? Why such a cryptic message? What good is it gonna do? I'm just saying it doesn't quite add up.

Zion Physician
Why not there? And as for what he said--sure sounded exactly like the same old Morpheus I saw years ago. It's not like you can expect him to recite the Gettysburg Address while he's broadcasting on an emergency frequency! Geez. Anyway, he's always played it close to the vest--wouldn't have lived this long if he hadn't, would he? Hah!

Zion Rifleman
I heard he's got a fragment of some kind of code on him--binary. Maybe it's the key to this whole thing. Hm...

Zion Physician
I dunno about everyone else, but my crew and I are gonna be prepared, no matter what!

Zion Upgrade Artist
I always miss these things...

Aquatium
There were talking about the possible Morpheus sightings...

Aquatium
Oracle.. we have seen Seraph, but he had very little to say, however he did indicate he did have a real purpose to this.

The Oracle
Yes. Thank you for telling me that, dear; it does explain some things. I've felt that Seraph's getting closer to his goal. There's something very important he has left to do, only it won't work out quite like he thinks.

Aquatium
I hope things will be for the better..

The Oracle
But then, nothing ever goes perfectly, does it? Doesn't keep us from trying, though--and I suppose that's what really gets us out of bed in the morning.

Aquatium
Quite so Oracle, we do what we can and what we must.

Aquatium
Well were looking for people who have had a drastic personality change, and 1 person comes to mind.. Cryptos. Lets see what happens.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
Seraph was still running around the megacity, Sati still kidnapped, things were still in the sky. I was trying to make sense of it all, trying to find a reason, the why... the what..., I was hoping the answers were coming closer, I could just see it.

We know Seraph was attacking people who seemingly have undergone a change in character, and then when Tyndall was in contact, the news she gave came to no suprise.

Aquatium
Now why am I not suprised, Seraph removed something from him too.

Zion Gunslinger
I heard Seraph beat the snot out of him, ripped off his mask, glasses, and that stupid blue pill necklace he always wore, and then literally melted his brain. I sure as hell wish I could have been there to see that.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Nah, they say he was definitely still alive when he jacked out. But the Machines have heads rolling over this, you can bet on that.

Aquatium
There will be a need for answers, that's for sure.
I went ahead to meet Niobe and Ghost.

Niobe
Now we know why Cryptos left Zion and started his Cypherite "sleep" crusade: the Machines got to him--overwrote him, like Smith did to Bane. He's been a *CENSORED* Machine all this time!

It wasn't just him, either. Those other people Seraph's been hitting? Now we know why their memories were missing: they'd been overwritten, too.

We're putting all Zion on alert. There could be more of these Machine spies anywhere. We can't afford to trust anyone. The Machines have been busy during this "truce" of ours.

Aquatium
This truce? hardly, they seem to be doing what they want, I think...

Ghost
We've got a situation. You're up, operative. Tyndall will brief you on the way.

Niobe
Get moving, Aquatium.

Aquatium
Got it.. Operatore, patch me the location details.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Sounds like Cryptos' RSI is pretty messed up now, too. Rumor has it that just jacking in is agony for him. So much for his sweet dreams.

Zion Gunslinger
Sounds like it was a beat-down for the ages. Sure which I could'a seen it...

Aquatium
He has been sending his troops all over the place, we are removing them, one by one. Time for some more action.

I made my way to the last reported location.

Aquatium
Borrow it? I don't know if I would trust them with anything at the moment.

I scanned around and Elite commandos were on my scope, I made swift work of them.

Aquatium
That's all he seems to be... a projection. He hides behind it, cowering.

Holographic Projection
Congratulations. This is what is called "a diversion." By the time you hear this message, my commandos will already be storming the Oracle's apartment in Mara.    End transmission.

Aquatium
*CENSORED*, son-of-a...

Aquatium
Yea, I just realised, on my way. Send any and all backup you can.

I got close to Oracles apartment and picked up elite commandos and engaged them.

Elite Commando
...

Aquatium
Indeed.

Aquatium
I've sent out a urgent call myself, hopefully we're not too late. I don't want to even think what will happen if he kidnaps the Oracle.

I got to her apartment...

Aquatium
Wait... it's Seraph.

Aquatium
They both seem to be fine. A lot of dead commandos about.

The Oracle
Well, look who showed up, huh? He's a little mussed from that dunking they gave him, but that's still my Seraph.

Aquatium
I am releaved to see him back at your side Oracle.

The Oracle
Aw, I'm glad to see you both. Now, who wants a hug?

Aquatium
I could use a cookie.

Seraph
All is in its proper place now. Apologies for my late arrival. Thank you for protecting the Oracle.

I do not understand it, but...in the river, I felt code flowing through me. Everything went dark... Much time must have passed. I felt myself rising. I came to the surface, and pulled myself out. There were people there... I realized that I could...see a foreign presence in one of their minds--a Machine program. And I could reach it--pull it out. It has been much work, but I have removed all such programs I could find in the city.

Aquatium
Well... then I'm sorry if anyone doubted what you were doing Seraph. After we heard what happened at the river, and then what the Merovingian was saying, we feared the worst.

The Oracle
Seraph's a tough cookie; he's been around a long time, you know. Yeah, the cheat codes in that river did a number on him, but I have a feeling he'll be all right. Ooh, but come to that, what am I standing around jawing for? I've got cookies to bake.

Seraph
I know that...my mind has been clouded. I feel it begin to clear at last. Perhaps the effects of the code are wearing off. I must remain, and protect the Oracle.

Aquatium
Good to hear. We all know she is back in safe hands.

Aquatium
We need answers Tyndall, this is not what the truce is about.

Sati's return is still a main concern, we need to concentrate on that also, keep me posted.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The sky was still... abnormal, a connection to Sati's kidnapping, no doubt. At least one problem was resolved, Seraph was back to how he should be and protecting the Orcale. The General was still on the loose, and his commandos were attacking more and more, I had recently been involved in exercises to help take down Unit357, which had been patrolling the city.

I was on routine area scanning when  Tyndall was in contact, obviously we were looking for answers about Cryptos from the Machines, and we were going to get ... something.

Aquatium
On my way. If he has left her side, I'm sure there is a good reason for it; regardless, please send Zion operatives to her apartment. As for Morpheus, I'm really not sure what to think of that now, I have many theories on it.

I arrived to Seraph's location. 

Seraph
Do you feel something? ...The vision I have gained allows me to perceive these men. They must be stopped. I would prefer to stand guard by the Oracle, but she has told me that I must pursue them, to rescue Sati. That is why I am here.

There is no further time to speak; there are more of them, nearby. We must go our separate ways. Do not worry; I will guide you.

Aquatium
Yes, Seraph.

Seraph
This hostility cannot go unmet. We do that which must be done.

Aquatium
Of course, we do what we must. 

Aquatium
It must be a location to more Commandos, please relay the co-ordinates.

Aquatium
Trust me, nothing ever makes sense... sometimes.

I arrived at the location that was given, more commandos.

Aquatium
I killed them all, and no doubt Seraph was around doing the same.

Aquatium
Confirmed, hopefully that meeting with them gives us the answers we seek. First, to meet Ghost.

Aquatium
Of course you didn't...

Aquatium
You know, sometimes I worry about you...

I went in to meet Ghost, and get a briefing.

Zion Despoiler
I don't see how the Machines can possibly explain this away. Morpheus doesn't just show up by mistake to say they've been screwing us over all this time. This is it, man! There's only so much of this crap they can expect us to take.

Zion Karate Grandmaster
We can't just go around shooting Agents thinking that's going to bring back Morpheus or Neo. We've got to be smart about this. You're letting this crazy weather get to you.

Aquatium
Be vigilant, but also be smart, there maybe more to this than we realise.

Ghost
Agent Pace's presentation is unlikely to amount to anything more than a PR exercise. Don't expect her to tell you much. What we'll have to take a good hard look at is what they *aren't* telling us.

By the way, our own analysis of the Morpheus RSI that appeared has been...pretty inconclusive. We can't get a bead on the broadcast source. All we can tell is that it isn't a standard redpill signal. There's a lot of scrambling going on--a lot of corrupt data. It bears similarities to our archived records of Morpheus, but that's all we've been able to determine so far.

Aquatium
Machines telling us anything is always questionable, as you say, I don't suspect we will hear the truth, only what they want us to know.

The signal needs to be traced for Morpheus, just so I can put rest some theories.

Zion Despoiler
I don't believe this...

Zion Karate Grandmaster
Keep your guns clean, hm? This is liable to hit the fan at any moment...

Aquatium
Pace has always been quite calm, I doubt any guns will be needed at all.

Aquatium
Got it, I'll update you as soon as I'm done.

Agent Wong
The Zion operative has arrived.

Agent Pace
Saluti, rossapillola. Of course, we are very concerned about these recent events, and we welcome the opportunity to clarify them for you. It goes almost without saying that we do not have either Morpheus or Neo in captivity, as has been alleged--allegations made with absolutely no supporting evidence, I might add. Those two men were, unfortunately, terminated by powerful rogue programs quite some time ago, as everyone knows.

Secondariamente, concerning Cryptos, we must point out that overwriting of individual humans for security purposes is not prohibited by the agreed-upon Truce. We will continue to take what actions we deem necessary to ensure the continued stability of the System, and the safety of its inhabitants.

Aquatium
Well.. thank you, for that explination.

Agent Pace
Grazie, operatore.
I am also authorized to inform you that our campaign against the exiled program The General continues to make good progress, despite support he has recently received from the Merovingian. We expect to eliminate the General and his Sentinel commandos as a threat in the near future.

Aquatium
I hope we hear more good news on that front, sooner rather than later, it is a threat concerning us all.

I left the meeting and updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
Oh, they are keeping things from us, and the answer they gave for what they did to Cryptos, nothing more than a brush aside.
The council have a lot to discuss, but for now even I must agree on being patient while we deal with this threat from the General.

// Transmission Log End

Message Edited by Aquatium on 06.19.2006 02:32 PM

Message Edited by Aquatium on 06.19.2006 02:32 PM

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The red sky... ironic really.

This abonormal weather is starting to cause problems within bluepills, we have to resolve this sooner rather than later. Luckly we have Seraph on the case, and assisting him was on the agenda.

Aquatium
Gotcha' Tyndall, we do need to move on this fast, I fear that problems will go from bad to worse, in double quick time.

I made my way to liaise with Ghost.

Zion Arbalest
I'd make some kind of "rose-colored glasses" crack, but this weather is starting to get to me.

Zion Artillerist
It's a relief to have Seraph on our side again. He had me worried there for a while, going around beating up operatives and bluepills like that.

Aquatium
Yes, it is good to have Seraph back..., his new powers certainly are aiding in revealing many truths.

Ghost
Hello, Aquatium. You'll be working with Seraph to locate Sati. As you've probably heard, Seraph can "see" certain things in the code that most operatives and programs can't, like stealthed Elite Commandos, and Machine overwriting. We aren't sure yet if he can see Sati's code signal, but that's probably one of the things you'll find out shortly.

Your operator will tell you where to meet him. Just follow his lead, and I'm sure you'll do fine.

Aquatium
Will do , Ghost.

I left with an urgency that can be described, unless you have been in the same situation.

Aquatium
Affirmative.

I arrived to meet Seraph and The Orcale, and overheard some interesting chatter.

Zion Upgrade Artist
What do you think the Machines are going to do with Cryptos now that Seraph "outed" him? Do they really want damaged goods on their hands. If they really intended to try patching things up, they'd hand him back over to Zion...

Zion Karate Grandmaster
I don't know what the Merv is thinking throwing in with that dope, the General, but I enjoy staking vampires at least as much as I do stomping on the General's goose-steppers, so you won't hear me complaining.

Zion Physician
Oh, yeah, there's big stuff going on back home. Uh... You didn't hear that from me, though.

Aquatium
Big stuff... I was keen to learn more, but not right now.

Seraph
Your assistance is most welcome. Although I cannot see Sati's trail at this time, it is my hope that pursuing those I can see will bring us closer to her.

So, we begin by searching for some of the General's commandos. Although we travel by different means, our paths will bring us together.

The Oracle
I am a little worried about Sati--she's never been away for this long before--but she's a tough kid; I think she'll pull through all right. If you really want to know, I'd say it's the General who's going to end up in a bad way if he doesn't change his tune.

Aquatium
We will all do what we can to bring her back safe and deal with The General.

Seraph
Your operator will guide you.

Aquatium
I left and recieved the locations I had to go to.

Aquatium
The golden signal... makes me think "golden ticket", and charlie is after the prize...

I arrived at the co-orindates given, and no suprises elite commandos... it was time to discharge some soldiers. As I made my way through, I came across Seraph, who had been doing his own discharging on them as well.

Seraph
Persistence does not always lead to success, yet little can be achieved without it.

Aquatium
I will check the next set of co-ordinates, we will not stop until we have something to report.

Aquatium
I recieved the next location, and made my way.

Upon arrival I noticed 1 computer online and I hacked into the last used records. As soon as I took the data, Elite commandos were upon me. After killing the few left, I again came across Seraph.

Seraph
These have had no more contact with Sati than the last.

It is possible that my abilities alone will not suffice to locate her. I would be surprised if they could hide her so effectively within the city itself, but they may have her in another place. Even so, I had hoped to be able to gain some stronger impression of the correct path by reading the imprints on the soldiers we could find...but this has not been successful.

There must be another way.

Aquatium
We will work together, to find such a way.

Aquatium
Maybe the machines need to get another program to deal with it, but we can't let the General think he can do this. We will continue monitoring and the ongoing searches, something is bound to come up.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
Finally, the city was back to normal, so to speak. The skies were normal once more. Sati was safe again, and the General on the run. Another matter was still to be dealth with, these "Morpheus" sightings. The truth behind them was still unclear, but it was time to pres on the matter and find the truth.

Aquatium
Someone is beeming it from inside the Matrix, but who?

I went ahead to meet Ghost.

Ghost
It may be disappointing, but we have to face the fact that this "Morpheus" we've been encountering is almost certainly a fake. The signal is picking up, and we should have the coordinates soon. I need you to position yourself close to it so we can initiate a trace routine. If we're fast enough, maybe we can get a trace all the way back to its origin point in the city.

Aquatium
Got it, let's hope we can lead it back to who is transmitting these signals.

Aquatium
I made my way to the location of the signal.

Aquatium
The list has a few choice candidates, but it remains small, why and why... questions we need to get answers to.

Morpheus Signal
This war is not over. The battle for the minds of humanity continues.

Aquatium
I view the signal, and it's message. It was almost like a mockery, knowing what we now know.

Aquatium
Upload the data to Tyndall.

Aquatium
Ok, we have friendlies at this location or possible hostiles? Either way, mission will be completed.

I arrived at the secure network hub, it was a bluepill office, I searched some of the computers, trying to get what intel I could.

Aquatium
The main computer to search was locked and required an access key, didn't take me long to get that.

Security
Yah, yah, keep up the good work...

Bluepill
Hmm dee dmm... Do you know who I am... Because I don't know myself... Hm hm-mm hmm...

Colin Lange
Something's wrong with my computer. It won't give me access! How am I supposed to finish that report? Where's IS when you need them? I swear that Dewey hides from me...

Dewey Hoyos
I've got like fifty billion things I'm working on right now. We've got an online work request system, you know. Use it.

Aquatium
Sure thing..., the information from some of the computers was certainly... interesting.

Aquatium
I had the key and accessed the terminal. I got the intel and relayed it back to Tyndall.

Aquatium
Terminated?...

Give me the location, let's see what happened.

Aquatium
There were several terminals, and a data disk.

Aquatium
I began to check the computers...

Aquatium
I think a bit of both. This intel was relayed to Tyndall.

Aquatium
Hopefully we can get a better trace signal from the data. Keep me posted Tyndall, the walls are closing in on this "signal", and fast.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The simulacrum of Morpheus had been in the Matrix again, but this time we were hot on his heals. He managed to eventually elude our operatives, but not before a Zion operative managed to get a RSI scan of him. Tyndall was in contact, it was time to move again.

Aquatium
Indeed. Upload the locations, let's see what this hunting trip brings us.

Aquatium
Yea, trust me, I think a sim of you would be.. too much.

I checked the area, empty. Though managed to scan a pc.

Aquatium
There was some kind of data, but it was corrupt and amounted to nothing.

Aquatium
I hope we get something more from this location. I left with speed to the location.

As I arrived, there was security on alert. Taking care of them was little work.

Security
Shoot, two more hours to go...

Security
H-hey! You!

Aquatium
I took down all the guards and obtained more data from the computers.

Aquatium
Got it. I made my way to the nearest Hardline.

Aquatium
I hope this gives us something to work with. Again, I made my way to the provided location.

Aquatium
Fustrating, to say the least. Another computer to access, made quick work hacking into it. 

Aquatium
So our search leads us to a Commando access point... or ex, so it seems. I had theories already, and this was heading straight down towards it like a unstopable train.

Aquatium
Knowing her history with him, I can already hear what she will say...

I went to the meeting location, and met some other operatives discussing the current situation.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Okay, okay. Let's just say for the sake of argument that this is a simulacrum. That doesn't mean that the real Morpheus isn't still out there somewhere. Look how tough it's been just finding a sim of him! The real Morpheus--

Zion Skript Kiddie
Like you know anything about the real Morpheus! So you saw him talk once in the caves--big deal. Even if he was alive, so what? Would that automatically save humanity and have us all dancing down the path to paradise? You and your Morpheus dreams! The guy had problems...and so do we.

Aquatium
We can agree on one thing, be head dead or alive, someone is using him against us.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Ugh, some people are like a brick wall.

Zion Skript Kiddie
We've got to get real about this whole thing.

Aquatium
Of course, I don't doubt hope, I have it myself, but we must listen to reason, as well.

Niobe
Something stinks like an old man's wrinkled rear end in a rubber suit, Aquatium. All this--this corrupt data, digging up the past, simulacra--it would be right up the General's service conduit, wouldn't it? That son of a-- The weather may be back to normal now that we rescued Sati, but if the Machines don't put a bullet through him, I'll do it myself.

If this Morpheus thing is the General's handiwork, I want it found and disabled. Who knows what he might have it do next.

Aquatium
We're closer to tracking this down, this thing will come to a head, and fast.

Aquatium
Well, we have a idea on who is behind this now, and well, his reasons are obvious. Let's track it down asap. Keep me posted Tyndall. I will continue the searches.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The truth of the Morpheus Sim, as it were, was out. It appears to have now developed it's own mind. I always had a hunch it was The General. Would this be the end of it? I wasn't sure, but The General is still out there and he needs to be captured.

Tnydall was in contact, more pressing matters were at hand.

Aquatium
When he vanished last time, we thought the same thing, I somehow feel this is not the last of him.

I went inside to meet Ghost and get briefed on the situation.

Ghost
Thanks for getting here so fast, Aquatium.

We know that the Merovingian's kill-code was uploaded through our messaging system, and the message routing information was deleted--sabotaged. It's looking like we've got at least one Merovingian mole--maybe more.

What they didn't know, though, was that part of the security revamp Niobe ordered recently involved the creation of top-security backups of admin access logs. We've been able to dig up the network address that deleted the kill-code message's routing data. One of our saboteurs must have accessed the terminal at that address. Tyndall will send you there now. I need you to check the place out.

Aquatium
Uploaded via our own system! I'll get on this right away. I wasn't even aware the extra security was in place, good thing it was.

Ghost
The revamp of our security protocols was due to Seraph's discovery of redpills overwritten by Machine programs--including Cryptos. We had a few pretty high up in Zion command. We think we've got all of them, but we're getting more and more activity now from other sources. The few breaks we've got have indicated Cypherite links. And now with this Merovingian mole--we're just lucky that Seraph's discovery came when it did.

Aquatium
Luck or fate, I guess only the Orcale really knows this.

Aquatium
Understood, I'll see what I can dig up.

Aquatium
Casual? No problemo!

I went into the location, Zion operatives around me. I located the terminal.

Aquatium
I'll see what they have to say, don't worry, I'll be discreet.

Alfven
It's so bright outside now. I guess I got used to the red.

Amalthea
This Morpheus thing is really pissing me off.

Aquatium
You can say that again, hey all!

Mule
Hey, how's it going. Nah, not much going on, aside from the usual. Had a bit of a rumble with some Cypherites, that was about it. Otherwise, just some patrols, assists to a few extraction teams--you know the drill. The regulars here--I mean me, Sol, Zu, Alfven, Amalthea--we're doing all right, even with the Morpheus weirdness.

Sol
Hey, where the heck is Zu, anyway? Haven't seen him lately. He missed our last fight night, the wuss.

Aquatium
Oh he did? His loss, I'm sure.

I updated Tyndall with this information, hopefully something comes up.

Aquatium
On my way.

Aquatium
Mother cracking, no problem.

I walked into the rooms, acting casual. I was able to get to the terminal and hack the data.

Zion Upgrade Artist
Hi.

Zion Kung Fu Grandmaster
Hi.

Zu
Hey...

Aquatium
It was them!

Zu
*CENSORED* it!

Aquatium
The whole area went hostile, I instructed Tyndall to get a ship to their location as I took them down.

Aquatium
The Merovingian will try anything, we need to get a area and personnel sweep done immediatly.

I made my way to the Orcale's secure location.

Aquatium
Begin the scans, let's see what we got here.

Orionis
All right, let me run this one by you. The Morpheus thing was made by the General, right? And the General is buddies with the Merv. And the Merv made this kill-code. And the kill-code was sent into our network. And Morpheus used to have access to our network. And nobody knows where this new Morpheus thing is right now.

Aquatium
Ok...

Orionis
Yeah, I think we both know what I'm talking about. The Merv assassinated Morpheus, right? Now he's got a Morpheus who's an assassin. You've got to think like these criminals think. Get inside their heads.

Downstream
Have you seen Sati? She's always running off.

Ani
We've got the old bird locked up tight. Nobody's getting in here.

Nunki
I heard the kill-code was in our network... What if... What if it comes in over my cell? Or... Or what if it's... I don't know... This is bad.

Aquatium
We can't be sure of anything yet, but we are taking all precautions possible.

Aquatium
The guards all checked out fine, I went ahead to see The Oracle and Seraph.

The Oracle
My goodness. Well, I'm glad you're on the case, kiddo. Just sorry I'm so much trouble.

Can't say as I've seen anything suspicious myself. I'll be sure to sound the alarm as soon as I do, all right? Promise.

Aquatium
Please do, your safety is our primary concern. 

The Oracle
Clever how that simulacrum came up with what sounded like new messages from Morpheus by scrambling up his old ones, wasn't it? Don't tell me you'd forgotten Morpheus' old speeches, now. Don't they make you study those in school?

Aquatium
I was always paying more attention to combat class, ma'am.

Seraph
This is very serious. Thank you for telling me. I will check each of her guards carefully until the code is found.

Aquatium
I check the ones oustide, they were clean.

Seraph
No harm must come to the Oracle.

Aquatium
Of course. We will do what we can to find the mole and end this before it gets to far.

Aquatium
We must speak with the crew more, see what else we can get out of them, it may lead to this spy.

Keep me posted Tyndall.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The killcode was out there, the Oracle the target. We had to act fast and move on anything we could find, sure not everyone was too bothered about the Orcale, but she is important for us and someone we can not lose.

Tyndall was in contact, we had a lead...

Aquatium
Begin searching the area, if we can get any confirmation that it is there, we can act fast.

I made my way into the building, I enter the cold, damp room, lying there dead, a Scubuccus.

Aquatium
I made my way back to the other room, low and behold it was the Generals Holograph.

Aquatium
...I hate this. I wish I could get that stupid program into the recylce bin.

Holographic Projection
End transmission.

Aquatium
Your days are numbered.

I left and updated Tyndall.

Aquatium
Must be urgent, making my way there now.

Aquatium
Must be.

Seraph
Good day.

My ability to detect the General's programs is fading, but even so, I have felt their presence in the city again today--a presence I had not felt for weeks. We knew that the Merovingian had evacuated them; their return just as he loses his would-be assassin and regains the kill-code can be no coincidence. I am having difficulty locating them, but they are in the city--I am sure of it.

Aquatium
Then we must search ever corner, monitor the areas around the Oracle carefully.

Seraph
I must return to the Oracle. But she says that we will meet again.

Aquatium
I'm sure we will Seraph, our paths always seem to cross.

Aquatium
What do they want now... I've had only a few dealings with her in the past, let's see what they have to say.

Shimada
Hello, Aquatium. We know of the threat to the Oracle's life, and we wish to offer our assistance in protecting her. It is the least we can do for the woman who has done so much for all of us.

Please transmit this request to Zion Command as soon as possible. We feel that this is of the utmost importance and urgency.

Aquatium
I'm not sure how they will take this, but I will pass on your request.

Shimada
Humanity owes the Oracle a great debt. We can only hope to repay it by offering our lives to protect hers.

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
Nobody wants to see the Oracle get hurt.

Aquatium
I think we can both agree on that.

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
We're asking nicely.

Aquatium
Of course not, I'm sure command won't be jumping in acceptance though.

Aquatium
I can see a bit of ...debating going on here then.

I made my way to the location. It was a full house so to speak.

Zion Skript Kiddie
Hey, I'll follow orders and stuff, but really, what's she done for us lately? Like, since the Truce? I just wonder what the big deal is. It's not that I want to see her get killed or anything, but geez, look at all the attention she gets--and for what?

Niobe
We've got enough of our own internal security issues as it is without bringing EPN into the picture, but she's insisting on it. I tell her it's her own funeral, and she just scoffs at me. Stubborn old woman... Can you at least try talking to her? I think she just likes to be obstinate with me.

Aquatium
I will try Captain, but we both know how the Orcale is.

The Oracle
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, kiddo--that's my motto.
Now, don't you worry. They mean well--and I'll have enough cookies to go around.

The Kid
We're just here to help out. Nobody wants to see anything happen to the Oracle. Without her, none of us would even be here right now. We'd still be plugged into the pods--or dead.

Aquatium
I want her safe as much as you do, I hope we can trust your crews don't have any spies within them.

The Kid
I know there are things we don't agree on, but keeping the Oracle out of harm's way is something both our groups believe in.

Seraph
I believe that the Oracle knows what is best.

Aquatium
I believe that she does. Let's hope this is for a good reason.

Niobe
Great. Sometimes it seems like she thinks this is all a big joke. But fine--whatever.
Stubborn old woman.

Aquatium
Stubborn, yes, but who knows what she see's. We will keep an extra eye on the EPN'ers as well.

The Oracle
Sati asks about you sometimes. I think she likes you.

Aquatium
Ah, well I hope she is ok, glad to have her back safe.

Aquatium
We do have little choice if she really wants this, but we will be extra vigilant and who knows they might actually prove useful.

// Transmission Log End

// Transmission Log Entered

Aquatium
The past few days have been busy. The Killcode made a public appearance, but luckly it was stopped from hitting the Orcale. This I fear will not be the last we hear of such a thing,but at least this part was at an end. Tyndall was in contact, more loose ends to tie up.

Aquatium
Kill more commando's, sounds good. As for the kid, I have no doubt the Orcale knew he would take the bullet, you'd think she actually wanted it for him then.

Aquatium
Yea, I know what you mean.

As I entered the building Commandos began to attack.

Aquatium
Seraph, Ghost and Pace, that's quiet a gathering.

Seraph
Thank you. I see that you are called elsewhere. The Oracle looks forward to speaking to you soon. Farewell.

Aquatium
Killing Commandos is my pleasure. Until next time...

Ghost
What the devil... Look, I can't talk here. Get outside and contact Tyndall ASAP. I'll try to distract the Agent.

Agent Pace
Ciao, Mr. Unknown. We were tracking those commandos as well. As you are aware, we have routines capable of circumventing their stealth capabilities. However, I see that the Exile was able to guide you here. A pity that it may be for the last time. Oh, yes--operative Ghost. A pleasure, as always. It has been some time since we were able to have an...intimate chat.

Aquatium
Pace, a pleasure, but I must go.

I left the area and was in contact with Tyndall.

Aquatium
Something urgent? On my way.

I arrived at the location, and everything seemed to be ok...

Zion Despoiler
...

Zion Artillerist
Please, talk to the captain.

Zion Vector
Jesus...

Zion Gunslinger
I knew it. I told Vindemiatrix... *CENSORED* it!

Zion Arbalest
Feh.

Zion Rifleman
Talk to Captain Vindemiatrix, quick!

Aquatium
Will do.

Vindemiatrix
Listen, I don't know how much time I have. It's Cypherites. There was one in my crew. They found-- They think I know something about the--

Aquatium
..what was he about say?

I answered the call. 

Aquatium
Gone? Dead? What the hell is going on...

Aquatium
From Commandos to Cypherites, this was quite a day for killing. Exactly what are they passing?

I had nothing back from Tyndall, I made my way to the co-ordinates provided.

Cypherite Rifleman
You can't hide it forever!

Cypherite Hacker
*CENSORED* it!

Cypherite Aikido Master
*CENSORED* it!

Aquatium
They killed our people, they deserved this. I was hoping to get something out of them, but nothing but cryptic words.

Aquatium
Advice? I need answers.

I made my way to see the Orcale.

Aquatium
I haven't heard or been told about something big going on, maybe Tyndall will enlighten us more, or hopefully even, the Orcale.

Zion Aikido Grandmaster
Well, those *CENSORED* killers just butchered another of our crews!

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
Hey, welcome to our world, buddy! Who do you think's been taking most of the hits for you all this time?

Zion Gunslinger
News flash, jerkface: the Cypherites don't actually give a *CENSORED* about you! They're after Zion--always have been!

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
Hey, hey--cool it, everybody! This isn't solving anything! We've all lost people we've cared for.

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
When will they see that we're really on the same side?

E Pluribus Neo Crusader
We know how to handle the Cypherites. This is old news for us.

Aquatium
We all need to remain calm, a lot has happened and we all are in a state of confusion.

I made my way into the room with the Oracle.

The Oracle
I'm not sure what I can tell you to make you feel better, kiddo. I could tell you that they won't get to you like they got to those poor people on that ship, but nobody really believes they're going to die, anyway. I could also tell you that it's all for the best, but people tend to take that the wrong way, too.

Aquatium
I'm after answers and I don't know how to get them. We had the commandos to deal with, and thats been taking a lot of my time.

The Oracle
Well, that's all right. You'll have other things on your mind soon enough.

Seraph
...

Aquatium
Again, hello Seraph. I take my leave.

I left and contacted Tyndall, hopefully she knew more about this.

Aquatium
I think we deserve to know whats going on Tyndall... I'll have to persue this, I would like to question this Cypherite we caught, please pass that along to command.

// Transmission Log End