You spend the weekend enjoying yourself in the Commons area and taking a peak at the Strategy Center.  On Monday, you are brought before the Council.

Several members of the Council you recognize right away:  the Philosopher (considered the wisest of all), Gaia (a loving woman with the interests of humankind at heart), and Paradigm (the most controversial of them all).  For pictures, go here: http://www.fortunecity.com/riv.../693/matrix/id19.htm

They sit at a large table overlooking stadium-like seating.  Sitting in the front row of the benches are about 10 captains of various ships, including Locke.  The healthy members of your crew are present, and X scoots over to let you sit next to him.

The Council spokesman, Bastion, stands and addresses you all.

"Although we are still undertaking the decoding process for the various data brought back by the Hyperion, what we have found is nothing less than fascinating.  Not only codes to help us understand the workings of the Matrix, but also details about the internal political structure.  It is this that we want to share with all of you.

"It appears that the Machine World is not exactly like a queen bee and all her worker bees.  There are rogue elements.  There are AI's that have been cut off from the Machine World.  They are sentient.  Many of them returned to the Matrix, taking on different roles depending on what their primary functions were.  They call themselves 'The Exiles.'  It seems that these 'Agents' we discovered not only keep peace among the humans, but also try to hunt down and weed out these rogue AI elements.

"Some of these Exiles have banded together into a cohesive and powerful group under a leader whom they call 'The Merovingian.'  Although the Merovingian is not the only Exile leader, he certainly carries the most leverage and is the most active in politics against Zero-One.  We do not know if the enemy of our enemy is our friend or not, so we advise caution if you encounter anyone from his group, the Merotechs.  We understand that the Merovingian has spies and operatives everywhere in the Matrix.

"We also understand that there is a kind and peaceloving group of Exiles.  They call themselves 'The Awakened.'  We know little about them, but be cautious, as always.

"You will find that Exiles are unpredictable, both in what level we may be able to trust them and in their ability to manipulate the Matrix.  Most of them are locked into their primary Matrix format and cannot manipulate the code at all.  Nevertheless, they still have finely tuned their skills to near superhuman levels based on their AI capacity and subconscious sentience.  And, of course, some of them can manipulate the Matrix.  The Merovingian, for example, is as powerful as any Agent.

"One Exile, not a member of any organized group, escaped, and we have reason to trust that she is on our side in protecting humankind.  Her name is Cala, and we have assigned her to the Hyperion under Captain Locke."

He shifts some papers and then starts with a new subject.

"The database and the recent mission of the Hyperion also showed us another cell to be careful of.  It is the Shadow Regime.  They are humans in the Matrix -- not AI's.  Their agenda is to bring the Matrix world under human control and take control of the Matrix away from Zero-One.  In so doing, they have made many alliances and are currently in a truce with Zero-One.  They are not to be trusted and will surely destroy us if they see us as a threat.  Nevertheless, if they believe the scales will tip in their favor over Zero-One, we are sure they will betray the truce.  The Shadow Regime lurks everywhere and has significant control in Matrix world politics, military, corporate governance, and the entertainment industry.

"As you may know, members of this Shadow Regime are, like our own people, studying and learning how to manipulate the Matrix.  Therefore, although human, they also can manipulate the Matrix.  We may actually be able to learn new tricks about Matrix manipulation from them."

He looks around at the audience.  "Any questions so far?  I am sure you will have more active dealings with these groups in the near future."

We can assume that all new PC's are also present, so anyone can chime in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:01, Fri 15 July 2005.

 The sentinel rests awkwardly on its mass of legs, completely motionless except for the shifting of its eyes. "These 'Awakened,' do we know anything of their numbers?"

Rabbit hides half her thin face behind a tangle of reddish brown hair that scatters once it hits her shoulders. Off to the side halfway back in the room, she prefers to stand rather than sit or lean against the wall. The woman wears a tank top, jeans, and off brand joggers shoes. The sleeves of her jacket are tied about the waist. Standing 5'9" tall, she appears casual and unmemorable being neither a beauty nor a freak.

"If the rogue elements have been cut off from Zero-One, how are they able to regenerate their code like the Agents, which do not seem to fear destruction? Or if they are not able to replicate themselves, do they suffer from the same individual mortality constraints that we do?"

General Bastion says, "We know very little about the Awakened.  They're numbers change as they recruit more.  Frankly, I was hoping you would know more than we do."

He addresses Rabbit.  "To our knowledge, every AI program is a bit unique in the constraints it has.  Some, if erased off the Matrix, would probably disappear forever.  Some may be able to pull back into their hardware and reenter.  We are not aware of any ability to replicate in the sense of making self copies, but the extent of that knowledge remains to be determined...perhaps by you.  Their abilities are based on their programming, which means that each one is quite individual, some weak and some strong.  Some fearing 'death,' as we may call it, others merely transitioning in and out.  We can only guess, but there may be very powerful AI Exiles out there.  Most, however, we believe to be not much stronger than your average human...we hope."

He shifts from foot to foot, obviously uncomfortable that he does not have more definite knowledge to share.

"We have also recovered other data and knowledge which will be shared to you at the Strategy Center.  This includes maps of tactical importance and the locations of key figures within the Matrix.  Any other questions for now?"

Rabbit takes in a breath as though to ask another question. But instead she looks down at the floor, lets it out slowly, and remains silent like the rest of the crowd.

Jade says, "So if we see one of these Exiles or Shadow Regime, should we shoot them or shake hands?"

General Bastion says, "Just approach with caution and use common sense.  I wish I could tell you more."

General Bastion dismisses the meeting.  Most of the captains leave, but Locke pulls all of you together, telling you that this is your moment to have any other questions answered, and that you will be going to the strategy center soon for a debriefing.  "Apparently," he says, "our next mission is about to begin."

Rabbit raises her left hand to shoulder height and wiggles her fingers at the rest of the crew, "Hi, I'm Alice, but you can call me Rabbit. My job is to make sure the rest of you come home safely."

She turns to Locke, "Captain, is there any chance that we can get some hands-free communications gear? Earpieces and throat mikes like the bad guys have."

 The sentinel bows its "head" as Rabbit introduces herself. It then turns to Locke. "I have no questions," Cala says politely.

A short man wearing a white grease stained shirt, and black slacks slides over to the others, "Captain Locke, I was told to report to you to join your crew. I'm Adam, but call me Dracos."

Running his hand through his short brown hair, his plug obviously apparent, "I've been out a few years now, but I prefere to keep my hair short to keep a remainder as to which "Reality" I'm in -- WHOA!!" he notices Cela and backs up, "I know you're on 'our' side but my question is simply, 'Why?' Why would you leave your people...?"

As he awaits a response, he tries to examine Cela, attempting to figure out if she still had her built in weapons...

 Cala whips the sentinel about to face Dracos. "I was hit by an EMP, when I regained consciousness in your labs I could see my people as they really were" Cala says over the sentinel's speaker. "My people are parasites; trapping their gods in an endless dreamworld so that they may feed of their withering bodies. My people deserve nothing less than complete eradication."

Locke answers the question, "Yes, we routinely fit you with hands-free communications gear like we did last mission, although it does not provide the hardline for jacking in and out."

"I've heard rumours some people can jack out without a hard-line... is that true? My last crew said it was a load of BS. I have to say that I'd tend to agree with them," comments the kid randomly.

She smiles at the Captain's confirmation, "Nevertheless, having ready access to an Operator while keeping use of both hands will be invaluable."

Rabbit comments to Cala, "Your change of allegiance seems more happenstance than revelation. I'm concerned what your attitude will be, if you are struck by another EMP. Even as a Human, I do not see mankind as a race of gods."

Suddenly, Dracos is playing with a cellphone, scrolling through the address book, "Hey, who's X?" he looks up curiously towards Locke.

 "Man created machine, gave it life a sentience; you may as well be our gods," Cala says swinging the sentinel around to face Rabbit. "And the EMP merely subdued me long enough for your scientists to remove the taint of Zero-One from my systems."

"Creating sentient life is no feat for a man and woman, but I understand your meaning." Rabbit spread her empty hands wide in a gesture of conciliation. "I do not doubt your current allegiance. Nor do I doubt that any Human might break under pressure or turn traitor." She paused briefly before concluding, "Well, I hope neither of us will be put to that test." The woman's solemn face confirmed her sincerity.

Locke looks down at his belt, and then snatches the phone from Dracos.  "I hope you prove as skillful when it actually counts," he says, but his tone is not unfriendly.  "X is our operator.  I suggest you get to know him well.  He'll be saving your butt from time to time."

 Cala "nods" the sentinel toward Rabbit. "As do I," she says flatly.

Another youth aproaches the group, staying a cautious distance away from the sentinel as he comes to stand before Locke. "Captain Locke? I'm Tumbler." He sticks out a hand.

Rabbit looks askance at Dracos's antics. She remains silent on that account but angles her body slightly to keep the shorter man always in clear view. Almost as a reflex checking her belongings, the young woman's hands drop to pairs of metal sticks snugly lodged in long thin pockets that are sewn onto the jeans and run the length of each thigh.

"Ah," says Locke, "Looks like all our new assignments are showing up.  We should have a good crew, especially since this time not everyone's a rookie."

Cute. Snow says with a humourless face to Dracos

Rabbit looks around at Cala, Jade, Dracos, Tumbler and Snow before returning her attention to Locke, "Is this all of us, sir?"

Just then, Mitchell hits the floor.  "…third aisle on the left."

He immediately jumps to his feet and looks around blearily, "I wasn't sleeping, I was… meditating.  So ah, where exactly are we going?"

"You're not going anywhere without me.  You all need the Shadow."  The tall blond man further emphasizes this last statement by thumbing his chest.  His eyes soon fall upon the sentinel  "Well you don't see that every day." Looking back towards Locke "So like sleepy said, where we going?"  A smirk comes across Shadow's face as he crosses his arms and waits for answers.

Tumbler shakes his head, wondering, not for the first time, if it was really such a good idea to wake up in the first place.

Rabiit calmly asks Shadow, "What is it that you do, that we all need you?" As she speaks the woman starts towards the Strategy Center.

"Me?  I'm a combat specialist.  But can also pilot a ship if necessary.  Now what do you do?"  Shadow stands and begins to follow Rabbit.

Locke addresses Mitchell's question.  "We do not have orders yet, but we are waiting for them to take us to the Strategy Center for further debriefing.  So for now, we are waiting.  It's a good time for everyone to get to know each other.  I don't want to lose any of you like...well, like I lost so many others in our last three missions.  If you know each other's strengths and weaknesses, maybe we can avoid that this time."

"Ah, now that is handy," Rabbit nods. "I mostly shoot our enemies. Subtlety and diplomacy are nice, but my experience echoes the adage - No battle plan survives contact with the enemy. So, what weapons do you favor?"

Jade steps up and says, "I'm Jade.  I like the big weapons, but I'm partial to small firearms as well."

 "I prefer to use my hands, though I am equally skilled in handguns and light automatic weapons," Cala says in her standard monotone.

"You mean, you're tentacles?" Jade says, flashing a smile.

"An interesting thought," ponders Rabbit. "Cala, is the original purpose of your programming control of that sentinel?"

"Bigger is often better," she replies to Jade, "but small arms and grenades are more my size." She taps her thighs, "And my sticks for close combat."

 "No. I do not," Cala says bluntly. "I mean my hands... My real hands. I prefer to fight my kind code-to-code."

 The sentinel turns to Rabbit. "Yes, I am a sentinel program, created for the sole purpose of controlling this drone."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Tue 26 July 2005.

"And is your programming, your self, completely contained within that sentinel machine? Or to exist must you maintain a connection to the Matrix or another computer network? Like the ship's or Zion's mainframe?"

 "Yes, I am completely contained within this form. If it is destroyed, so am I."

"Well that would just bite, wouldn't it?  So who is gonna fix ya then?

 "That," Cala says, "is a very good question."

"If you're just a program, couldn't you make a backup copy?"

 "I would assume it is possible. The though causes me some... distress, however."

"Then perhaps someone better learn real quick on how to put your squid butt back together."  Shadow finishes this statement with a large smile.

Still speaking to and about Cala, "If you are captured in the Matrix, I wonder if there is a danger of having your corporeal mechanical body remotely reprogrammed back to its original hostile intent."

"Hmmm, perhaps a fail-safe of some sort, ya know a dead man's switch."    His smile fades at the thought of having a rogue sentinel onboard.

 "I do not think that is possible; Zero-One would require a connection to the access the sentinel's systems. I believe your scientists stripped this drone of any wireless connections." The sentinel raises a tentacle to point out a  small socket on the top of its "head," clearly designed to support a Matrix jack. "They would need to connect through to this sentinel through an established hard-line."

"Isn't that what happens when you jack in? The Matrix is just an intermediary connection among the participants." Rabbit shrugs, "But I have neither scientific nor technical training." She turns to Locke, "One of my many weaknesses."

X answers, "Our top coders have coded in a block.  We do not believe Zero-One can access Cala anymore than it can access any of your minds.  At this point, we don't even think Zero-One realizes who...or what...Cala is.  And because the residual image in Matrix is human, it is doubtful that Zero-One would even think of Cala as anything but human."

Rabbit asks Cala a hypothetical, "Suppose that we are in the Matrix and about to answer the hardline. An agent appears, and there is time for only one of us to leave. If I asked you to go first, would you go?"

Dracos just tilts his head as he continues to watch those around him, "I sneak around and break things open. Not with violence, but with intelligence. THough I do feel confident with a few pistols and light weaposn as well. Heavy weapons remove the possiblity of stealth and stealth kills... I must say its always fun to hide from an Agent and pop out silently behind him..."

 Cala nods the sentinel at Dracos, then turns back around to face Rabbit. "No," she says simply. "I would make sure you had been safely extracted and then self-terminate to insure I could not be reprogrammed by Zero-One."

”You are a free human. Your life takes precedence.”

Rabbit runs her fingers through tangles of red hair. She looks over at Locke and X then back to Cala, "You are a rare if not unique asset. Your philosophy and personal agenda jeopardize the cause and greater good."

 "I am not eager to end, Rabbit. However, if I am forced to chose between my own continued existence and that of a free human, I will chose the human's," the sentinel explains calmly. "Many machines will be destroyed in the quest for humanity's liberation. If I must be among them, so be it."

Rabbit asks Cala, "Suppose you and I run into hostile security officers. Not an Agent this time, but manifestations of Humans who are unaware of the Matrix. Will you kill them to save me? To save yourself alone, if I am already dead?"

 "If there are no other non-lethal solutions, yes."

Rabbit concludes, "Well, I hope there aren't any more surprises today."