The CloudWolf Chronicles: Two Beers

The CloudWolf Chronicles: Two Beers
(( Based during Chapter 8.2.2 of The Matrix Online ))

Part 1.

CloudWolf sat, alone with his thoughts. The thump of trance music still emanated from upstairs, the clashing of glasses cascaded around him and the ceiling shook with the seemingly endless dancing of energetic bluepills.

All of which was silent to the lone red, all he heard were the sounds of the last few hours replaying rapidly through his mind as he analysed every last detail.

A man had just died, a man who CloudWolf had been charged with protecting. An innocent. A potential.

David Mario had first met the Zion Captain three days previous. It was in a similar place, one of the city's many clubs. Paralaxis. Uriah. Cloud had heard noise then, not the deadly silence he found himself confronted with now. It was with this thought, this memory, clear in his mind that he had begun retracing. It seemed somewhat appropriate contrasted against his current position.

The shoes of the small group of Zionists as they ascended the metallic stairway of Paralaxis had vibrated through his senses. The band of "Warriors" had been briefed moments before by a woman Cloud both admired and respected - Sarah Boyd. Trepetia.

A liaison for the Zion organisation "Trep" had quickly grown a large comfort to the captain, especially through the recent troubles. She almost always seemed to share the same mind as he when it came to the matters of their discussions. That connection was reassuring for someone who was prone to feelings of isolation. It was odd too how regularly he'd let his guard down when around the liaison officer - CloudWolf was strong willed and knew how to control his emotions yet couldn't help find himself confiding in Trepetia regarding matters of doubt he would usually seal away tightly in the back of his mind. In some ways it was a relief but in others a concern - a weakness of resolve that he simply couldn't afford. Especially if his thoughts this day ever came to fruition.

The operation was simple; talk to the potential who was waiting upstairs, provide comfort and understanding, but most importantly, try and earn their trust.

Of course the moment that word had left her mouth Cloud knew exactly what this was really about. "Trust", when used in situations like these, meant the blue was in danger. Likely in risk of a confrontation with another, less savoury, group of awakened. Cypherites, overzealous EPNs, heck maybe even Mervs if they had a use for them. "Trust" was a way of keeping them safe in a world of extremes, extremes that were, for some reason or another, converging all around them.

"Trust" meant he had someone he needed to protect.

As he followed his fellow operatives through the doorway to the back rooms CloudWolf found himself having to let his senses adjust to the quick change of environment. Softer lighting, edgier decor, more defined areas of shadow and lots of good hiding places. The captain had seen more than his fair share of Cypherites meld into shadow as if they were just another part of the program and he knew through experience never to let his guard down.

The room that Trep had led them to was almost filled by the time Cloud entered. He didn't like it, rushing was a bad trend that had somehow wormed its way into most modern conversations with the coppertops. Nevertheless, he was there to help and he'd just have to make due. His opinion on acceptable conduct around potentials could wait until the next operative meeting.

The door to the make shift meeting had been in one of the rectangular room's corners, giving entrants a clear view of the whole of the interior. Coupled with the contrast between the neon soaked sitting area and the darkened corridor this layout had given Cloud a chance to see the plainly dressed man long before they could even think about returning the line of sight. Then again, even if he could he wouldn't have - his gaze was already transfixed on the group of men and woman who had made their way in front of him. A look of surprise adorned the man's chiselled face and the first signs of perspiration had been given away by the warm glow of the synthetic lighting. It was almost as if Cloud could see doubt and questioning about his entire being.

Trepetia spoke first.

"Hello David".