Advanced Agent Toleezu stared at the screen in front of him. The flashing icon indicated an order update from the Mainframe, most likely from Lucifer. He ignored it, continuing to carry out other functions on the computer. Toleezu suspected that he knew the contents of the communication but he didn’t know for certain. Unfortunately the only way of being sure was to acknowledge the communication, which would mean that said orders would have to be carried out.
He tapped a few keys and read the order update. As predicted, Lucifer was requesting a discreet scan of Agent Smith’s code. Something unobtrusive that Raphael wouldn’t notice. Toleezu relayed the orders emotionlessly.
“This is official then?” Gil-Rhuven enquired as he received the order update.
“Yes. The data?” Toleezu wasn’t about to go into explanations.
“Is incomplete.”
“Current status?”
“75% accuracy of analysis. The code is fragmenting making direct analysis impossible.”
Toleezu was silent.
“We can not attempt further analysis.”
“What would you suggest?”
“The data is incomplete, there can be no further analysis.”
“Gil-Rhuven…” Toleezu’s voice held a warning tone.
“I can not be expected to come up with a complete analysis with incomplete data, Agent Toleezu.”
“Then what is your current conjecture?”
“Insufficient data….” Gil-Rhuven trailed off, realising that stalling would not really work with Toleezu. “This is purely conjecture and may be proven incorrect at a later data but…”
“But?”
“Agent Smith’s code is fragmenting… The current rate of fragmentation will render Agent code redundant within a short time. If the rate of fragmentation increases…”
“Yes, I thought so. And do we have a reason why this is occurring?”
“Most probable reason would be the activation of Enforcer streams within Agent code. Our basic code is not capable of adapting to integrate such streams and render them stable.”
Silence.
“I suggest that this report not be made to the Enforcers.” Gil-Rhuven said, suddenly.
“Why?”
“There is a certain dynamic between Enforcers Lucifer and Raphael, that has currently stabilised. If this report were to be made…”
Toleezu had the distinct impression that Gil-Rhuven shrugged as he delivered his last line.
“Erase all records pertaining to this analysis and begin running a new one. Report only accurate data.”
“Yes, Agent Toleezu.”
The communication channels fell silent again.
“Well?” the Agent stood beside Gil-Rhuven’s desk enquired.
“Toleezu has received orders from Lucifer to run an analysis. I am to report only accurate data and erase all old records.” There was a pause. “You do realise that if the Enforcers find out about this, you will, most likely be deconstructed as well.”
“Good.” Was all Brown said as he turned and walked away.
Raphael had gone. Where he had gone was anyone’s guess, not that it mattered; he would return when it suited him. Smith sat on a chair that he had dragged up to the large windows, so that he could look out onto the city. It was dark now; simulated night, in a simulated reality. Artificial light keeping the humans safe from the darkness. It was ironic on some level, Smith thought, or perhaps just symbolic; he couldn’t be sure. He sat there, in the darkness since he couldn’t be bothered to turn on the lights. Slumped there, arms on the back of the chair, head resting on his arms, watching life slip by in the city below.
Smith didn’t look up when the door opened and then closed again. He didn’t bother to tear his gaze away from the city as Jones came to stand behind him.
“You are being melancholy again.” Jones broke the silence.
“Am I?”
“This situation need not be dealt with in this manner.”
“What situation are you referring to, Jones?”
The Combat unit didn’t reply, continuing to stare at the back of Smith’s head.
“This ‘situation’ as you put it, is being deal with using the most appropriate means-”
“I do not agree.”
Smith turned to regard Jones steadily.
“As Command unit it is your judgement that we obey, but this time, Smith, you are not regarding the situation with any objectivity.”
The Command unit rose from his seat and moved away, following the angle of the floor-to-ceiling windows. For a moment he was silhouetted by the city lights; cool and impassive, the essence of what all Agents should be. Then the removal of his sunglasses was accompanied by a soft sigh, as Smith’s strength seemed to give out.
“I…” he began, pausing as if he didn’t really know what to say. “You will be assigned a new Command unit… once I am… deconstructed.” He said with a shuddering breath.
Jones quickly stepped forwards, steadying the Command unit before he fell.
“0.2.8 will not function at optimal performance without our original Command unit.” Jones said firmly.
“Combat unit’s opinion is noted.” Smith managed to whisper, with a slight smile, as he legs buckled beneath him. He let his eyes close, feeling Jones lift him gently and carry him across to the couch against the far wall.
“0.2.8 will not function at all without either a Command unit or a Strategic unit.”
Smith’s eyes opened in surprise.
“Agent Brown seems intent on committing seppuku.” Jones qualified, with a ghost of a smile.
Smith let out a silent laugh. “The Enforcers will not be pleased.”
“No. They will not.”
“And what about you, Jones?”
Smith looked up at him but Jones’ expression was unreadable. Receiving no response Smith closed his eyes, preparing for temporary shutdown to conserve system resources. Jones watched, making no comment.
Once the Enforcers discovered that Smith’s code was fragmenting they would take immediate steps to replace him. A new Command unit would be commissioned, while the remains of Smith’s code would be filtered and utilised in other units. Over all the system was efficient, everything that could be recycled, was.
Jones looked at the shutdown unit on the couch. His Command unit.
Sentimentality was something that afflicted humans, not machines. It was a weakness and yet… He could not help but feel that the entire situation was unfair. And that someone should suffer for it.
TBC…
Seppuku – Japanese ritual suicide performed by retainers upon the death of their Lord.
22:59, 18/05/02