A.N.: Hi, fellas. The next chappy finally arrived. OK, I know: it's been a
very long time but ... well, I apologize. I have two main reasons here:
school and lack of imagination. Sometimes the first caused the second. But
it really doesn't matter now. The point is that (if you're still interested
– and I hope you are and you will give it a try) it's here. So have fun!
Chapter Twenty Three: Agents. Can't kill 'em. Can't live with 'em.
Smith and Joy were still standing in the kitchen keeping distance. The Agent was looking down at the floor, neutrally, motionless, caught in a thought. Meanwhile Joy studied him from the other side of the kitchen. A few calm seconds of just co-existing. But it couldn't last forever. And it didn't.
"Let me ask you something." – started Joy.
Smith waited. He didn't say or do anything for a while. Then, slowly, he lifted his head and looked over at her. His face said he expected a confrontation.
"What is your interest in Kate, huh?"
Smith remained silent then he turned his eyes back at the point of the floor without any response.
"Academic?"
Nothing.
"Homicidal?"
Still nothing.
"Sexual?"
A beat. Apparently, just like the others, the last remark had no effect on the Agent but both of them knew it was too much. Smith moved and took a step in Joy's direction. At the same time, she took a step back but the counter stopped her. Smith was angry but 100 percent in control. His face was unreadable, his words controlled.
"Are you teasing me?"
Nothing from her. Of course she teased him with the last question but just because she really wanted an answer. Not that kind of answer, though.
"I really should have killed you the first chance I had, Joy. (he took another step toward her) But I didn't, however, for my part, it's still open for discussion if you want to reconsider it."
Joy just stared at him as anger built inside her. That helplessness was the worst she had ever felt.
"Yes? No?"
She responded again with imperial silence.
"Make an effort to answer."
That was the point when her rage overwhelmed logic – again – and she let it out.
"Fuck you, how's that?"
Stupid. That was stupid and she knew it.
"I take it as a yes." – said Smith.
Now she started panicking.
"You aren't even real. This isn't real either. ......... This is not real." – added she almost whispering as if she tried to persuade herself.
Smith reached for his gun and pulled it up in the line with her eyes.
CLICK
"How real do you want it?"
She struggled for a moment internally; her eyes were considering the dark barrel of the gun. A shaky breath. She hesitated, then her features set. She looked up into the Agent's eyes. A hard silence.
"Is this fun for you?" – asked Joy.
Smith hesitated for a micro-instant. Somehow, for reasons he did not know, his anger started fading. She started to break.
"Sometimes."
A beat. Then he continued.
"When it is challenging a little bit. Obviously this is far from it." – said Smith and slowly lowered the gun.
"But I don't hold with such a behavior." – added he and holstered the gun.
"It's not a subtle point you're making." – said Joy and glanced at the gun.
"I ... promised Kate not to kill you. And I'm willing ... (a pause as he was reconsidering it) ... trying to keep my word unless you do or say anything in the meantime that would make that impossible. But ... "
"We're not getting along, and it's not getting any better."
"Exactly."
"But I don't trust you."
"It's mutual."
"I hate you and everything you stand for."
Now Smith remained silent. Being a program he wasn't supposed to feel anything. Including hate so he didn't respond. It wasn't necessary, though. Joy knew it anyway. His entire being radiated hostility since the first time they had met. Yet, she was waiting for his answer.
"I don't have a feeling about you. I just don't favor the idea of your existence."
"That's hate. But, you know, everything would be easier if you weren't so unsociable." – said she.
"I'm not unsociable. I just don't like you. And if I don't like somebody I don't act like I do."
"Wow! .... (silence – he said "like." And Smith himself was aware of it too. Both of them were silent for a moment then Joy continued) ... That makes two of us. .............. Do you like Kate, then?"
"Quit asking."
"Let me rephrase that. Is there anything you like?"
His answer was a look that could melt metal. She studied him for a moment than let out a shaky breath again.
"It's gonna be tough."
"No doubt."
"Any suggestions?"
"First give me your phone."
"What?"
"Your cell phone. As you correctly remarked we don't trust each other so I want it."
First, she wanted to argue but changed her mind quickly. She handled him the phone.
"Thank you." – said he and pocketed it.
"And you? What do you want to give me?"
"10 seconds to leave this room and me alone."
She opened her mouth to say something but Smith interrupted her:
"Good night."
"But ..."
"I said good night."
She snorted, turned sharply on her heels and headed right for the door. Smith waited for a while than left the kitchen too. Joy went back to the bedroom and closed the door behind her. Kate was still asleep on the couch, hands folded across her stomach, snoring lightly, sweaty. Smith looked at the bedroom door then back at Kate. Then he directed his steps toward an armchair pretending to be comfortable and he sat down. Yeah, it was comfortable. Indeed. First, he sat formally as usual. Then he thought better of it. He leaned back then slid down a bit trying to find a more comfortable position. Finally, he was in a half lying half sitting position with stretched legs and arms. It felt good. He almost felt guilty about it. But just almost. After some relaxing minutes he pulled himself up into a normal but still quite casual sitting position. He looked around. Everything was silent, the neighborhood quiet. After some minutes, he was bored. Again. He leaned back in the armchair and stared at the wall for a long time before closing his eyes. They closed shut.
Some hours later they blinked open.
Dawn.
He sensed someone. Someone who wasn't in the apartment yet it was close. Really close. Right in his head. It felt like someone wanted to break into his mind. It was like those test routines they ran on him at the Agency. Then he heard a whisper.
"Agent."
Smith sat up. He blinked, had he heard something, had he not, he wasn't sure. There was absolute stillness and silence in the room. He looked around then leaned back and closed his eyes again.
"Agent."
His eyes fluttered open and he looked around once more trying to trace the source of what he had heard. But still there was no one there. Kate was still asleep, Joy was still in the bedroom and its door was closed.
The sound was gone again. Then he looked sharply over. The wind came up, and through the wind a voice was heard distantly, or was it the wind itself?
No, it was unmistakably a voice, it wasn't the wind. Smith rose now and crossed to the French windows. They were open although Smith was sure he had closed them before. As he approached the windows, the wind made the curtains draw apart in front of him. He stepped out on the balcony. The whisper came again.
"Agent."
He looked around. The voice could be heard again:
"Here."
It came from no particular direction, yet surrounded him.
"Here."
Smith's gaze traveled upward at the opposite block's roof. There was a dark figure standing there watching him. It was motionless. Smith was considering it for a moment. His hard stare suddenly changed as a realization arrived. He knew who it was. Then he turned sharply on his heels and went back closing the door behind him.
He left the apartment and moved quickly, purposefully up the stairs. Soon the roof door was threw open and Smith emerged from the dark stairway. He slowed down, moved to the edge and looked at the opposite roof. The figure was still standing there. Smith studied it for a moment then turned and walked back a few steps. He turned again and started running. At the edge, he launched himself into the air and he jumped over the opposite building. He landed almost in front of the figure. It was still standing in the shadows. Smith straightened up and took some steps closer to it. Then he stopped. The figure spoke:
"Sorry, did I wake you?"
It was the same voice that had called him before but now it came from the figure not from his head. Smith didn't respond. The voice continued:
"Dreaming of anyone I know?"
"Immature as usual. Coming here wasn't a wise idea. But coming unarmed was sheer madness, don't you think?"
Now the figure didn't respond. Smith removed his shades and slowly pocketed it. He spoke without looking at the figure.
"What happened? Did you become weary of free life?" – asked he and rose eyes at it.
"Do you remember me?" – asked the figure.
"Of course I do. (a pause) I could never get you out of my head. Literally." – answered Smith.
"That was my job. To know what you are thinking."
"Exactly. It WAS. It isn't any more. You've chosen exile."
The figure moved toward Smith. It took one step forward and stood in front of the Agent. It was wearing a dark cloak but its figure and voice suggested it was a woman.
"That's true, Agent." – answered she and removed her hood. She was just like her voice: fragile and beautiful. On her cheek, a scar could be seen.
Smith considered her then her scar that made him remember their last encounter, when he fought her, when he wounded her. She looked at him obviously knowing what he was thinking about and said:
"It's been a long time, right."
"Right."
"I still don't know why you let me go."
"Oh, I didn't want to. You were lucky, that's all."
"Maybe. Maybe not." (She moved. So did Smith. They were just circling, sizing each other up.) "Do you remember that day?"
"Vividly. The situation was quite the same."
"You asked me 'Why are you doing this?'"
"And you said 'When time comes you will know.'"
"Exactly. That is the time."
"I still don't know."
"I doubt it."
"You're hardly in a position to accuse me of lying."
She stopped and stared at him. So did he.
"Then don't lie, Smith. Considering what you've gone through you must know it by now."
She looked directly into his eyes. Smith held her eyes but suddenly he found that he almost couldn't do it any longer. She was still really good at trespassing on minds. Through an act of will, he managed to hold her stare. Then he inclined his head, centered himself, forced her out and looked back at her.
"Really good, Agent."
"Thank you."
"Still refuse, still not willing to cooperate just like before."
"Look who's talking. You are the exile not me."
"Not yet."
"I don't know what are you talking about."
"You know. Actually, you always knew. You just couldn't bring yourself to admit it. But time will come to make a choice, Smith. I made mine, soon you will do the same."
He remained silent considering her and her words.
"I assume you're here for a reason."
"That's correct."
"And what reason is that?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out."- answered she and stared at him as if she wanted to read him again.
"I don't suggest another trespass attempt."
"Are you scared I'll find out something you try to hide?"
"I have nothing to hide."
"Remember who I am, Smith. I know your thoughts."
"Then you know I'm going to kill you."
"Yes, true, but I think this is still not the time."
"Really? And why?"
Her answer was a glance at the window of Kate's apartment. The light was on. Smith turned to see it then he turned back.
"You know exactly that defeating me requires a whole person, so to speak, plus a clear mind, undivided attention, and lot of time. Obviously, these are things you just don't possess right now."
"Well, I haven't thought about it for quite some time, but thank you for reminding me." – said he with a sarcastic tone.
"No offense was meant, Smith."
"No ... I'm sure it was a compliment."
"No. It was ... just the truth."
He continued looking at her another moment. Then he nodded as though satisfied with the answer. She was right.
"Alright. (a beat - he looked directly at her) Anyway, they say that the hunt is sweeter than the kill." – said he and put on the shadow of a smirk. Then a steady silence as the two regarded each other. Finally she spoke:
"Clearly this new assignment is not your choice."
"No."
"But you accepted it."
"Yes, but don't worry. If this ends you will be the next, I promise."
"Well, I really don't know what to say."
"I think goodbye is traditional."
She smiled.
"Then goodbye, Smith."
Her figure changed to glimmering green codes that started fading and soon they disappeared. Smith was standing alone on the roof staring at the spot where she had been before.
Kate woke up. She was just lying on the couch for some minutes gathering her strength. Then she stood up and slowly found her way to the kitchen. She was obviously still half-asleep but she moved around the kitchen with mechanized routineness. Smith arrived soon. He closed the front door and headed for the kitchen. He stopped at the doorway examining Kate who was more then groggy. She bumped against the counter several times, dropped almost everything and when she leaned down to pick them up she bumped her head on the fridge's opened door. She staggered back:
"Shit." – said she and slammed the door with a strong kick.
Smith just shook his head. And took a few steps toward her.
"Not a morning person, right?"
He took her by complete surprise. To be honest he scared the hell out of her and Kate dropped everything from her hands again.
"Jesus, Smith. You are creepy enough. Don't intensify it." – said she and threw the dishcloth at him.
"Hey. What did you do that for?"
"Because. (She looked at him and realized he was almost smiling) That is not funny, Smith! You don't sneak up on someone and startle them!"
"Why?"
She turned to face him:
"You are so childish sometimes."
"Childish? Me?"
"Yes. And don't ask 'why' again."
He remained silent and sat down at the kitchen table.
"What are you doing?" – asked he as he was observing Kate's movements.
"You know, I have to ease my day slowly. First, I have my coffee. Without it I cannot function."
"Yes, I can tell."
"Then comes my breakfast. Sausages, bacon stripes, fries and eggs. With allspice. I love it. Gives it a zing."
"Interesting."
Kate stole a glance at him.
"Oh, Smith, stop that, please."
"What?"
"Active listening. I hate active listeners. They care more about appearing to listen than actually listening."
"I can listen and appear to listen at the same time."
"Yeah, a multifunctional Agent. In my kitchen."
"Actually, I'm interested."
"Really? Want to give it a try?"
"No."
"Oh, come on. It's just coffee." – said she and reached a cup toward him. He took it and for some minutes just studied it, then smelled it. It wasn't bad. Then he took a sip of it cautiously. Kate was waiting patiently. Smith's face didn't register anything.
"So?"
"It's horrible."
"What do you know about coffee at all?"
"Obviously more than you."
She grabbed the cup and took a sip from it.
"I think you should use some sugar. It would give it a zing as you put it."
Kate spitted it into the sink. At the same time Joy appeared at the door.
"You all right?"
"Joy! I'm OK. But what about you?"
"I'm fine, don't worry. (then she glanced at Smith) And how's the grinch today?"
Smith didn't respond just fixed her with a cold stare. The atmosphere was getting tense.
"Now, come on, sit down. Your breakfast is almost ready." – said Kate and looked at Joy who was still standing at the door. But now she moved at the table and sat across from Smith in interrogation style. She eyed him suspiciously.
"Do you eat?"
"No. I just like sitting at the table."
Now Joy looked at Kate who was still busy preparing their breakfast.
"Could I have a word with you, Kate? (then she glanced at Smith) In private?"
Kate turned and looked at Smith too but it didn't seem he would move. Then knocking could be heard. They all looked in the hall's direction.
"Someone at the door." – said Kate and glanced at Smith. He looked back at her.
"Really? So that's what that sound means." – said he and rose to his feet and left the kitchen to open the door. Soon he returned with a huge bouquet of flower. He picked up the label and read it.
"It's for you." Said he and handled the flowers to Kate.
"Thanks." – said she and read the label too. Then she went back to the kitchen with Joy. Smith didn't follow them this time.
"Who sent them?" – asked Joy.
"Dave."
"Oh."
"He will come here."
"It sounds like trouble."
Kate didn't respond. She took care of the flowers and sat down to have breakfast. Joy was sitting there for a while without a word but soon she spoke:
"How are you?"
"Fine. I'm fine." – answered Kate and picked at her food.
"Please, Kate. I have eyes."
"And what can you see?"
"A friend who is in a great trouble. (then she turned and looked in the living room's direction where Smith was observing the bookshelf) And the trouble itself."
Kate glanced at the Agent then looked back at her plate.
"Smith is .......... is okay."
"Okay? Kate, he is an Agent and this fact leaves no room for something like 'He is okay.'"
"Look, I won't expect you to understand it but ... but this case is complicated and he ... he is different."
"No. They are all the same. Each and every one of them. Suit. Gun. Sunglasses. What else do you need? Should they wear a T shirt saying 'Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know?'"
Now Kate snapped at her:
"Are we alive?"
Joy didn't answer.
"Yes, we are. What else do YOU need? Huh? ... I didn't want this to happen. I didn't want him to hurt you either. ... I'm .... I'm sorry."
"Sorry just doesn't cut it. What possible explanation can there be for this ..."
"You think I am a traitor, right? Is this what you're trying to say?"
"Tell me what happens here, Kate. Until you start giving me some straight answers I'm gonna assume that."
"Look, Smith and I have a ... we ... um ... that's not the easiest thing in the world to tell someone like you. ... So we help each other. It was a mutual decision. Well, a little more mutual on his part but ... well, he's here to protect me. And in return I help him. This has nothing to do with Zion or the war. It's only about us."
"So you two live together ..."
"Hey, I had plans too, okay?! And believe it or not one of them wasn't living with him."
Joy remained silent so Kate continued:
"Joy, he is the only reason I'm alive, sitting here today."
"You might not be tomorrow."
"That's a chance I'm willing to take. You must believe me."
"I'm not sure what to believe anymore, Kate. You never used to lie to me. And I know this is a stressful time for you. But lately you don't seem to know the difference between right and wrong."
"This has to be done. I must help him."
"Stop before this madness gets out of hand."
"Too late, Joy."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Because it would be easier not to."
"I'm trying to follow you but ... I'm loosing you at the same time."
"Never mind. There are some things you shouldn't know. And if you know, you should never ever tell."
"I am worried about you, Kate. I never thought you would be doing .... whatever you're doing now."
"Are you going to help me?"
"I have to."
"Did you have a conversation with Smith?"
She just pointed at her head injury:
"Yeah, and don't worry, he cleared everything up."
"I'm sorry, Joy."
"Okay. It's okay. I know. So, what do I tell them when they ask about you?"
"Tell them that everything is going to be just fine."
"Do you really want to keep such an enormous secret from Zion?"
"Well, not forever. You can tell them after I'm dead."
"It's not funny."
"When do you have to go back?"
"I have time. But they will call."
"Where's your phone?"
"Guess where."
They both looked at Smith in the living room.
"Don't provoke him, Joy."
"Well, I think my mere presence is a provocation but ... I'll try. ... But this is fun. Sometimes."
"I think he would say the same thing about killing."
"Actually he did."
Kate remained silent. So did Joy and they finished their breakfast.
Chapter Twenty Three: Agents. Can't kill 'em. Can't live with 'em.
Smith and Joy were still standing in the kitchen keeping distance. The Agent was looking down at the floor, neutrally, motionless, caught in a thought. Meanwhile Joy studied him from the other side of the kitchen. A few calm seconds of just co-existing. But it couldn't last forever. And it didn't.
"Let me ask you something." – started Joy.
Smith waited. He didn't say or do anything for a while. Then, slowly, he lifted his head and looked over at her. His face said he expected a confrontation.
"What is your interest in Kate, huh?"
Smith remained silent then he turned his eyes back at the point of the floor without any response.
"Academic?"
Nothing.
"Homicidal?"
Still nothing.
"Sexual?"
A beat. Apparently, just like the others, the last remark had no effect on the Agent but both of them knew it was too much. Smith moved and took a step in Joy's direction. At the same time, she took a step back but the counter stopped her. Smith was angry but 100 percent in control. His face was unreadable, his words controlled.
"Are you teasing me?"
Nothing from her. Of course she teased him with the last question but just because she really wanted an answer. Not that kind of answer, though.
"I really should have killed you the first chance I had, Joy. (he took another step toward her) But I didn't, however, for my part, it's still open for discussion if you want to reconsider it."
Joy just stared at him as anger built inside her. That helplessness was the worst she had ever felt.
"Yes? No?"
She responded again with imperial silence.
"Make an effort to answer."
That was the point when her rage overwhelmed logic – again – and she let it out.
"Fuck you, how's that?"
Stupid. That was stupid and she knew it.
"I take it as a yes." – said Smith.
Now she started panicking.
"You aren't even real. This isn't real either. ......... This is not real." – added she almost whispering as if she tried to persuade herself.
Smith reached for his gun and pulled it up in the line with her eyes.
CLICK
"How real do you want it?"
She struggled for a moment internally; her eyes were considering the dark barrel of the gun. A shaky breath. She hesitated, then her features set. She looked up into the Agent's eyes. A hard silence.
"Is this fun for you?" – asked Joy.
Smith hesitated for a micro-instant. Somehow, for reasons he did not know, his anger started fading. She started to break.
"Sometimes."
A beat. Then he continued.
"When it is challenging a little bit. Obviously this is far from it." – said Smith and slowly lowered the gun.
"But I don't hold with such a behavior." – added he and holstered the gun.
"It's not a subtle point you're making." – said Joy and glanced at the gun.
"I ... promised Kate not to kill you. And I'm willing ... (a pause as he was reconsidering it) ... trying to keep my word unless you do or say anything in the meantime that would make that impossible. But ... "
"We're not getting along, and it's not getting any better."
"Exactly."
"But I don't trust you."
"It's mutual."
"I hate you and everything you stand for."
Now Smith remained silent. Being a program he wasn't supposed to feel anything. Including hate so he didn't respond. It wasn't necessary, though. Joy knew it anyway. His entire being radiated hostility since the first time they had met. Yet, she was waiting for his answer.
"I don't have a feeling about you. I just don't favor the idea of your existence."
"That's hate. But, you know, everything would be easier if you weren't so unsociable." – said she.
"I'm not unsociable. I just don't like you. And if I don't like somebody I don't act like I do."
"Wow! .... (silence – he said "like." And Smith himself was aware of it too. Both of them were silent for a moment then Joy continued) ... That makes two of us. .............. Do you like Kate, then?"
"Quit asking."
"Let me rephrase that. Is there anything you like?"
His answer was a look that could melt metal. She studied him for a moment than let out a shaky breath again.
"It's gonna be tough."
"No doubt."
"Any suggestions?"
"First give me your phone."
"What?"
"Your cell phone. As you correctly remarked we don't trust each other so I want it."
First, she wanted to argue but changed her mind quickly. She handled him the phone.
"Thank you." – said he and pocketed it.
"And you? What do you want to give me?"
"10 seconds to leave this room and me alone."
She opened her mouth to say something but Smith interrupted her:
"Good night."
"But ..."
"I said good night."
She snorted, turned sharply on her heels and headed right for the door. Smith waited for a while than left the kitchen too. Joy went back to the bedroom and closed the door behind her. Kate was still asleep on the couch, hands folded across her stomach, snoring lightly, sweaty. Smith looked at the bedroom door then back at Kate. Then he directed his steps toward an armchair pretending to be comfortable and he sat down. Yeah, it was comfortable. Indeed. First, he sat formally as usual. Then he thought better of it. He leaned back then slid down a bit trying to find a more comfortable position. Finally, he was in a half lying half sitting position with stretched legs and arms. It felt good. He almost felt guilty about it. But just almost. After some relaxing minutes he pulled himself up into a normal but still quite casual sitting position. He looked around. Everything was silent, the neighborhood quiet. After some minutes, he was bored. Again. He leaned back in the armchair and stared at the wall for a long time before closing his eyes. They closed shut.
Some hours later they blinked open.
Dawn.
He sensed someone. Someone who wasn't in the apartment yet it was close. Really close. Right in his head. It felt like someone wanted to break into his mind. It was like those test routines they ran on him at the Agency. Then he heard a whisper.
"Agent."
Smith sat up. He blinked, had he heard something, had he not, he wasn't sure. There was absolute stillness and silence in the room. He looked around then leaned back and closed his eyes again.
"Agent."
His eyes fluttered open and he looked around once more trying to trace the source of what he had heard. But still there was no one there. Kate was still asleep, Joy was still in the bedroom and its door was closed.
The sound was gone again. Then he looked sharply over. The wind came up, and through the wind a voice was heard distantly, or was it the wind itself?
No, it was unmistakably a voice, it wasn't the wind. Smith rose now and crossed to the French windows. They were open although Smith was sure he had closed them before. As he approached the windows, the wind made the curtains draw apart in front of him. He stepped out on the balcony. The whisper came again.
"Agent."
He looked around. The voice could be heard again:
"Here."
It came from no particular direction, yet surrounded him.
"Here."
Smith's gaze traveled upward at the opposite block's roof. There was a dark figure standing there watching him. It was motionless. Smith was considering it for a moment. His hard stare suddenly changed as a realization arrived. He knew who it was. Then he turned sharply on his heels and went back closing the door behind him.
He left the apartment and moved quickly, purposefully up the stairs. Soon the roof door was threw open and Smith emerged from the dark stairway. He slowed down, moved to the edge and looked at the opposite roof. The figure was still standing there. Smith studied it for a moment then turned and walked back a few steps. He turned again and started running. At the edge, he launched himself into the air and he jumped over the opposite building. He landed almost in front of the figure. It was still standing in the shadows. Smith straightened up and took some steps closer to it. Then he stopped. The figure spoke:
"Sorry, did I wake you?"
It was the same voice that had called him before but now it came from the figure not from his head. Smith didn't respond. The voice continued:
"Dreaming of anyone I know?"
"Immature as usual. Coming here wasn't a wise idea. But coming unarmed was sheer madness, don't you think?"
Now the figure didn't respond. Smith removed his shades and slowly pocketed it. He spoke without looking at the figure.
"What happened? Did you become weary of free life?" – asked he and rose eyes at it.
"Do you remember me?" – asked the figure.
"Of course I do. (a pause) I could never get you out of my head. Literally." – answered Smith.
"That was my job. To know what you are thinking."
"Exactly. It WAS. It isn't any more. You've chosen exile."
The figure moved toward Smith. It took one step forward and stood in front of the Agent. It was wearing a dark cloak but its figure and voice suggested it was a woman.
"That's true, Agent." – answered she and removed her hood. She was just like her voice: fragile and beautiful. On her cheek, a scar could be seen.
Smith considered her then her scar that made him remember their last encounter, when he fought her, when he wounded her. She looked at him obviously knowing what he was thinking about and said:
"It's been a long time, right."
"Right."
"I still don't know why you let me go."
"Oh, I didn't want to. You were lucky, that's all."
"Maybe. Maybe not." (She moved. So did Smith. They were just circling, sizing each other up.) "Do you remember that day?"
"Vividly. The situation was quite the same."
"You asked me 'Why are you doing this?'"
"And you said 'When time comes you will know.'"
"Exactly. That is the time."
"I still don't know."
"I doubt it."
"You're hardly in a position to accuse me of lying."
She stopped and stared at him. So did he.
"Then don't lie, Smith. Considering what you've gone through you must know it by now."
She looked directly into his eyes. Smith held her eyes but suddenly he found that he almost couldn't do it any longer. She was still really good at trespassing on minds. Through an act of will, he managed to hold her stare. Then he inclined his head, centered himself, forced her out and looked back at her.
"Really good, Agent."
"Thank you."
"Still refuse, still not willing to cooperate just like before."
"Look who's talking. You are the exile not me."
"Not yet."
"I don't know what are you talking about."
"You know. Actually, you always knew. You just couldn't bring yourself to admit it. But time will come to make a choice, Smith. I made mine, soon you will do the same."
He remained silent considering her and her words.
"I assume you're here for a reason."
"That's correct."
"And what reason is that?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out."- answered she and stared at him as if she wanted to read him again.
"I don't suggest another trespass attempt."
"Are you scared I'll find out something you try to hide?"
"I have nothing to hide."
"Remember who I am, Smith. I know your thoughts."
"Then you know I'm going to kill you."
"Yes, true, but I think this is still not the time."
"Really? And why?"
Her answer was a glance at the window of Kate's apartment. The light was on. Smith turned to see it then he turned back.
"You know exactly that defeating me requires a whole person, so to speak, plus a clear mind, undivided attention, and lot of time. Obviously, these are things you just don't possess right now."
"Well, I haven't thought about it for quite some time, but thank you for reminding me." – said he with a sarcastic tone.
"No offense was meant, Smith."
"No ... I'm sure it was a compliment."
"No. It was ... just the truth."
He continued looking at her another moment. Then he nodded as though satisfied with the answer. She was right.
"Alright. (a beat - he looked directly at her) Anyway, they say that the hunt is sweeter than the kill." – said he and put on the shadow of a smirk. Then a steady silence as the two regarded each other. Finally she spoke:
"Clearly this new assignment is not your choice."
"No."
"But you accepted it."
"Yes, but don't worry. If this ends you will be the next, I promise."
"Well, I really don't know what to say."
"I think goodbye is traditional."
She smiled.
"Then goodbye, Smith."
Her figure changed to glimmering green codes that started fading and soon they disappeared. Smith was standing alone on the roof staring at the spot where she had been before.
Kate woke up. She was just lying on the couch for some minutes gathering her strength. Then she stood up and slowly found her way to the kitchen. She was obviously still half-asleep but she moved around the kitchen with mechanized routineness. Smith arrived soon. He closed the front door and headed for the kitchen. He stopped at the doorway examining Kate who was more then groggy. She bumped against the counter several times, dropped almost everything and when she leaned down to pick them up she bumped her head on the fridge's opened door. She staggered back:
"Shit." – said she and slammed the door with a strong kick.
Smith just shook his head. And took a few steps toward her.
"Not a morning person, right?"
He took her by complete surprise. To be honest he scared the hell out of her and Kate dropped everything from her hands again.
"Jesus, Smith. You are creepy enough. Don't intensify it." – said she and threw the dishcloth at him.
"Hey. What did you do that for?"
"Because. (She looked at him and realized he was almost smiling) That is not funny, Smith! You don't sneak up on someone and startle them!"
"Why?"
She turned to face him:
"You are so childish sometimes."
"Childish? Me?"
"Yes. And don't ask 'why' again."
He remained silent and sat down at the kitchen table.
"What are you doing?" – asked he as he was observing Kate's movements.
"You know, I have to ease my day slowly. First, I have my coffee. Without it I cannot function."
"Yes, I can tell."
"Then comes my breakfast. Sausages, bacon stripes, fries and eggs. With allspice. I love it. Gives it a zing."
"Interesting."
Kate stole a glance at him.
"Oh, Smith, stop that, please."
"What?"
"Active listening. I hate active listeners. They care more about appearing to listen than actually listening."
"I can listen and appear to listen at the same time."
"Yeah, a multifunctional Agent. In my kitchen."
"Actually, I'm interested."
"Really? Want to give it a try?"
"No."
"Oh, come on. It's just coffee." – said she and reached a cup toward him. He took it and for some minutes just studied it, then smelled it. It wasn't bad. Then he took a sip of it cautiously. Kate was waiting patiently. Smith's face didn't register anything.
"So?"
"It's horrible."
"What do you know about coffee at all?"
"Obviously more than you."
She grabbed the cup and took a sip from it.
"I think you should use some sugar. It would give it a zing as you put it."
Kate spitted it into the sink. At the same time Joy appeared at the door.
"You all right?"
"Joy! I'm OK. But what about you?"
"I'm fine, don't worry. (then she glanced at Smith) And how's the grinch today?"
Smith didn't respond just fixed her with a cold stare. The atmosphere was getting tense.
"Now, come on, sit down. Your breakfast is almost ready." – said Kate and looked at Joy who was still standing at the door. But now she moved at the table and sat across from Smith in interrogation style. She eyed him suspiciously.
"Do you eat?"
"No. I just like sitting at the table."
Now Joy looked at Kate who was still busy preparing their breakfast.
"Could I have a word with you, Kate? (then she glanced at Smith) In private?"
Kate turned and looked at Smith too but it didn't seem he would move. Then knocking could be heard. They all looked in the hall's direction.
"Someone at the door." – said Kate and glanced at Smith. He looked back at her.
"Really? So that's what that sound means." – said he and rose to his feet and left the kitchen to open the door. Soon he returned with a huge bouquet of flower. He picked up the label and read it.
"It's for you." Said he and handled the flowers to Kate.
"Thanks." – said she and read the label too. Then she went back to the kitchen with Joy. Smith didn't follow them this time.
"Who sent them?" – asked Joy.
"Dave."
"Oh."
"He will come here."
"It sounds like trouble."
Kate didn't respond. She took care of the flowers and sat down to have breakfast. Joy was sitting there for a while without a word but soon she spoke:
"How are you?"
"Fine. I'm fine." – answered Kate and picked at her food.
"Please, Kate. I have eyes."
"And what can you see?"
"A friend who is in a great trouble. (then she turned and looked in the living room's direction where Smith was observing the bookshelf) And the trouble itself."
Kate glanced at the Agent then looked back at her plate.
"Smith is .......... is okay."
"Okay? Kate, he is an Agent and this fact leaves no room for something like 'He is okay.'"
"Look, I won't expect you to understand it but ... but this case is complicated and he ... he is different."
"No. They are all the same. Each and every one of them. Suit. Gun. Sunglasses. What else do you need? Should they wear a T shirt saying 'Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know?'"
Now Kate snapped at her:
"Are we alive?"
Joy didn't answer.
"Yes, we are. What else do YOU need? Huh? ... I didn't want this to happen. I didn't want him to hurt you either. ... I'm .... I'm sorry."
"Sorry just doesn't cut it. What possible explanation can there be for this ..."
"You think I am a traitor, right? Is this what you're trying to say?"
"Tell me what happens here, Kate. Until you start giving me some straight answers I'm gonna assume that."
"Look, Smith and I have a ... we ... um ... that's not the easiest thing in the world to tell someone like you. ... So we help each other. It was a mutual decision. Well, a little more mutual on his part but ... well, he's here to protect me. And in return I help him. This has nothing to do with Zion or the war. It's only about us."
"So you two live together ..."
"Hey, I had plans too, okay?! And believe it or not one of them wasn't living with him."
Joy remained silent so Kate continued:
"Joy, he is the only reason I'm alive, sitting here today."
"You might not be tomorrow."
"That's a chance I'm willing to take. You must believe me."
"I'm not sure what to believe anymore, Kate. You never used to lie to me. And I know this is a stressful time for you. But lately you don't seem to know the difference between right and wrong."
"This has to be done. I must help him."
"Stop before this madness gets out of hand."
"Too late, Joy."
"Why are you doing this?"
"Because it would be easier not to."
"I'm trying to follow you but ... I'm loosing you at the same time."
"Never mind. There are some things you shouldn't know. And if you know, you should never ever tell."
"I am worried about you, Kate. I never thought you would be doing .... whatever you're doing now."
"Are you going to help me?"
"I have to."
"Did you have a conversation with Smith?"
She just pointed at her head injury:
"Yeah, and don't worry, he cleared everything up."
"I'm sorry, Joy."
"Okay. It's okay. I know. So, what do I tell them when they ask about you?"
"Tell them that everything is going to be just fine."
"Do you really want to keep such an enormous secret from Zion?"
"Well, not forever. You can tell them after I'm dead."
"It's not funny."
"When do you have to go back?"
"I have time. But they will call."
"Where's your phone?"
"Guess where."
They both looked at Smith in the living room.
"Don't provoke him, Joy."
"Well, I think my mere presence is a provocation but ... I'll try. ... But this is fun. Sometimes."
"I think he would say the same thing about killing."
"Actually he did."
Kate remained silent. So did Joy and they finished their breakfast.