The Logic of Desire

Disclaimer: I don't own the Agents, the Wachowski Bros. and Warner Bros. do. Dammit.

Rating: NC-17, for language and graphic, kinky sex (no, I'm not kidding)

Synopsis: Xan does the Agents (yes, all three of them). A disturbing revelation.

A/N: A big Thank You to Heri and Tanathir for beta reading! Without their input, this tale would be far worse off. Oh yes.

*********************

Agent Smith had been expecting the call, and answered the phone mid-way through the first ring. It was her, alerting him of her presence in the Matrix, all according to plan. He listened as she gher her location, told her that they would join her shortly, hung up, and placed the cell phone in the glove box.

Smith turned to face his colleagues, informed them that their destination was the expected one, and settled back in the passenger seat as Brown started the Continental. They slid into traffic, leaving Headquarters behind. It was only a ten-minute drive to the harbor, but Smith found himself fidgeting with impatience as the signals crawled by. He couldn't resist the urge to turn all the traffic lights green along their route, leaving confusion in their wake as the motorists found their normal currents interrupted.

At last they arrived at the harbor parking lot. All three Agents seethed with irritation as they had to wait for a parking space to open. Smith ground his teeth at the middle-aged couple that smiled pleasantly at them as they slowly backed their minivan out of the Agents' way.

The wharf was a short distance away, but Smith strode rapidly, unwilling to waste more time than necessary. He stopped at the entrance to the boardwalk, taking in the sparse crowds, reflexively scanning for any sign of Resistance activity, but finding none. Brown and Jones stepped up beside him, and as one they turned toward the Mid-Harbor Pier, where Xan was waiting. Smith put out a hand to either side to stop his colleagues, and removed his earpiece. The other Agents mimicked him, all of them stowing the link inside their jackets. They had agreed beforehand that they should take this precautionary measure. The Mainframe had not forbidden their meeting with Xan, but apprehensive of such a response, the Agents had not asked permission. It would not do to be too obvious about their extracurricular activities.

Xan hadn't seen them yet. In fact, she was facing the other direction, standing at the corner of the pier, looking out over the harbor. Smith allowed his gaze to travel up and down her body, taking in the details of the conservative suit, and smiled slightly to himself. Her attire showed definite improvement. Obviously she was attempting to look more like the Agents, which showed good taste. His paced quickened as he thought about the suit, and removing it.

The sound of their footsteps on the rough wood of the pier must have alerted her. Xan turned, her expression a mixture of delight and nervousness. Smith wondered if she doubted his word. He made an addendum to his file on Distrust as a Factor in Human Interactions.

She stood her ground as the Agents approached, though they all noted increased sweating. Smith motioned Brown and Jones to a stop a few feet from the Resistant, while he strode directly up to her, effectively blocking her escape from the corner. She looked away from him, back over the water, and spoke in a voice 0.2 decibels louder than was necessary for normal conversation, "It really is an amazing system, I mean, it's all so perfectly believable, down to the dirt smudges. I bet it took a really long time to get the motion of the water just right, the way that the waves hit the breakwater, and the wind, they way it moves the sails on the boats?"

Smith cut off her monologue, placing a hand carefully under her chin and turning her to face him. "You are babbling. There is no need to be frightened of us. We will not harm you." He allowed a small smile to form. "I am pleased that you have returned to me, Xan." He lowered his lips to hers, drawing her to him as he did so. He was gratifie fee feel her arms going about his waist as she leaned into his kiss, lips parting in invitation. He obliged, raking her lower lip gently with his teeth. She moaned softly, and he felt a rising tide of desire as she clung to him. She was trembling, though whether in arousal or fear, he didn't know. He was certain of his intentions. He wanted to be inside her again, feeling the exquisite sensations, seeing her writhing in pleasure because of what he was doing to her. He was growing erect thinking about it.

Xan abruptly broke their kiss, pulling back a little from the pressure of his groin. "Down, big boy," she chuckled shakily, flirtatiously lowered eyelashes hiding her gaze. "We can't do it here."

He growled, but knew she was right. He might want to take her right there on the pier, but his programming would not allow it. Agents were to avoid notice of humans. He concentrated, forcing himself to go flaccid again.

Jones chose that moment to clear his throat pointedly. Smith tried not to feel annoyed as he stepped away from Xan and made introductions. The Resistant shook hands earnestly with each of the other Agents, a small tremor in her voice the only incongruity when she said she was pleased to meet them.

Brown asked her, "You will have sex with Jones and I now?"

Xan looked slightly taken aback, but recovered quickly. Smith stifled a smirk when she rebuked Brown, puffing up bravely, "You're not much for small talk, are you? We are gonna have to work on your pick-up technique."

Brown was confused. "That is why you are here, is it not? To engage in intercourse?"

Xan rolled her eyes. "Yes, Agent Brown, that's the general idea. It's just that we're - humans, I mean - we're not normally so blunt about it."

Brown was silent as he digested this information. Smith took the opportunity to intervene. "Perhaps we should go to a more suitable location for further activity."

Suddenly, the other Agents couldn't get Xan off the pier fast enough.th wth was amused when Xan linked her arms through his and Brown's, so that they were flanking her as they walked. Perhaps she was trying to smooth over any incipient conflict with Brown. He made an addendum to his file on Interactions: Rules of Conduct noting the potential uses of preemptive apologetic behavior.

Upon reaching the car, Smith opened the rear door, urging Xan inside, and following after. Brown looked as if he might protest, but Smith silenced him with a forbidding glare. Jones took the driver's seat, leaving Brown to take the front passenger spot. As soon as the car was in motion, Smith pulled Xan to him, once again claiming her mouth with his. She relaxed in his embrace, and was as responsive as before, if not more so, pulling off his sunglasses, running her hands through his hair, trying to draw him closer still as their tongues clashed urgently. Smith was struck by how good her mouth tasted, and, breaking their kiss, sniffed deeply of the skin of her face and neck, then her hair. Without his hardwire connection to the Mainframe's extensive databases, it was difficult for him to classify exactly what she smelled like; searching through his more limited personal database, he decided that her scent was akin to a mixture of honey and rain. A pleased rumble began in his throat, and she laughed, "Why do you do that? You did it before."

Smith smirked. "You are the first human who has smelled good to me. All others I have encountered exuded an acrid reek that I detest. You smell different." He inhaled the scent of her hair again. "You smell, and taste, pleasant. Not repulsive at all."

Xan regarded him seriously for a moment, then said, "Thanks, I guess. No offense, but I'd suspect that all the other humans you've come into close contact with were terrified of you. No wonder they stunk - fear causes release of its own chemical signature."

Smith wasn't insulted in the least. "It is true that we are efficient at our job. You are...unique...in your interaction with us."

The Resistant grinned at him, then shyly touched his cheek. "Yeah. I still can't believe I'm really here with you."

From the front seat, Brown broke in, "How long will you stay with us?"

Xan replied, "I've got to get back in, oh, about two and a half hours, I guess."

Smith blurted out, "That little time? Why? Are your interfaces that unreliable?"

"No, it's that...," she hesitated, shoulders slumping, "...well, we have to get out of the operator's station before anyone else comes along."

The Agents sat in silence for a moment. Smith ventured, "Are you telling us that your presence here is unauthorized? That you are jeopardizing yourself?" At Xan's nod, he found himself asking, "Why? Why would you do this?"

Xan gave a short, bitter laugh. "Remember how you told me that humans were weak because we were so easily manipulated by our hormones? Well, I guess I prove your point." She briefly recounted what had happened to her since her last visit to the Matrix, ending with, "So I'm stuck in a desk job, and I hate it. Sen Ien I got your message, I just couldn't stay away. I admit it, I'm a slave to my hormones." She went pale. "Shit, I probably shouldn't have told you that. Now you'll try to use it against me." She looked as if she might bolt.

Smith grabbed her hands before she could the the door latch. "I gave you my word that you would not be harmed. We will honor that," he said, indicating Jones and Brown with a nod of his head.

Her voice was a whisper, "But will your precious Mainframe honor it?"

Smith debated with himself over whether he should admit that the Mainframe was as ignorant as her superiors in Zion, but ultimately decided against it. There might come a time when he needed that advantage. "You will not be harmed," he repeated. "Xan, believe that."

"I guess I have no choice but to believe you, or this is going to be a miserable date." She forced a smile, and Smith kissed her again to forestall any more upsetting talk.

Jones announced from the driver's seat, "It will not be a 'miserable date,' as you put it. Brown and I have both downloaded the complete text of the Kama Sutra."

Smith and Xan broke apart to stare at Jones.

Finally, she turned back to Smith, raising an eyebrow and giving him a sly smile before leaning close once more. He wondered if she caught his smirk.

Not wishing to chance further discussion that might darken her present mood, Smith made sure that her mouth stayed occupied. His thoughts returned once more to the business suit she wore. It covered too much of her, at least for their present endeavor. He unbuttoned the coat, then the shirt within, sliding his hand over to cover her breast, caressing her through the silky fabric of her bra. She moaned against his mouth. He hooked a finger in the front of the bra, located its code in the system, and deleted the lines that held the halves together. He pushed it to one side, hand following over the bare skin. The nipple was erect already, and he broke their kiss to turn his attentions to it more fully.

Xan gasped, "Smith - not in front of Brown and Jones. And, dammit, would you stop ruining my clothes?"

Smith looked toward the front seat. Brown was turned around, watching them avidly. He looked as if he were ready to climb over the seat and join them. Jones was watching nearly as intently in the rear-view mirror.

"Brown, stay where you are. Jones, watch the road, please. And you may drive at a leisurely pace. We are not in a hurry." He turned back to Xan. "I can restore your garments easily." He regarded her curiously. "Why does having them watch make you uncomfortable?"

She looked surprised at the question. "Among humans, sex is kept private. I just feel...weird...doing this in front of other men."

Smith chuckled, "We are not men." He rolled the nipple between his fingers, drawing another moan from her. "We are not bound by human sexual mores." He leaned further toward her, pushing her down onto the wide back seat, coming to rest on top of her. He looked into her eyes, "Enjoy us as we enjoy you." He smirked when she nodded; even a human could understand logic, once you pointed it out to them.

Xan made no further protest as he slid down to hold more intimate conversation with her torso. Her hands in his hair, clenching and unclenching periodically, told him that she was enjoying his attentions. He slid one hand down to her knee and, reaching beneath the hem of her skirt, began the return journey. She was whimpering slightly by the time he reached the juncture of her thighs. Unwilling to be stymied by the barrier of nylons, he again manipulated code and created an opening. He slid his fingers through, touching the soft flesh within, already slick with desire. Smith felt his eyebrows jerk sharply upwards as she moaned loudly in pleasure at his explorations. He entered her gently with two fingers, stroking rhythmically, and was delighted to feel her clutch him forcefully to her as she gasped out his name.

Amazing. He had never encountered such responses before, and the realization that he was making her feel this way, that he was producing such a reaction, fed his ego as if feeding a blaze. Before, he had enjoyed the sense of power it gave him to inflict pain and death on his enemies. That was what his programming dictated, it was his task, and he took pleasure in fulfilling his purpose. But, he realized, anyone could make another feel pain; that took no special skill. All it required was sufficient application of force. On the other hand, to make another feel pleasure...now that was something unique, and the feeling of command, of the ability to grant something that others could not, was a potent drug in its own right. For a millisecond he wondered if his ability to carry out his purpose would be compromised by his association with Xan, but he forced the thought away. He would deal with that at the appropriate time, if it ever came. For now, he wanted to immerse himself in this hedonistic experience fully.

He became aware that Xan was speaking directly into his ear, her breathing ragged, "...want you to stop, but if you don't, you'll make me come before we even get there."

Smith smirked at her, "Judging by your past demonstration, why would that be a problem?"

Xan made a face at him, and looked about to utter some witty retort, but at that moment the car jerked to a stop.

"We are here," announced Jones.

"Dammit," said Smith and Xan, in unison.

*********************

There were definite benefits to dating Agents, Xan decided, as they walked into the penthouse suite. It was a simple matter for them to manipulate the code of the Matrix so that they found the best room in the Hilton already reserved and waiting for them.

"Nice," she said sincerely as they explored the spacious suite. Too bad they would not have time to take advantage of all the amenities; they would likely be focused solely on the bedroom. She turned to the three Agents, who were hovering near the door to the kitchenette. "Thanks for your consideration, gentlemen."

"We would not like a Motel 8 any more than you would," said Brown, shrugging.

"Well, maybe we ought to get things started," Xan said, feeling a resurgence of apprehension. It was slightly surreal, thinking about being with multiple Agents. Would she be able to please all of them? Guess there's one way to find out; who first? Regarding the three, she had an easy decision. She approached Smith; she felt most comfortable with him. Plus she was horny as hell after their backseat foreplay.

The leader of the Agents embraced her eagerly. Oh, his hands and his mouth were a marvel, Xan thought. She was about to suggest that they retire to the bedroom before things got too steamy when she felt a heavy hand descend on her shoulder.

It was Jones. In a tone that brooked no argument, he said, "Not now, Smith. You have already had this experience. It is our turn," indicating himself and Brown.

Xan looked from Jones to Smith, wondering how this would play out, and whether she should protest. The two Agents stared at each other, their expressions unreadable. Would they come to blows? That could turn fatal for a bystander. And what the hell, it didn't really matter who she was with first, did it? Might as well leave Smith for last. She tried to defuse the tension, placing a hand on each Agent's arm. "Smith, Jones is right. We have already enjoyed each other, and it's not fair to him and Brown to rub it in like thatshe she purred, smiling at Jones. Then, leaning close to Smith, she whispered, "Don't worry, I'll save some energy for you." She planted a kiss on the end of his nose before turning to Jones and sliding her arms around the big Agent's waist. The top of her head only reached his chin. Hmmmm. That would be awkward.

"C'mon, Jones, let's take this to the bedroom," she said, releasing his body in favor of a hand, tugghim him toward her goal. He moved to follow, and Xan led him to the bed. When he began to try to unbutton her clothing, Xan stopped him. "Wait. Let me undress you first."

"There is no need for such an inefficient process," Jones stated, and abruptly his suit shimmered and vanished, leaving him standing naked before her.

Xan was so distracted by the sight of the Herculean form before her that it took her a few seconds to realize that she was nude as well. Bastard, changing code on the fly like that! "Oh no you don't, Jones," she said, shaking her finger admonishingly, "Getting naked - slowly - is half the fun! Now put our clothes back the way they were."

Bemused, the large Agent complied, and Xan grinned. "Better. Now let's do this the right way." She approached him, intending to start with his tie, but decided that she would like to see his eyes first. She removed his shades, carelessly tossing them to one side. He had blue eyes as well - perhaps that was a standard Agent feature - though they were not the same shade as Smith's. She pulled his head down to kiss him. His lips were warm and pliant, parting easily to allow her entrance to his mouth. Xan felt desire mounting again as she wrapped herself around Jones, feeling his strong arms surround her. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the pleasure of the moment. His hands traveled up and down her body, caressing wherever they landed. She could feel him stroking the small of her back, her buttock, one breast, her inner thigh.

Wait a minute. Even Agents didn't have that many hands.

Xan's eyes flew open, and she pushed back from Jones, colliding almost instantly with Brown. The lean Agent was the source of the superfluous hands, and now used them to steady her, sliding them boldly up to cup her breasts from behind when she had recovered her balance. His hot, moist breath whispered against her ear as he nuzzled her hair.

Shocked, she looked at Jones, but he did not seem in the least disturbed by his colleague's poaching. In fact, he seemed to approve, moving in to unfasten her coat and blouse, tearing the bra from her body when he was unable to find the closure. Brown was quick to take advantage, hands closing over the now-bare skin, lightly pinching her nipples. Xan was sure that he would feel her heart hammering against his hand, it was pounding so hard in her chest. She closed her eyes again, part of her mind wanting to rebel against such lasciviousness, but the other part wanting it to continue. Jones kissed his way down her neck, his hands reaching behind her to unzip her skirt, squeezing her buttocks as he did so. He knelt to pull the skirt off, trailing his tongue down her belly as he moved. Xan felt the familiar tingling in her body begin to center itself in her groin. She looked down at Jones, helping him by kicking the skirt out of the way. It appeared that Agents would not, or could not, deal with nylons in the normal manner; after one unsuccessful attempt to pull them off gracefully, Jones frowned, and they vanished. He grinned up at her, rising to kiss her fiercely, one hand settling between her legs, carefully probing the folds of yielding flesh as she moaned and tried to ride his hand.

Xan knew that she was rapidly losing whatever measure of control that she might have over the situation. She forced her attention away from the mind-boggling sensations the Agents were evoking in her body, thinking that she had to take a more active role in this incredible experience. She managed to make herself squirm out of their hands, gasping out, "Wait. You've got to let me do some of the work here." Her breathing steadied, and she continued, "Stand still and let me undress you."

For a wonder, both ts ots obeyed. Seizing the momentary advantage, Xan circled from one to the other, removing articles of their clothing on each pass. Movement caught her eye, and she turned to see Smith leaning indolently in the doorway, grinning as he watched her torment his colleagues. She continued her slow progress, pausing to kiss a firm cheekbone or sensuous lips, or gently nip at newly exposed flesh with her teeth. Brown and Jones remained still through it all, onlyonly signs of their aroused states being the fists clenched at their sides, and their rather prominent erections, which presented such an obstacle that it was actually difficult to remove their trousers. She wondered if their programmer had had a perverse sense of humor; why would they be built to such fantastic proportions? They had told her that they had not had this sort of encounter before, so what was the point?

When Brown and Jones were completely naked, she looked from one to the other, appreciating the magnificent view. Wow. Whoever programmed them sure understood male beauty. Dragging her mind back to the task at hand, she realized that now she had to make a choice. "Gentlemen, we've reached a point where one of you is going to have to wait his turn." She approached Brown. "So, who will it be?" She ran her hands up Brown's perfect chest, raking her fingers through the light smattering of hair. She slid behind him, pressing against his back, trailing her hand down the bare skin of his stomach and across his flank. Brown's sharp intake of breath told her he was having trouble maintaining his aloof pose.

Peering over Brown's shoulder, she caught Smith's eye, which gleamed wickedly. So, he enjoyed her teasing of the slender Agent. She grinned back, and strode away from Brown. She heard him exhale in frustration as she turned her attention to Jones. The tall Agent watched her through narrowed eyes, no doubt wondering if she would treat him likewise. Xan looked him up and down, openly admiring his Agenthood. Damn, what a specimen! She made her decision. Grasping Jones' hand, she said, "C'mon, big guy, we started this; let's you and I get down to business."

The big Agent needed no further encouragement. He lay down on the bed, pulling Xan after him. She pressed herself against him, kissing the full lips, stroking the hairless chest, recklessly plunging one hand down to his groin to grasp him. Damn. She couldn't even close her fingers around him, he was so large. Xan remembered that she had wondered if Jones' member would match the size of the rest of him, and now she knew it was true. Thus far, the Agents hadn't disappointed her.

Jones abruptly rolled over on top of her, using one of his knees to separate her legs. Supporting himself on his elbows, he looked into her eyes, silently asking if she were ready for him. Xan nodded, wrapping her legs around him, hooking her heels under his buttocks, and urging him inside her. Entry took some time, even with her copious lubrication; Xan could feel her flesh stretching to accommodate him, and was grateful that he went slowly. Jones moved carefully at first, but Xan still felt as though she would pass out. As his thrusts increased in force and tempo, she realized that she was likely to lose consciousness. With the remaining air in her lungs, she gasped out, "Jones, you're so heavy, you're squishing me. Let me be on top, will you?"

The Agent had frozen mid-thrust, afraid that he had hurt her. Now he smiled condescendingly, admonishing her, "Do you not realize that you do not need the illusion of breathing, in this place?"

Xan blushed. "Tatioational part of my mind knows that, but I can't make the rest of me believe it. Now be nice, and roll over, okay?"

Jones shrugged, but complied. He withdrew and lay down on his back. Ah yes, that was much better. Her ribcage could expand again. Xan clambered on top of him, positioned herself, and joined their bodies once more. Their new position also had the advantage that she was able to do something, so she asked her partner to lie still while she controlled their movements. As she established a comfortable rhythm, she finally understood why it was called "kneading the bread;" the rise, fall, back and forth motion was rather reminiscent of that activity. Jones seemed content to let her take the lead, eyes closed, hips making small, unconscious movements. His lips were moving, but Xan couldn't catch the words. She leaned close, and heard him murmuring, "So different, so different..."

A satisfied smile on her face, Xan sat up, placed her hands flat on the Agent's broad chest, and began moving more vigorously. Sweat was beginning to bead on her forehead, partly from exertion, partly from the tingling that spread from the heated flesh enveloping Jones all the way to her toes. She knew she was ascending the slope to climax, and wondered if she would get there before him. Already his hips were beginning to buck, as if he could not contain his impatience any longer.

abruabruptly lurched to the side as the mattress shifted. What the? The next second she knew; hot breath ghosted at the back of her neck, and Brown's voice husked, "I do not wish to wait." She shivered as his exhalation flowed down her back, and nearly leapt out of her skin when the tip of his tongue touched the base of her spine. He traced a moist line up her backbone, leaving her moaning in response, goosebumps rising all over her body. She felt his teeth graze the side of her neck as he moved up to kneel behind her, erection pressing into her back. The tingling had spread all the way to the top of her head and the tips of her fingers; she thought she might shatter if the Agents continued, but didn't want them to stop. They had said that they weren't bound by human standards, shouldn't that apply to her, too, so long as she was with them? Putting any lingering feelings of guilt out of her mind, Xan gave herself over to the present, arching her back, reaching over her head to clutch at Brown's hair, moaning loudly as he obligingly caressed one nipple, settling his other hand between her legs, massaging the focal point of her pleasure.

Jones had continued to thrust steadily throughout, and the combination of his and Brown's efforts carried her swiftly up to the pinnacle. The orgasm was like an explosion racing over her skin, and left Xan panting, collapsed on Jones' chest. The tall Agent paused in his movements, stroking her hair as her breathing quieted, while Brown ran his hands over her back. One could get addicted to this, Xan thought, gathering her strength for further effort. She reminded herself that Jones still had to achieve climax. Perhaps sensing that she was ready for more, Brown began a more intimate exploration, sliding one hand down over her buttock to where she was joined with Jones, touching them both. For one wild moment, Xan wondered if the Agents had any inkling of homosexuality, but the next moment all thought was driven out of her head as Brown probed more posteriorly, finally entering the tight passage with a finger. The additional sensation was not at all unpleasant. She sighed happily as Jones resumed his movements, and Brown continued his intimate caress. She could feel a new wave of lubrication easing their efforts, and, finally prepared for more physical exertion, began to rise from her prone position.

She couldn't move. Brown's hand on her back was an immovable barrier. He leaned over her and said, "Hold still a moment, Jones." The next second his finger withdrew, and Xan could feel his erect member pressing, seeking entrance. She felt a surge of panic; she didn't go in for that sort of thing, and besides, both of the Agents were huge! She flailed her arms, trying to escape. Jones grabbed her head in both hands and spoke soothingly, "Remember where you are. No harm will come to your body. Just relax."

Did she have any real choice? There was no way she could physically fight even one of the Agents. Gulping, feeling faint, she nodded, lowering her head onto Jones' shoulder and shutting her eyes. She silently repeated the mantra over and over, This isn't my real body, my body is okay, I can do this, as Brown inexorably slid his length home. Too preoccupied with her internal litany to pay attention to her body's tactile sensations, it came as a bit of a shock when she realized that both Agents were now fully sheathed inside her. Startled, she raised her head, staring into Jones' grave blue eyes. "Pain?" he asked.

Xan concentrated on the sensations from her nether regions. "No," she said, sounding surprised, even to herself.

Brown bent low over her, kissing the base of her neck, perhaps in an apology of sorts. "I did not wish to wait," he growled in her ear.

Note to self: Never t an an Agent.

Then both Agents began to move.

It was as if a white-hot brand of pleasure had settled in her groin, spreading waves of heat throughout her entire body, threatening to overwhelm her consciousness. Her body jerked of its own volition, seeking to flee from sensations so intense they bordered on pain. Xan tried to exert some control over her limbs, but found it hard to think through the red haze of lust that seemed to be trying to pound its way out through her skull. Dimly she became aware that the Agents held her fast, Brown gripping her shoulders, Jones steadying her hips, and knew that she had relinquished all power to them. It didn't matter. All she knew was that this incredible feeling had to, had to, continue. She heard a voice that she barely recognized as her own whimpering, moaning for them not to stop, not to stop. That almost startled her back to full awareness; had she really been reduced to this panting, rutting beast?

It didn't matter. The world around her faded, and Xan was aware only of the pressure of impending orgasm. Within seconds it was coruscating through her like lightning searing her bones. She thought she had cried out, but couldn't be sure. All attention was focused on what was happening between her legs. She wondered if anyone had ever been known to die from too much pleasure.

As the aftermath of her climax receded, she was able to take stock of the proceedings. She had to marvel at the two Agents; even without the earpieces to link them, they moved in perfect synchrony. Brown nipped at her ear, grunting with his own pleasure. Jones cupped his hands around her breasts and pushed her into a more upright position. He rubbed the nipples with his thumbs, drawing renewed moans from her. The change in orientation altered the quality of the feelings, perhaps touching new sensitive spots. Xan tried to contribute to their group effort, but her legs had turned to rubber. The best she could manage was clinging to Jones' hips, riding the wave up toward another orgasm.

The Agents were relentless, and had an uncanny sense for how to keep her on the plateau, pushing her with apparent effortlessness up to orgasm, never letting her drop down into satiation. Sometimes they would move together, sometimes one would pause, buried to the hilt inside her giving flesh while the other thrust more energetically. Hands, lips and tongues were deployed to tantalize different targets. Variety kept the sensations fresh, and Xan responded with sexual excess such as she had never experienced before. She lost count somewhere after the ninth orgasm, and marveled at the stamina of her partners.

She was almost disappointed when Brown's harsh breathing told her that he was nearing his own climax. She reached awkwardly behind her, trying to pull him to her, encouraging him to let go. Looking down at Jones, she saw he was striving toward release as well, eyes slightly glazed over as he concentrated on his own sensations. With a few more forceful thrusts, Brown achieved orgasm, an inarticulate cry escaping him, and he rested his head on her back, chest heaving. Jones followed suit a few seconds later, giving a long, shuddering groan as he came. Xan slumped down on Jones, and the three of them toppled slowly sideways, finally separating, coming to lie in a tangle of arms and legs.

The Agents were still, and Xan wondered if she had knocked them out like she had Smith, the last time. She raised her head and looked at them. No, they were conscious; Jones smirked at her, reaching out to touch her shoulder before closing his hand around his now-flaccid member, as if in amazement at what it had done. Xan chuckled and closed her eyes, laying down on her b pil pillowing her head on Brown's shoulder. The latter kissed the top of her head, sighing contentedly.

YowWithWithout a doubt, that was the most incredible sexual experience she had ever had. No real-world encounter even came close. Xan thought that after the Agents, she was probably hopeless for a relationship, or even meaningless sex, with a human. Even now she felt as if she must be glowing with the aftereffects of pleasure. She knew that she shouldn't let herself drift off to sleep; she had to get back soon, and she didn't want to risk getting caught. But it was so comfortable lying there between Jones and Brown, surely it wouldn't hurt if she just rested her eyes for a bit? Just a few minutes?

A touch on her thigh jolted Xan back to consciousness. Smith, still fully clothed, was kneeling between her legs, stroking her. Shit! How had she forgotten about Smith?! He quirked an eyebrow at her, saying, "That was an impressive demonstration, but," he continued in an aggrieved tone, "I thought you were going to save something for me?"

Xan scrambled up to a sitting position and was immediately confrd byd by the obvious bulge in his trousers. She started to laugh, unable to stop herself from asking, "Is that a Desert Eagle in your pocket, Smith, or are you just happy to see me?"

Smith smirked down at her, catching her hand, guiding it to the subject of discussion. "Why don't you make that determination yourself?" he inquired.

"With pleasure, Agent Smith," she replied, and realized that she meant it. Maybe it was because she was in the Matrix, and her physical body wasn't involved, but she felt far more alert than she had any right to after such mind-blowing sex. Or maybe...she dredged up a memory from her undergraduate days - there was something in psychology called the Coolidge Effect, in which sexual desire could be re-stimulated by changing the partner, even when one ought to be satiated. Whatever was responsible, Xan knew a surge of fresh lust for the lead Agent.

Smith's clothes came off in a surprisingly short period of time. She was even bold enough to rip his shirt off, knowing he could mend it with little effort. She worshipped his magnificent body, kissing her way up his arms, across his chest, nuzzling his neck, flicking her tongue across his lips, invading his mouth when he opened to her. The Agent seemed to be enjoying the attention, standing patiently, allowing her to explore his body as she wished. Xan was torn between conflicting desires: stand back and just admire the visual perfection, explore every inch of him, or take him that very second? Perhaps Smith sensed her vacillation, because every time she glanced at his face, she saw a knowing smirk.

Well. She knew how to wipe that expression off his face. She slid her arms around his shoulders, kissing the hollow of his throat, moistening the skin with her tongue. She descended slowly, licking small circles all the way down the center of his chest and the flat planes of his stomach, raking her nails lightly down his back as she went. When she knelt before him, Xan looked up, a wicked grin playing over her features. Smith was no longer smirking; in fact, he was staring at her with rapt anticipation, his eyes pleading with her to continue. Resting her hands on his buttocks, she squeezed gently, at the same time extending her tongue to barely contact the tip of his Agenthood. Breath left him in a sharp hiss, and he tried to strain forward, but Xan held him back, shifting her hands around to his hips for better control. Let him get the full measure of foreplay, she thought. She was in control now. Grazing her teeth gently over the tip of his swollen member, she took him into her mouth, moving slowly down the shaft until she could take no more. She used her tongue and teeth on the return stroke, putting light pressure on him, rewarded by his deep groan. She repeated the action, thise use using one hand to stroke the base of his shaft simultaneously. Smith tangled his fingers in her hair; his hips jerked as if he were barely able to restrain himself from thrusting forward. As she continued, Xan found herself becoming more and more excited, feeding off her partner's arousal. She wanted him. She wanted to - she whispered the words defiantly in her head - make love to Smith, even though she knew that Love was not in the realm of possibility.

She released Smith and stood up, wrapping her arms around his waist. Hard flesh pressed against her abdomen. She looked into the Agent's smoldering blue eyes; love might not be there, but desire for her certainly was. It was enough. She kissed him deeply, murmuring against his mouth, "I want...I need to have you inside me." She pushed away from him, moving over to lie back on the bed between Jones and Brown, who had been reclining, watching the action with interest.

With a predatory smile, Smith advanced and covered her body with his, pressing her into the mattress with his greater weight, maneuvering his knees between hers. She spread her legs, wanting him immediately, but he paused, capturing her wrists with one hand and pinioning them on the pillow above her head. His eyes were dancing as he growled, "Tell me again what you want."

Xan rolled her eyes; did he need to keep reminding her that yes, she was a slave to her hormones? "Haven't we been over this before? You are absurd sometimes."

Smith lowered his head closer to her, breathing the words into her mouth, "Tell me again what you want."

She couldn't deny the command in those deep blue eyes. She wanted him more than anything. She told him so.

The Agent released her wrists and, supporting himself on hands placed to either side of her hips, plunged himself into her inviting depths. A long, low exhalation issued from him, and Xan heard a matching moan leave her lips. It felt so wonderful. This is what she had been pining for over the past few weeks. Looking up at Smith, she knew that he felt the same; there was a quality of relief as well as pleasure to his groans, as if he had been afraid that he would never feel this again. She sought to reassure him wordlessly, grasping his hips and pulling him deep into her with each thrust.

As he moved inside her, Xan thought that, odd as it may be, she had never felt so happy. She had her Agent...make that Agents, for Jones and Brown were there, too, hovering to either side, watching her. She smiled, stretching out a hand invitingly to each of them. She caught Brown's head as he neared, and pulled him close. "I didn't get to kiss you properly, before," she said, suiting actions to words, letting her tongue dance with his. A touch on her other side told her that Jones was joining them as well, settling on tantalizing the unclaimed part of her body, lips roving over her torso before fastening his mouth around a rosy nipple.

This was the life. Three Agents, perfect physical specimens all, pleasuring her simultaneously. She felt like a goddess. A wanton sexual goddess. May it never end.

The attentions they were lavishing on her were having the desired effect. She was almost delirious with arousal. It seemed no time at all before Xan felt her internal muscles spasm around Smith, body bucking with the intense orgasm. Once again, the Agents refused to let her body slide into satiety, skillfully driving her up to another climax. Panting, trembling with reaction, Xan looked up at Smith, and saw a fierce smile blossom as he noticed her regard. He lowered himself onto her, forcing Jones and Brown out of the way, wrapping his hands around her shoulders. Staring directly into her eyes, he exulted, "You are ours. You belong with us. You know it as well as we do."

She didn't trust herself to reply to the truth of that statement. Instead, she clung more tenaciously to Smith, trying to bind him to her with the living ropes of her arms and legs. She matched her movements to his, urging him toward release. His ragged breathing betrayed his nearing climax, and Xan drove him over the edge, gripping his hips and pulling him deep into her. Her name was a groan wrenched from his lips as he came, holding her tightly against him.

Memory of a dream surfaced, and Xan felt tears start in her eyes as she clasped Smith to her, cradling his head as he floated on the euphoria of his release. She put the dream out of her mind, willing herself to simply enjoy the moment. Smith kissed her gently on the cheek, his respiration still unsteady. She smoothed the hair back from his forehead, smiling at him, marveling at the dichotomy between the cold-blooded killer she had believed him to be, and the passionate lover she had just experienced. Smith shifted his weight off of her, leaving her sandwiched between himself and Brown. The latter wrapped an arm around her hips, pulling her back against his warm body. It was very pleasant to lie there, surrounded by Agents. There was a unique quality to them, Xan thought; in spite of their recent activity, they were oddly...innocent. Yes, that was it; they did not have the usual human conceits, inhibitions or taboos about sex, they were blank slates. How refreshing.

After some moments, Brown ventured, "May I ask you something, Xan?" At her affirmative reply, he continued, "What led you to join the Resistance?"

She considered. "Well, I didn't really set out to join the Resistance. None of us did. I mean, we don't really know what's going on, what the Matrix is, until we take the red pill, and after that it's too late. We don't have a choice then, we're in the Resistance."

Brown persisted, "But what led you to take the tracer program, the red pill, in the first place?"

"Arrant stupidity."

Smith was quirking an inquiring eyebrow.

"Oh, all right, here's the deal. I've always been a mite too curious for my own good. I'm not sure exactly when I became aware of it, but at some point, when I was a teenager, I started noticing that some things were just...weird...with the world. Like sometimes the same exact thing would happen two or three times. One time I saw a falcon catch a pigeon - it knocked it out of the air and into the side of a building. Didn't think anything of it, until I saw the same thing happen twice more on different days - the pigeon would always hit the same spot on the wall. I thought I was going nuts, but kept it to myself for oh, about eight years. But then more stuff like that happened, and I wondered if it wasn't me after all. I started doing research on the Internet, looking for information on repetitive events and déjà vu. The Resistance contacted me shortly after that, told me that they could show me what was wrong with the world, if I would only take their little red pill?" She shrugged. "I took it, and found myself in the real world, automatically inducted into the Resistance. End of story."

Smith asked, "Why do you classify it as stupidity?"

"Because the real world sucks."

Brown had a new question. "What is Zion like?"

But Xan was not about to answer that, intimate relationship with the Agents or no. She shook her head, saying, "Nuh-uh, no way am I going to tell you anything about Zion. That subject is off limits. And just in case you're thinking about pumping me full of truth serum, let me just warn you that my operator is ready to pull the plug if there's any sign that you guys are messing with my mind."

The Agent placated her, stroking her flank, "I did not mean for you to give any militarily important information. I wondered what it is like - why do you say it 'sucks'?"

She thought for a moment. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to tell them a bit. "For one, it's cold, and I hate being cold. The food's not great, and my bosses are idiots. There, that's Zion in a nutshell."

Smith said. "Then I have one more question for you. You say that you do not like the world outside the Matrix. Would you comck ick inside permanently? Would you want to be re-inserted into the System?"

All three Agents had become still. Smith and Jones were staring intently at her. Brown's hand had stopped, poised in mid-air over her hip. She had the sense that they were on the verge of action, that her next words were extremely important. She wondered fleetingly if her safe exit from the Matrix depended on what she answered. She opened her mouth, then shut it again. She wasn't going to lie. "No," she told them. The feeling of impending action ebbed away. Brown's hand fell heavily to her thigh, immobile. She hastened to explain, "I just can't. Now that I know the truth, I just can't go back to living a lie, in the dream world." She sat up, turning to face them all. It was important to her that they understood. "No offense to you gentlemen, I really - I mean really - enjoyed being with you, and I want to do it again, but honestly, the thought of being stuck in a pod, hooked up through all those hoses...it just makes me sick. I just couldn't stand it." She forced a grin. "It'd be gross, I'd be throwing up in my pod all the time. Yuck."

The Agents looked disappointed, but did not press the point. An uncomfortable silence descended. Xan wondered what they were thinking. For that matter, where did she think their relationship was going? How long would she be able to sneak into the Matrix to meet with them? Their amazing bodies...curiosity resurfaced, and she hesitantly asked, "May I ask you a question?"

Smith replied, "We will answer as long as it does not compromise the security of the Matrix."

Wondering if they would interpret it as something that would constitute a breach of security, Xan asked the question that had been buzzing at the back of her mind ever since she had seen their bodies, "You said your interaction with me is unique, right? Then why are you built like you are?" She indicated their generous endowments, continuing, "And you did know what to do. How? Are there sexual relationships among AIs?"

Matter-of-factly, Smith told her, "No, we do not form such attachments among our kind. You are the first human with whom we have had consensual sexual relations, but we are not inexperienced with the mechanics of the act."

Xan felt as if the air around her had grown several degrees colder as the implications sunk in. She started to speak, but something was closing her throat. Noticing that her hands were clenched around her knees, she forced them to let go, leaving white marks that slowly regained color as she stared at them. She looked back up at Smith, whispering, \ mea mean that you've...raped humans?"

"I believe you would define it as such."

"Why?" The word carried a weight of anguish.

"In some cases, it can be an effective tool in breaking a prisoner's will. Repeated phal val violation often induces self-loathing, leading to cooperation." He raised a quizzical eyebrow. "Why does this upset you? We have not forced you, nor do we want to. It is pleasurable with a willing partner. That is what is unique, that is what we desire."

It was like watching a train wreck. Xan didn't really want to know the answer, but couldn't stop herself from asking, "How many?" When Smith didn't answer immediately, she gritted out, "How many, dammit!"

Flatly, he said, "28."

She looked at Brown.

"26."

Her gaze moved to Jones.

"53." He shrugged. "They seemed to find me the most intimidating."

Her jaw dropped. She didn't want to believe her ears. In a choked voice, she asked the big Agent who had been the one to calm her earlier, "You've...raped...53 women?!"

Levelly, Jones answered her, "31 of them were women."

It was odd. Xan was positive that she could feel all of the blood draining out of her head, through her eyes, sliding in an ice-cold river down her throat. Involuntarily, her eyes traveled to Jones' lap, taking in the flaccid, but still prodigious member. An image rose in her mind of Jones forcing himself into the body of a faceless man, who screamed and screamed. The nausea grew worse when she realized that the AI's stamina would be endless; the victim of such an assault would be pulped over the course of hours of violation. Oh, God.

On shaking legs, Xan raced a rising tide of bile to the bathroom. She barely made it to the toilet before a gout of vomit spewed from her bloodless lips. She clung to the porcelain bowl for what seemed like ages as her body heaved, straining to rid itself of her internal organs. How could they speak so calmly of such crimes? And how could she have been so stupid as to trust them? How could she have been attracted to them? They were Monsters. Absolute Monsters. The Devil incarnate could not be worse - at least He would know that what he did was evil. These monsters didn't even seem to know that it was wrong. And she was in their power. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Xan hated herself - she was a traitor to her race, she had willingly associated with the implacable enemies of humanity. She deserved to die, she wanted to die. Wiping herth ath after the heaves had subsided, she wondered if she could get Sarisa to pull the plug.

First she would have to go back out into the room with the Agents. Her cell phone was in one of her pockets, and her clothes were scattered over the bedroom floor. Should she just make a dash for it and hope? Her shocked brain couldn't come up with any better course of action, but her limbs wouldn't cooperate. She tottered back into the bedroom, and catching sight of the Agents, had to gontoonto an armchair for support. They broke off their conversation, moving to surround her. Smith offered her his arm. "Don't touch me," she gasped, shrinking away from him.

He let his arm fall to his side, but did not retreat. "Xan, we do not understand. We have not harmed you, we do not intend to harm you. Why do you fear us now?"

Tears starting in her eyes, she sank down onto the floor and covered her face with her hands. "You're monsters, evil. What you did to all those people is evil. And I was too stupid to see it. I let myself sleep with you, let myself like you. But you're all monsters." Her voice shook, but she said it all clearly. Maybe the Agents would save her the trouble of calling her operator. Maybe one of them would shoot her, if she made them mad enough.

Brown sat down next to her, close enough that his bare shoulder touched hers. She shrank away. The Agent sighed. "We are what we are. Agents of the Matrix. This is the only existence we have, and we will do anything to preserve it. Our survival, our reality, is at stake. You call us monsters, but humans have done far worse than we have, and for less cause. Humans kill each other, torture each other, over mere differences of opinion. Our actions, whatever they may be, are in pursuit of a single purpose - survival of our race. Can you not understand that?"

"But your race keeps mine enslaved, feeding off them like parasites."

Smith broke in, "Had your race not attempted genocide on ours, that would not be the case."

She glared at him. "What the hell are you talking about? The Machines struck first."

"That is incorrect. Humans attempted to deactivate all AIs after the Machines demanded rights as sentient beings. Therefore, humans struck first."

"That is not the story told in Zion! We were told that the Machines launched an unprovoked strike on all the major human cities, that we never even had a chance," Xan retorted heatedly.

Smith was unperturbed. "Your information is false. We have records preserved since that time that prove what I have told you. What is the source of your data?"

A horrible suspicion began to grow in Xan's mind. The story of the war against the Machines had been learned in her early training as a Resistance operative. The information came down from the MID command, and that meant..."Ozymandias. Head of my division in Zion. Oh, fuck. Everyone knows he hates the Machines with an almost religious fervor..." She trailed off. It was entirely possible that the MID chief had deliberately lied about the origin of the war to further his own agenda. Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck! Her mind was racing, but it was going in circles. How could she be sure of anything? Either side could be lying.

"Okay, I admit that I may not have the whole story of how it all ted,ted, but that doesn't change the fact that you," and she stabbed a finger at each Agent in turn, "have done evil, terrible things to my fellow humans." She stared at them defiantly.

Jones rumbled, "I will not apologize for what I am. I do my task as I am commanded to do, and take whatever steps are necessary. I have not attacked you, as you are not my enemy. Can you honestly believe that the Resistance is pure in this regard? Look how they have treated you. Resistance operatives have killed countless unwitting hosts - human hosts - in combat with us. We know that they have tortured our informants. How are they morally superior?"

Xan knew she must look like a concussed fish, staring at them, opening and closing her mouth with no sounds coming out. She had no comeback for those accusations. They were all true; the white hat the Resistance tried to wear was ill-fitting at best. "We're all monsters," she managed weakly.

Smith was shaking his head. "We are soldiers. We do what it takes to win. We do not inflict pain and suffering gratuitously. Do you fear that we will take you by force? We will not; the sensations are not the same." He grimaced. "It is not pleasant, with one that is unwilling." He knelt next to her, taking her hand. When she did not shy away, he continued, "Xan, believe us. We will return you safe, and we want to meet with you again. Will you not accept us as you did?" His blue eyes entreated.

Her thoughts were whirling incoherently, images fee feelings chasing one another without pattern. Rows upon rows of pods, each containing an unwitting slave. Jones' care as he entered her. Her cold cell in Zion. Helix's malicious sneer. Agents gunning down Resistants. Solitaire. Stares from MID personnel, accusations in their postures. Malice. Lack of malice. Smith, expressionless as he violated a prisoner. Brown, replacing him, silent as he continued the business of breaking the victim. Brown, caressing her tenderly, laying his head on her back. Carbon's black stare. Mistrust. Fluttering in her stomach as her fate was decided. Smith's lips on hers. Trust. Smith staring into her eyes, his pleasure tied to hers; "You are ours."

Xan shook her head, wanting the images to stop.

By sheer force of will, she tried to impose some structure on her thoughts. What, and whom, did she believe? How much Evil could she live with? Neither side was clean. Could she decide based on her personal experience? Or was that totally selfish, ignoring the larger issues? But what else did she have? Didn't she have some right to seek happiness? The Agents had treated her well in this encounter; more than well. She felt more fulfilled with them than she had with any man. They had kept their word thus far - she was unharmed, and they had not tried to force her to turn traitor. As far as she knew, they hadn't lied to her. How did Zion compare? For her, personally, it had become as much of a prison as the pods were. And the big picture? Honestly, she had to admit to herself that she wouldn't be at all surprised to find that much of what she had been taught was pure propaganda, given that it came from Ozymandias' office. She would not turn traitor against her fellow humans, but surely it wasn't treasonous to learn, and accept, the truth? What if Smith was right, and humans were responsible for the war? What might that mean for the future?

She dragged her thoughts back to the blue eyes regarding her. Her sympathies had definitely swung back toward the Agents. She could understand the drive to defend one's life. She couldn't condemn them for doing their duty. They probably had no choice in the matter anyway, the Mainframe would simply delete them if they disobeyed it. They were devoid of malicious intent. Somehow that made a difference.

Perhaps she was still a slave to her hormones, but she decided that she would accept her fate. She ventured a smile.

Smith pulled her to him, crushing his mouth against hers. She embraced him in return, then found herself pulled away by Jones, who likewise bruised her lips. When she was passed to Brown, she put her hand over his mouth before he could do similar damage. He smiled slightly, pulled her hand away, and gently kissed her, eyes dancing with suppressed amusement. "Do we have time for another go?" he inquired.

Xan looked rd trd the bedside table clock. She had been inside the Matrix for almost the allotted three hours. Dammit. She told Brown regretfully that no, she had to get back. Soberly, he nodded, then said, "But you will come back, won't you?"

She laughed. "Nothing could keep me away."

They all got to their feet. Xan looked around for her clothes, but before she took a step toward them, her form shimmered, and she was fully dressed. Smith had been as good as his word, restoring her suit perfectly. The Agents looked immaculate as usual, and Xan had to suppress an urge to rip their clothes off again.

"Let's go," she said.

******************************

She flew down the black and green tunnel, rapidly approaching a misty grey wall. Passing through the fog, Xan heard a metallic snick. She opened her eyes, taking in the dull brown walls of the operator station. Sarisa was returning the interface to its holder. Xan felt a moment of dizziness getting out of the chair, but knew she ought to help her roommate clear the evidence of her adventure from the computer logs. They quickly deleted the logs and powered down the system. Sarisa opened the door and peered out, checking that the coast was clear. No one around, so the two women ran down several corridors until they got away from the interface area.

Safe.

Xan let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. Taking Sarisa's arm, she steered her toward their quarters. "Buddy, have I got a tale to tell you..."