Nomad: Source Code for the Matrix

Nomad spelled backwards is "Damon" which is similar to the name for a self-configuring, self-actuating computer program that runs in the background, or throughout the digital space inside a computer

Tabor was in the matrix room, looking at Armageddon.

   Projected onto one of the walls was an immense blowup of one of the WIRE hardware drug chips, the core layer known as the "matrix."

   A technician was explaining how this new plug drug, to be called "Armageddon," would be twice as potent as any drug of its type that had been manufactured before.

   "We've squeezed in a million more transistors," the tech explained proudly to Tabor. "A hit of one of these can be incredibly addictive."

   "What's the downside?" Tabor asked the techie. "And why hasn't production on this line been instituted yet?"

   "Well," answered the tech a little sheepishly, "there have been some problems in our development cycle. I'll show you if you'll permit me."

   He asked Tabor to come with him. They went from the projection room into the research wing.

   Here, a thick pane of double-layered glass gave vantage into a testing area. A recording camera was also pointed at the pane of glass, staring into the room like Tabor and the tech were doing.

   Inside the room beyond the large glass panel were two shaven headed Motherboarder clones in their flowing white robes. The acolytes were sitting on the floor, staring at the walls with blank expressions on their faces.

   "Everything ready?" the tech asked a woman in a blue laboratory coat like the one he wore who was seated at a console filled with multiple view screens and flashing digital displays