5Greetings, Programs! Remember the good old days when I used to update on Saturdays? Well here's to that memory! (I would have updated on Tuesday, but I'm going to be busy this week)
So, yeah...this is the very last chapter I'm submitting for The Revolution Begins. I've waited 2 years for this moment. It's been quite a ride, and I appreciate the final request to focus on Paige and Pavel, as well as why they've never gotten along. I'll be honest, I may have glossed over everything too quickly, but you guys can be the judges of that. Enjoy! ;)
Chapter 13 – Loose Ends
Paige's POV
Shame was an understatement of how she felt.
Humiliation didn't begin to cover it.
Anger boiled within and mutated into something more sinister.
Paige could not believe herself.
After reporting to Tesler to hand back the data cube and cleaning herself up, she turned in to her quarters for her sleep cycle.
Despite her exhaustion, however, she knew her inner turmoil would be keeping her up for a while.
The Renegade.
She couldn't keep that blasted Program out of her head. He betrayed her.
Just when she was beginning to trust him, to believe that maybe he deserved to explain himself, to share why he fought.
He seemed like a decent guy…until he turned tail and left her dangling off a cliff with hardly a backward glance.
Not that she blamed him; she'd probably do the same thing to the criminal.
If there was one Program she had to despise more than the Renegade though, would be Pavel. Most of the outward negativity she was feeling was mostly directed at her colleague.
She only felt more…hurt from the Renegade's actions.
While the female didn't believe in the fictional concept of love at first sight, she knew firsthand that utter dislike was possible even before making a first impression.
That's how it went down between Pavel and herself.
Just one look into those pale, piercing eyes was enough to know that there was something not right with that Program. Those few XilaCycles ago, she saw it.
…
Back when Tesler rescued her from the Gallium massacre, she was brought onboard his ship, and as she passed by, glanced into an open room to witness a brutal interrogation with a civilian Program and the Commander.
Although, she was told that the civilian was a criminal, supposedly an ISO sympathizer, she didn't believe that he deserved torture.
If anything, a quick, painless death would be more than sufficient.
Clearly, the male Program's thoughts didn't agree with her, as he grinned wickedly, and smacked the prisoner with a stun pike.
Watching made her sick, and Paige did her best to avoid him at least until she settled down into her new life.
Unfortunately, he didn't have the same plan.
If there was one thing besides dishonesty and betrayal that peeved Paige, it was anyone that poked their nose in business not concerning to them. It seemed that was exactly the commander's goal, too. Every time they passed in the hall, he'd give her this smile that outright creeped her out, and try to make small talk with that velvety voice that could only be described as annoying.
Some part of her felt that he wasn't exactly a people person, and being friendly didn't come easy to him; and it could be true, but whenever she caught sight of Pavel, it was clear that something was off.
It looked like he was plotting something, but the very thought sent chills down her back, and Paige thought it best to not find out. She didn't think she'd like it very much.
Like any new recruit, Paige started out from the bottom as a rookie. It was the strength and cunning that came from sheer willpower and determination that had her smoothly climbing the ladder of the ranks. All of it began slowly, but surely.
She even made the decision to change her sense of style regarding her outfit, and even grew out her hair and bangs, pulling it up into a small bun and left several strands to frame her face.
Over time, she began to see more ominous clues from the Commander. Once, she even caught him glaring at Tesler's back after being chewed on a rough cycle, something regarding his incompetence at not getting something done right. Paige would never forget that unveiled hatred for the General that spelled out pain with a promise reinforcing it.
That's when she decided to get the bearings to confront Pavel.
"Paige, what a pleasant surprise!" he greeted with a grin that immediately made her question if this was a good idea. "I'm afraid that I have a busy cycle ahead of me," Pavel continued, "So if it's time consuming, I'll have to ask you to wait, darling."
It was being addressed as "darling" so dismissively that made her straighten and narrow her eyes. "Commander Pavel," she scolded, "You may be my superior by rank, but I will not take that condescending tone from you. I came to discuss with you in regards to the threatening look you fixed our general with last cycle."
Now it was Pavel's turn to stiffen, and his eyes flashed before he concealed it with a neutral gaze. "Is that so?" he purred, "Perhaps I can make time to talk for the moment," the commander gestured to the space to his side before he turned in that direction and started walking, "Follow me,"
She fixed him with a glare that meant she wanted no funny business, and grudgingly trailed behind the Program. Pavel unlocked a door and entered without a backward glance. It slid closed silently after Paige passed through.
Folding her arms, she watched as the commander leaned over a desk and sorted through notes and several data pads. "I've been waiting," he began, shifting two particular data pads to the side and neatly stacked the rest in one of the corners, "To see how long it would take to push your buttons." He spared her a glance and smirked.
"What's the point in wanting to know that, anyway?" Paige queried, "I don't work for you," she put in.
Pavel hummed in agreement, opening a drawer to lay one of the separate data pads in before closing it again, "Not directly," he corrected, "Unless our dearest General orders it, anyway."
Paige narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "What do you hate about Tesler, anyway?"
"Now what makes you assume that I hate him?" he countered in that annoyingly smooth voice, turning around completely to face her, "I will point out that last cycle was very busy, stressful, and I had followed a direct order that resulted in more trouble that it was worth." Pavel reached behind him to pick up the other separate data pad to look through, glancing up at Paige now and then. "In my defense, I had warned him that it wouldn't work out as our dearest General had anticipated, but which would you have done, Officer?"
Paige felt more and more uncomfortable the longer she was studied. "Either way, I was going to get in trouble," Pavel informed her, "It simply could have been the result of not following orders, or because he didn't get what he wanted when I did as ordered." He leaned closer, "Here's what makes it interesting, because I was the cause of recent chaos downtown, as the result of public examples made by criminals, and I'm the one at fault, even though I had taken such instructions from Tesler."
Paige didn't avert her gaze when the commander occasionally glanced up to make eye contact as he spoke. While he was making sense, it still didn't completely answer her question. The other Program seemed to sense her impatience and got to the point. "Considering his high and powerful position as General, he can't afford to make mistakes. Not only his job, but even his life hangs in the balance. Of course, that's how scapegoats become useful, and you could imagine my frustration as a result."
Paige couldn't find the right words to respond. His defense was legit, but a nagging part of her mind couldn't help but suspect that he was trying to manipulate her, so she didn't let her guard down. She could help but soften her stern gaze though. "That doesn't call for the venomous look you gave him, though." she pointed out.
The commander observed her with schooled features that gave nothing away, "Perhaps," he mused, "Although you're the only Program to ever question me."
She furrowed her eyebrows, "That says a lot about you and your attitude," she rolled her eyes, "And I don't know what's making you want to push my buttons, but I want you to stop and give me my space."
To her surprise, all Pavel did was chuckle. "You're full of surprises, aren't you, my friend?" he murmured, but then stiffened when Paige stormed over without warning, invaded his personal space, and shoved her face directly in front of his, making him retreat. He didn't look afraid though, in fact, he looked curious and…amused?
That made Paige all the more frustrated with him.
"There's a lot of things you'll discover about me: the good, the bad, and the ugly." She declared, "And trust me, you don't want to be around to figure out the differences between them, because you won't like it. From my first impression of you, I saw a sadist who looked gleeful in dragging out a torture session of an ISO sympathizer. And while I'm not taking that Program's side, I'm disgusted that you didn't simply kill him outright instead."
As the Officer continued to rant, Pavel looked less amused and more annoyed now. Paige then fixed him with the strongest scowl she could muster, and concluded her speech. "I know that there's something off about you, and the longer I'm around, the more I feel that I'll be stabbed in the back. So don't come near me unless it's ordered, or absolutely necessary," she hissed, "I'm done playing as the timid, inferior, and helpless girl, and I'm stepping up as the best soldier that I know I can be. Commander or not, I see morality as enough justification to put you in your place if I feel that you're overstepping boundaries. We are not friends, and I don't ever see us becoming more than colleagues. Get that through your thick head before you dare to call me darling ever again."
There it was, she tore him down, insulted, and threatened him all at once, and for the first time, Paige noticed how he truly regarded her.
She would be lying if she ever dared to claim that seeing his true colors wasn't scary and threatening, but there wasn't anything he could truly do to her without getting into more trouble than he was at the moment. It's clear that she hit him spot on with her accusations and struck a few nerves with her righteous vows.
Paige knew that she did more than irritate him. She officially made an enemy.
Glowering, Pavel spoke up yet again with that annoying voice of his that made her just want to grab his throat and squeeze so he couldn't talk. "Be careful, Paige," he sneered, "You'll be surprised to find that I'm not the only Program that can be threatening. You'll find that Tesler isn't nearly as moral or righteous as you believe him to be, and it'll show over time as you get to know him more."
She chose to ignore his jabs towards the General, and turned on her heel.
"Have a pleasant cycle," she snarled, before stomping through the door and out of the room, stopping dead in her tracks just after the doors closed.
She inhaled shakily and looked at her hands that only recently itched to lock around the commander's throat. What was wrong with her? The Program never recalled disliking anyone so much before. She never imagined doing such a thing to Quorra before, even after the despicable betrayal of her trust that resulted in the loss of her friends and previous job.
Paige needed to train, to get rid of this sudden pent up energy.
As if attacking a dummy or sparring with a simulated Program would do much to relieve the young woman of her anger, but it was the best idea she had without doing anything she'd regret.
It wasn't her anger at the moment that had her worried, but what could potentially await her in the future. Now that it's clear she won't get along with Pavel very well, how difficult will her job be? How safe is she now?
…
Surprisingly, Pavel appeared to use more words than actions, did nothing but glare at Paige and Tesler's back more often, though rarely exchanged hostile words with the female Program.
It wasn't until they came to Argon City and the Renegade issue started that Pavel started appearing to take a few steps in the direction of treachery, petty as they were, it was still threatening.
She was still fuming and plotting her own revenge over being left stranded on that island after crashing in her light copter.
This rivalry between Pavel and herself was a continuous cycle of veiled insults and threats, to sabotage and even pranks on their own behalf. The best part is that Tesler hardly noticed their hostility towards each other. His oblivion was the only thing that made Paige want to snicker behind his back, but refrained, trying to be professional and respectful towards her superior.
Over her time of living as a soldier, she managed to get herself under control through various methods of self-discipline, and grew quite well into her newfound duty as Commander. Paige didn't feel any more violent urges to hurt Pavel, but was more annoyed than anything, and her confidence turned her into a Program so unlike the former medic that was brought in to start a new life.
As much as Paige hated to admit it, Pavel was right about General Tesler, and how he wasn't exactly who she thought he was in the beginning. It didn't change too much about her thoughts of her leader, and found herself constantly justifying his actions and the reasons behind him, such as the strict rule he's keeping on Argon and why there were such strict rules.
With a Renegade running about the streets, he was not about to let any other take on his example, and is constantly delivering the message that his actions would not be tolerated, and he will be brought to justice.
Seeing and accepting that this is her new life, Paige saw it fitting to not dwell on her past, but to keep her lessons in mind, and learn from them so she can be better prepared for the future.
Paige is officially done with playing nice. Not only would she avenge her friends and bring the Renegade to justice, but she would do her best to ensure that no other Program has to go through the pain she had.
…
Ally's POV
Alpha staggered on the street, constantly looking around to admire her surroundings. All the buildings, the signs, and the Programs were all colorful, decorated uniquely to their tastes.
While she wouldn't admit it aloud, she felt uncomfortable as the oddball, and stood out in her bland look of a simple grid suit with her neon green circuits.
Looking around, she doesn't miss how every now and again; someone will pull something out of a hidden pocket of their suit. Curious, Alpha checked over herself and found several storage pockets in her suit and looked through them.
To her surprise, she found something in one of them: a pair of shades. There was something significant about them, but the more she tried thinking about it, the more her head started hurting again. She'd have to seek medical attention to consult about that issue…if only she knew where she was going.
She sighed and put the shades on her head like a headband of sorts that didn't do anything to hold back her hair. Alpha didn't feel like doing anything to alter her sight, even if a few strobe signs here and there made them hurt.
Alpha took her time mustering up enough courage to make her first interaction with another Program. She had the knowledge in her programming, but considering she'd been stranded in the Outlands for MylaCycles on end, she never was able to put those to use besides instinct to run away from Grid Bugs, or to drink from the energy springs.
"Um, excuse me?" she timidly tapped a random Program's shoulder. Backing up a few steps, she blinked and analyzed his appearance as the male took his time turning around. His white hair was almost as pale as his skin, and he raised an eyebrow.
"Can I help you?" he queried, seeming to look her over almost as much as she was for him. The stranger didn't appear threatening, so she allowed herself to relax a bit, and smile sheepishly.
"D-Do you…happen to know," she shook her head and corrected herself, "Would you be so kind to point me in the direction of the nearest medical center?"
Appearing confused, the male looked her over again, seeming to conclude that he doesn't see any visible injuries. Alpha shifted nervously from one foot to another as his eyes narrowed and he scrutinized her.
"You seem oddly familiar," he muttered, before shaking his head to clear the thoughts, and pointed over her shoulder. "Follow the signs and-" He trailed off. Turning to follow the direction he was pointing, she noticed that there were multiple signs on a street corner with directions to various public buildings, such as clubs, vehicle maintenance stations, and the nearest hospital.
Alpha turned around again to smile gratefully, "Thank you," and then paused at the look on his face.
"You have no disk," he blurted, "How long have you been without one?"
She frowned at his newfound behavior. "Uh, all I remember is waking up by the Sea, and I've wandered the Outlands for the past couple MylaCycles…" she immediately shut up when his expression went from confused and concerned to outright shock and amazement.
Then he grabbed her arm and started pulling her along.
"H-Hey!" she protested, trying to break free from his grip. "What are you doing?!"
She heard the stranger mutter something to himself, as he continued walking, and then she noticed that he was leading her to the hospital.
Realizing that he was only helping, Alpha stopped struggling and allowed herself to be led by the arm. Upon entering the building, they were immediately greeted by the receptionist in a friendly voice.
"Welcome to Neon's clinic," she chirped with a friendly smile, "How may I help you?" Alpha didn't miss the look that passed through her eyes before it was quickly concealed.
"Uh," she paused, trying to figure out how she word everything out.
Her self-proclaimed guide beat her to the punch. "She needs a disk." he informed the receptionist, "And she claims that she woke up on the seashore. Do you think that she could be an ISO?"
Alpha looked between them, confused, "Actually, I'm here because I keep getting headaches," she admitted, "And this nice man offered to bring me here."
She watched as they looked at each other, and shifted nervously. "D-Did I say something wrong?"
The receptionist shook her head. "No, no, I'm just confused," she replied quickly, and fixed the male Program with a curious gaze, "It's just…I don't think there's ever been an ISO that's already known social norms, so you must not have been newly rezzed," she pulled small flashlight out of nowhere and shined it in Alpha's eyes, "It could be your subconscious helping you along, but for now I'll analyze your code."
The young female medic pressed a button on her desk and spoke through a microphone, "Could someone please watch the door and man the desk while I have a look at someone?" she paused before adding, "Thank you."
Smiling, she led Alpha and her male accompanist to an elevator and climbed to the third floor, and found themselves in a sterile, shiny room with several different machines lining the wall and a bed in the center of the room.
"This is where we look at a Program's code without using their disk," she explained, "This place is rarely used, because very few Programs ever lose their disk now…unless it was stolen."
Wordlessly, Alpha lay down on the bed, and the male Program stepped closer. "So, how will this operation work?" he asked, glancing at the medic, who smiled back at him reassuringly.
"I'm only going to run a scanner over her body to look at her code structure as identification." She explained, "There's hardly any purpose to remove a Program's suit anymore." With that, she approached Alpha with a small device in hand, and ran a scanning web, much like a laser, over her whole body and then plugged the tool into a machine nearby.
Curious, Alpha and her accompanist stepped closer as they looked over the triple helix that made up the base of her entire programming and code.
"Well," the medic seemed to be searching for the right words, "It doesn't appear that she's an ISO, so that's ruled out." Turning away from the machine, she picked up a data pad and tapped through the screen menus, "Do you know your name, a way to identify yourself?"
Alpha tilted her head, now seeing the expectant gaze in the medic's eyes, "Alpha," she answered, but stepped back when she saw the medic's expression dramatically change.
The Special flinched when the data pad was dropped, broken glass littered the floor and saw the medic's face contorted in disbelief and awe. She turned to see her male accompanist shocked as well. Alpha watched them lock eyes with each other and a silent communication seemed to pass through them, like they were thinking the same thing.
"What's the big deal?" she suddenly blurted out, "It's just a name…right?"
The medic violently shook her head to snap out of her faze, and picked up a walkie-talkie. "Maggie? Could you please bring Beck into the clinic? Floor 3, room 347," she paused to hear the static, and a compliant answer.
In all honesty, Alpha felt a bit creeped out from the way that the medic was beaming brightly, like she was proud of something, but there was also a hint of sadness. "Oh dear, I'm sorry you lost your memory like that."
Her male accompanist seemed to shake his head in disbelief, "I don't believe it," he was unable to hide his astonishment, "In all the Cycles I've lived, I never expected to meet you." He straightened up and grinned. "You're a hero, you know,"
Alpha found it was her turn to be surprised, "W-What?!" she exclaimed, "That can't be right," she sat down on the bed again, her headache returning.
"Everyone thought you were dead," he continued, stepping closer, "All that was left after the Grid was saved was your disk washed on shore of the Sea. All your friends were devastated," he added in a murmur.
She could do nothing but shake her head, and brought her hands up to massage her temples. It felt like her head was going to split in half, the pulse of her energy circulation felt so powerful that it was like her entire body was throbbing.
Alpha groaned and lay down again when her vision swam in front of her.
The entire room went silent and the medic wordlessly handed the young female a glass of energy, her expression unreadable now.
"If Alpha were to get her disk back," her male accompanist suggested, "She'd get her memories back, but would that fix her headache?"
The medic took time to think it over, "I believe," she started hesitantly, "That her headaches are the result of trying, and failing to remember her past, so yes, I think getting her disk back would help immensely." She picked up another tool and scanned Alpha's body, "On another note, you seem to be in very healthy shape, considering you've been wandering the Outlands for Users know how long,"
"Almost 6 MylaCycles," she answered softly, surprising her male companion again.
"That's more than just a couple!" he gawked.
There was a pregnant pause. "My bad," she replied unenthusiastically, unable to hold back her snarky attitude. Sitting up, she downed the glass of energy and handed it back to the medic.
Alpha nearly jumped to the ceiling when the door suddenly opened and two Programs entered: a man and a woman.
The new female was hardly spared more than a glance, because Alpha's attention was on the male that stood before her, rigid and still, his expression yielded no clue to anything.
His hair was brunette and neat with spikes layered in the front, and his eyes were such a dark brown that she found herself getting lost in them.
Then he slowly moved closer, as if he thought his eyes were deceiving him.
"Ally?" he tried to keep himself composed, but even Alpha could see that he was ready to break down.
Her headache came back with a vengeance and groaned in pain, lying down again with her arms clutching her head. Spots danced across her vision and she closed her eyes to get rid of them.
She felt hands on her shoulders, being pulled up and held in a set of warm, strong arms while something was connected to the empty holder on her back.
Like magic, the pain in her head dulled down until it was nonexistent, and memories in chronological order flashed through her mind. The sudden amount of data she was processing was unexpected and sudden that she found herself gripping whoever was holding her.
Eventually, she opened her eyes to find that her head was resting on a shoulder, arms tightly wound around her torso, and her own arms wrapped around the underside of the Program's arms and gripping the back of his shoulders.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly pulled away to lock eyes with the Program that was holding her close. "Yes, Beck?" she asked, earning herself a pained laugh and a hugged so tight that the pain from lack of breathing was proof that she hadn't died from the reintegration.
Without warning, Beck kissed her. It was a quick, tender peck before he picked her up bridal style. Alpha, after all that she's been through, didn't protest, and wrapped her arms around his neck to nuzzle her face into his chest. "You know," she mumbled, "Liz and Zoe is going to kill me for the stunt I've pulled,"
That earned another weak laugh from Beck, "Not after all the time spent thinking that you were dead," he paused, "Well, I don't think Liz believed you died, so don't expect mercy from her."
Smiling, she glanced at the two medics – one of them she recognized as Maggie – and her male accompanist to the hospital, and mouthed "Thank you," to them gratefully, before the doors slid closed behind them.
During the elevator ride down, she looked up at Beck's face, "You know what I missed most about you?" he whispered, "Your eyes, the way they sparkle when you're happy."
Sighing contently, she relaxed completely in his arms for the first time in so long, "I'll tell you that I certainly never missed the Grid Bugs," she smirked, "They practically chased my amnesiac ass all over the Outlands before I happened to stumble across this lovely City," she cupped a hand behind his head to kiss him again.
"But I'll tell you what I missed," Leaning closer, Alpha grinned, "That incredible gentleman who constantly demonstrated courtesy, while living a double life as a bad boy roaming the streets,"
She savored the fond look Beck gave her as they exited the hospital and strode down the streets. At the looks people gave the couple, Alpha found herself shifting uncomfortably. "You know, the medic told me that I'm healthy," she commented, "So I can walk on my own two feet."
Beck snorted and shook his head, "There's something I want to show you," he told her, ignoring the comment regarding her physical wellbeing.
Growling, she moved to punch him, but it's clear she was out of practice, and he easily caught her hand, outright laughing now, and adjusted her so she was now slung over his shoulder.
He then entered a building with flashing colors and lights everywhere, the air vibrating with music. They're in a club.
Wordlessly, she was deposited onto a stool at the bar and watched as Beck sat down next to her. "Two glasses, please," he requested from the bartender, who had their back turned as their glasses were being filled.
Alpha's eyes widened and stared at the Program when they turned around. The bartender locked eyes with her and set down the glasses, and reached for a lighter and an energy cigarette. "Well look who's come crawling back from the dead yet again," she rolled her eyes and took a swig, "Guess you're not beyond anyone's help, after all."
Finally getting herself under control again, Alpha smirked, "Well if it isn't Kevin Flynn's mother," she teased, causing Beck to choke on his drink from trying not to laugh.
Grinning back, Alyss leaned forward and blew her smoke in Alpha's face, and to her credit, didn't cough. "I see someone's not as blind as they used to be." The bartender flicked away her cigarette and dramatically gestured to their surroundings. "Welcome to the Rainbow Bandit 2.0!"
...I figured that instead of bringing in Zoe, Ace, Liz, or anyone else, Alyss sort of deserved to pop up before everything draws to a close. After all, Ally's friends all had their wonderful endings, and Alyss was the final loose end to tie up. The medic and her male accompanist shall remain anonymous not only because I've used so many names, but not every Program on the Grid can be focused on. They basically represent the regular populations across the Grid now.
Moving on...
Alright now, these are the trailers! Probably not my best work, but I had to get something out while avoiding spoilers...especially for Transformers (which will be Bay's storyline with my tweaks here and there...I won't be delving deep into it until *spoiler alert* the third series I have planned for that!) and the surprises that await in Tron! (Don't forget to check out my poll for your voting decisions if you haven't already)
Tron Trailer:
"I'm going to make you look absolutely fabulous." Ginger grinned widely at me and proceeded to look through her closet of doom and table full of torture devices called makeup.
"You're going to make me look sleazy and undignified." I deadpanned with a pout to complete my sullen mood. "I'm still trying to figure out how you convinced me to tag along to this party."
Ginger laughed, "Because I threatened to hogtie you and throw you in the trunk to bring you there anyway, so as my argument goes, you do still have a sense of dignity."
Groaning, I pressed my face into her bedspread and mumbled, "Somebody just shoot me now."
…
I proceeded to follow the ex-jerk, "Kristophen, you have to listen," I begged, forgetting my own pride for the moment, "I swear, someone's been stalking me for the past two weeks or so, and I don't think the police are going to do much for me."
That made him freeze in his tracks, "Two weeks?" I nodded, and he started advancing on me, "What is wrong with you?!" He paused, "Does lover boy know?"
"I haven't told Riley yet," I admitted, "I didn't want to worry anybody,"
Kristophen frowned, "Well congratulations," he sneered, "You completely failed at that," and started dragging me to his motorcycle.
…
I gripped the desk in front of me as I tried to get my breathing under control. Considering my life threatening experience less than ten minutes ago, I can definitely say I've had better days.
The pistol's image still danced in my vision, taunting and tormenting me, and I laid my shaking hands on the surface of the cool desk. I heard a chirp coming from it, the humming as machinery warmed up, and I saw a light illuminating the room.
Forgetting everything that's happened tonight, I gladly let my curiosity distract me and realized that it was a computer. Just what did Kevin Flynn try so hard to hide from the world and his own son?
Squinting at the screen, I saw it was requesting a login password. Pursing my lips, I dug into my pocket for my flash drive. "Alright Gus," I muttered, "Don't let me down. Find the backdoor." and I plugged it in.
It took almost five minutes for the program to install, but I wasn't complaining. Once I got in, I couldn't help but wonder what the password was, so I checked.
3V0LUT10N
Evolution? I frowned at the desk, remembering that it was mentioned in his last known recording about a mysterious pet project he'd been working on. Was this it?
Throwing common sense out the window, I accessed his history and gazed down the list for his most recent activity.
"What's Laser Control?" I whispered, and clicked on it.
Aperture Clear?
Yes No
Pressing my lips together, I weighed my options, shrugged, and pressed Y.
What's the worst that could happen?
…
I did my best to keep my expression neutral as I eyed the strangely dressed person in front of me. Epic fail of the century.
"You're Gus?" I asked in astonishment, earning a nod.
The Program bore a resemblance, blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin, but…
"Why are you a boy?" I blurted.
He shrugged, "How should I know? You're my User, you wrote my code," and I winced.
Now I'm confused AND embarrassed. My own creation just insulted me, and I guess I deserved it.
"Don't worry about it now; we need to get you somewhere safe,"
"S-Safe?" I repeated, "Aren't Users supposed to be welcomed?" Oh, wait; humans don't usually enter their computer. This is a Program's domain. Oops.
The point blank he gave me just made me want to disappear from humiliation. This isn't going very well, and he sighed, probably thinking the same thing, "Let's…just get you to Abby."
"Who?"
…
"I hate heels," I grumbled, making the Siren nearby roll her eyes.
"Deal with it," she retorted, "They'll help you blend in better,"
Crossing my arms, I decided to test her, "Do all females wear heels?"
"No, but most do-"
"Then take them off," I interrupted, much to her displeasure, "I'm not built like a Program, and I don't feel like getting any shortened calves and Achilles tendons while having to deal with back pain."
Wow, I wish I had my camera with me now, just to keepsake the look on her face right now. I smirked in satisfaction.
"Brat," she muttered, and fiddled with my disk. My satisfaction disappeared faster than the heels. I don't like her very much.
…
My neck craned as I looked up, eyes wide, "Now that is a tall building,"
Abby turned to Gus and me, "Okay, this should be a quick in and out operation. There's most likely undercover sentries in the club to look for anything suspicious, and we need to ask Zuse what patrol looks like near the portal. We can grab some light jet batons from the black market later."
"L-Light jets?" I stuttered, "But I'm afraid of heights," I started protesting with clenched fists.
The siren rolled her eyes yet again, "Gus, you can babysit her for a while, I'm done for now," and strode past me toward the elevator.
I huffed and crossed my arms, "Rude." I commented, and moved to follow the siren with Gus, and refrained from looking through the glass window as we ascended.
…
"What exactly is your brilliant plan now?" I inquired and turned to look back at the siren, and nearly yelled in shock. She looked almost like a replica of me, from the hair and eyes to the way she stood and stared at me. "Abigale?"
"The plan is for me to allow you a getaway in the hands of some User sympathizers I know while leading Hunter and Clu's forces off your trail," she explain quickly as she led me down a street, shoving my cloak's hood over my head.
"Hunter? You mean that ninja from the train?" I asked, the fear evident in my voice, "He…certainly lives up to his name."
Abby huffed, "Indeed, and he's a hacking Program, like me, who specializes in tracking down criminals to bring to Clu," she looked at me with an unreadable gaze. "So far, he's never failed in his duty."
"Wait…what?!" I gasped.
"Good luck," she answered, daring to sound careless, and nodded to a Program approaching us, most likely a sympathizer to help me now, and I watched, helpless, as she darted in a random direction, disappearing into the shadows.
Why? Just why must the universe condemn me?
…I can't be that much of a brat.
Transformers Trailer:
"Uh…so," I spared a glance towards the awkward teen that sat up front in the car, "What's the…weather like in Britland?" He straightened and eyes went wide when he realized his mistake. "I-I mean, uh," He groaned and rubbed his face tiredly.
"Did you just say…Britland?" I questioned him in a steady voice, my gaze unwavering. The poor boy's face went tomato red in embarrassment, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Guess he couldn't figure out whether to use Britain or England. I certainly surprised him when I burst out laughing. "You…are funny," I grinned, "I think we'll get along just fine."
…
Sam tapped my shoulder, and I looked up from my book, "Yes?" I asked patiently, and Sam gestured to the table behind him.
"Could I get your opinion on my project?"
I set the bookmark in place, and strode over. The first thing I noticed was a compass, my eyes skimmed over them in interest, before looking at the cracked glasses, less interested. Then I settled for the poster that showed the Witwicky family tree.
Picking it up, I looked at his furthest ancestry before going further down. If I wasn't pale already, I'd be completely blanched from what I saw.
Noticing my stricken face, Sam stepped closer. "Is something wrong?"
I straightened up and shook my head fiercely, quickly setting the sheet of paper face down so he couldn't see it. "No, no," I clenched my teeth to give him a forced smile and picked up the compass, opening it up to explore the artifact further, "Everything's just fine." I lied through my teeth.
Sam picked up the poster and flipped it over again before turning to me, "You know, what I found in my research didn't look very neat, and I had some trouble figuring out names and which branch lines went where." He scratched his head, "There could be a few mistakes, but it looks alright to me."
Oh, gosh. Just how oblivious was this sorry kid?
I had to turn my head away so he wouldn't see my face. "Yeah, okay," I said monotonously, "Just make sure not to let anyone take a close look at the poster, alright? No one really cares about family trees anymore."
I don't know why he decided to eat up my words, but I he did. I suppose ignorance is bliss.
I'm going to be sure to burn that poster one day.
…
"Sam, I'm not going to say that your beautiful car scares me, but-"
"It scares you?" he interrupted me with a cheeky grin.
"Shut up, I never said that," I snapped with a glare that could kill, "I'll simply comment that the aura it gives off is making me uncomfortable, and I'm not likely to go anywhere with you in that unless circumstances are dire."
He shrugged, uncaring, "Suit yourself."
"I will!" Huffing, I turned on my heel and strode into the house.
…
"Miles? Miles, listen to me. Listen. My car, it stole itself, okay?"
I shot him an incredulous look. "What the hell are you doing?" I snarled, "He can't help us!"
"Satan's Camaro. In my yard." He completely ignored me! "It's stalking me!" Sam squeaked into the phone.
I heard a click on the other end that indicated that Miles hung up on him and I snorted. "Some friend you have." I taunted, "Hey!" Sam grabbed me by the hand and headed for the door. "Shouldn't we stay indoors where we can't be seen, idiot?"
"It knows where we live!" He cried, "We have to fend for ourselves," I stood there and watched him grab his mother's bike and couldn't resist face palming, "It's survival of the fittest, okay?"
I did my best to continue breathing evenly, "If I wasn't witness to your car's capabilities, I'd officially deem you clinically insane,"
Sam growled in exasperation, "We need to go. Get on the handlebars or something!"
I crossed my arms, glaring, "Make. Me." I dared him.
…
"It's time to talk!" No one had the chance to say anything more because we crashed into something large and unyielding.
Is it Optimus Prime? Did he come to rescue us?
The car's roof was ruthlessly torn off and every passenger stared into the glowing red eyes of the huge metallic creature standing before us.
That's…not Optimus.
"Got any bright ideas, Mr. Ninnyhammer?" I whispered to the agent in the passenger seat in front of me, though I didn't expect an answer.
Tall dark and scary uttered something that was definitely not English, and aimed his cannon at us without warning. He growled darkly and I heard the weapon warming up.
We are so dead.
…
Everyone watched in astonishment as a bright beam of light entered the box. The Nokia phone shook and transformed.
"Aww, it's so cute!" I cooed.
The little creature chirped nonsense before it pulled a gun out of nowhere and started shooting at the glass around him. I noticed most of the people around me flinching, but I only grinned.
"That thing is freaky!" I heard Maggie exclaim, as it smashed it's whole body into the glass.
"That makes it even cuter!" I continued, and leaned closer.
Sam stared at me, "You have problems," I heard him mutter.
Shooting him a glare, I retaliated, "You should also realize that it's just a baby!"
"You mean like that other alien baby that attacked us with the police car?" He retorted, making me groan.
Touché.
…
Smirking at Bee's holoform, I pulled out my laptop and hacked into Sam's eBay account. I snorted at what I saw and snorted.
"What is it?" he asked me, and I turned the screen so he could see. The mech started laughing too.
"Hey, Sam," I called, interrupting his make out with Mikaela.
"What?" he asked, and I beckoned him closer with a Cheshire grin, barely withholding my giggles.
He looked at his page with the bids for listed items along with his entire profile, and he groaned. Unable to contain myself, I finally started laughing and started rolling on the ground. It was just too priceless.
This was something kinda funny that I noticed when doing some research about Transformers: apparently Sam's family tree poster suggests inbreeding, so I thought it'd be crudely entertaining to include that. In comparison to the fanfictions I've read for Transformers, I'm going to be attempting things that both have and haven't been done by others before. Romance will not be anything of focus until after the first story (this also includes the Tron fanfic). As for Tron...well...majority of the beginning will take place in the User world (there will be A LOT of OC side characters brought up here and there to establish the story that I've had in my head ever since I've started this whole trilogy. :)
Also should mention...my next TRON series will consist of 7 books (Like Harry Potter! XD), while Transformers...has yet to be determined, but it will definitely be 6 or more (It all depends on when the next movie comes out, and if it turns out in favor for how I plan to end that series).
Until I feel ready to close the poll on my page, I'm going to test my writing abilities for Transformers by writing a shorter story, maybe 5 chapters or so, and it'll be centered on Skids and Mudflap's past...because I have a habit of tackling characters that aren't acknowledged as important or necessary :D (I'll just have to work on getting down their accents in dialogue. That'll be challenging)
Until then, dear readers...
TRON LIVES!
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