Note: Given the fact that CLU is actually the digital equivalent of Flynn, it seemed logical for him to have the knowledge on how to rewrite the code. In order to avoid creating a new Abraxas, he had to watch every step of the repurposing process and stop it if the result would be a virus. That explains why he had to do it this way. Words in italics are character's thoughts.

Chapter 1: Experiments

The last thing he could remember was a bright flash of light and then the darkness fell upon him. Tron had no idea where he was or how long it had passed since he saw Flynn for the last time. With a painful effort, he opened his eyes.

A yellow-lined program was standing in the middle of a room working on something. Tron could only see his back and noticed he was setting up an interface link. Behind a transparent force field, a Black Guard was standing by. In the right corner, he saw another program monitoring a control panel. He stopped for a bit and said genuinely concerned: "CLU are you sure the interface is necessary? It could seriously damage your code if handled improperly!"

So this is CLU! Tron thought and he tried to free himself. The noise alerted them and CLU turned around.

"Don't worry, those restraints were designed especially for you, my friend. But soon they won't be necessary at all…" He smiled and came closer, holding the interface connector for a final adjustment.

"Are you ready Jarvis?"

The other program nodded in agreement and pressed a few buttons on his panel.

"Remember, we must remain linked all the time. It is the only way to understand this whole process and guarantee its success on others."

CLU connected one end of the interface cable to himself while the other end was attached to a small device placed on the captive's chest. He took Tron's identity disc and held it in front while the lights were slowly dimmed. Tron's subroutines and basic instructions expanded in his hands. He could see each and every one of them, the very essence of the best security program ever created.

CLU cycled through the code, adjusting a little here and there, while closely monitoring the feedback received through the interface. He had a little reaction so far, no vital processes were affected. He displayed the high-level instructions. They were so complex and so well combined he knew that one wrong code insertion and the whole program would be broken beyond recovery.

At least a dozen alarm subroutines started, but Tron was too weak to keep CLU out of his system. He could only watch while trying without success to break free once more. Even the smallest intention would require a considerable effort…

Near him, CLU was absorbed by his work. He felt like a god. He was better than the Users because only he could create the perfect system. Suddenly he knew what he wanted to do with Tron and began adjusting instruction after instruction, unaware of the time passing and what is happening around him. The only thing that mattered was the code in his hands and the interface link.

At his panel, Jarvis was overwhelmed by the amount of data he was receiving. He kept a close look on the flow, fighting the urge to notify CLU that the safety limit has been crossed long ago.


"That would be all for now." CLU disconnected himself while getting behind Tron, ready to synchronize his identity disc. "Give him a 15% energy level and stand by for the update."

"But the reboot subroutine is not active, how…?"

"We will have to watch every modification in order to devise a working repurposing process. I cannot watch the code change if he goes into reboot mode."

"But that means…" Jarvis couldn't finish.

"I am well aware what it means and I am sure he will survive. Carry on!"

Jarvis turned back to his workstation, adjusting the energy flow. A little beep warned them that disc synchronization is ready to start. CLU attached it to Tron's back and began to monitor the process closely.


Did Flynn escape? Is he back to his world? Tron couldn't do much except think while standing there tied up to a vertical platform which would limit his actions to a minimum.

If only I could reach Alan-One. Maybe Flynn is working on this, they will both fix the Grid in no time! He tried to loosen one of his restraints.

Oh, designed for me? Now I feel special! CLU was afraid if he had to keep him incapacitated like this. So maybe there was hope to break free, but Tron was so tired…

So CLU is trying to REWRITE me? But he's not a User, he cannot do that! Or can he?

Tron felt nothing at first, just a strange sensation coming from the interface link. Then one alarm after another notified him that major changes are taking place.

Maybe I can send a false feedback, or take control over CLU though this! But as soon as the thought formed in his mind, he knew it was impossible. That was the purpose of the small device on his chest: to prevent his initiatives!

Hundreds of thoughts went through his mind while CLU repurposed his code. Tron felt so tired he only wanted all to end sooner. Standing there, unable to move or even talk made him feel strange. He never was so vulnerable. Where was Alan-One? Why isn't Flynn taking action?

Tron had no idea of how much time had passed. Suddenly, he noticed an increased energy flux. The flow made him feel good, his eyes were open again and he was looking for the proper opportunity to escape.

So he's done? Finally! Maybe after reboot, I will have the chance to get out of here! Surely I can overcome whatever damage he's done to my code. Alan-One must have thought something like this could happen after the last encounter with the MCP.

What?! CLU deactivated my reboot subroutine? He's experimenting on me! It doesn't matter if I get derezzed in the process as long as he gets his precious data! I'll fight it, you won't get a thing from me CLU!

A soft click preceded the synchronization. Then all went dark while the pain was flooding his body. No one had been reconfigured alive, it was something beyond imagination. Tron tried to fight with it, but the entire process drained every bit of energy from his system. CLU compensated for the loss yet nothing could take away the pain. And it went on with every instruction CLU had rewritten!


Tron woke up in a dark room. He was free, but something felt different as if he was not himself anymore. Then he remembered about what happened and the memory of it was too strong. A few moments later, the room lit and CLU along with two of his guards came in. Still, under the impression of his memories, Tron was unable to fight.

CLU kept on doing his repurposing. Each time he would add more aggressive subroutines and watch their effect while those would replace the original code. There was one last change to make, the riskiest of all. But it was required. Without it, all the work was in vain. He won't even call him Tron anymore! No, a new name, a perfect name for his best program.

With an expert gesture CLU linked himself to the silver-glowing iLink. He began to remove all the barriers in order to reach the Primary Directive, the one which only Alan-One should be able to access. He knew every bit of the code, most of it was his own creation and it gave a sense of infinite power. CLU was like the Users, he could re-design their programs!

He reached the highest level of programming and somewhere between the objectives, there was his target. With a tap of his forefinger, the Directive was brought in front. The letters floated above the identity disc: I FIGHT FOR THE USERS! CLU tried to remove it, but a violent feedback reaction came through the interface link. He knew it was impossible to erase that without damaging Tron beyond recovery.

What should I do now? He stood there thinking. Then he added new high priority objectives while the Primary Directive would slowly fade away in the background. If he cannot remove it, he will hide it.

"Jarvis, prepare for new Primary Directive insertion. This should conclude the whole process." He made a final adjustment. Red letters were flashing above the disc in his hands: ALL USERS ARE THE ENEMIES CLU. PROTECT CLU AT ALL COSTS!

The yellow-lined program stepped back, waiting for the final stage of repurposing to take place. He crossed his arms while standing in front of Tron, totally unaware that the interface link was still active between them.

The service program began to work on his console and moments after, CLU fell on the floor. He was still getting the feedback from the reconfiguration process. Jarvis severed the link and moved away. CLU felt confused and tired. He leaned on a wall and looked around. The surroundings were blurry, without shape. He gasped and, for the first time, felt sorry for the captive.

Then all ended. The repurposing was complete. CLU looked at the program he was experimenting on for so long. His energy lines changed to a beautiful red color. A strange noise he couldn't remove during all those configurations was the only sign that Tron's code was altered. He stepped forward and touched his face. There was no reaction.

Something went blank in CLU's mind. Since he received that feedback through the interface he was feeling… different. Now, seeing Tron like this was almost a shock.

"I am sorry… Now I know what you've been through. It… was necessary. I need you to create the perfect system. It's what Flynn wants and that is my only purpose…" His voice was tired and somehow sad.

Jarvis stood there silent, amazed by what he saw.

"Release him."

"But he is…"

CLU did not allow him to finish. "Rinzler won't harm me, release him!"

The restraints vanished, and since there was nothing to sustain him, the red program nearly collapsed. CLU caught him just in time. Rinzler appeared to be inactive. No one knew if it was normal, but then again, no one had been reconfigured like this. CLU removed all the monitoring devices from him, gently laying the inert program on the floor. Then he turned to Jarvis: "It will take a while. I'll take care of him. You may leave. And take the guard with you."

A respectful nod was the only answer. Jarvis left and CLU sat down on the floor near the one he used to call his friend. A strange feeling was rushing through his mind, something he could not understand. For some reason, he wasn't happy even if repurposing was a complete success. A tear rolled down his face. "If I only knew…"