A.N.: Yep. My second chappy for Guardians of the Grid. The plot picks up slightly, but there will be little to no action yet.
DISCLAIMER: Ugh... Do I HAVE to say it? *Indistinct mumbling* Alright. I get it! I do not own the rights to TRON. All I own is the plot. There! Happy?
06:30 A.M.
Grid Towers, Tron City
In one the high-end suites of Grid Towers, an ISO named Xalia had just been woken up by her alarm. Xalia was a high-ranking security program known as an Alpha.
Hitting the snooze, Xalia got up and went through her morning routine.
During breakfast, Xalia checked the messages on her communicator. One in particular made all the color drain from her face: "Message to all Alpha-rank officers: Report to the southern station… NOW! Get down here as soon as possible!"
Calling one Alpha for help is bad enough, but calling all of them was a good indicator that something was seriously wrong.
Without even bothering to attempt to finish her breakfast or clean up the dishes, Xalia was out the door in a matter of seconds.
06:45 A.M.
On the streets, Tron city
Driving through town, Xalia encountered no obstructions. All civilians knew to get out of an Alpha's way. If an Alpha was out, the time taken to get to their destination could very well mean the difference between catching a dangerous killer and being unable to prevent genocide.
07:19 A.M.
Southern security station, Tron city, Downtown
Xalia arrived at the back gate of the station, where an Officer-rank Program immediately handed her some info chips before she could even get out of her car. "We need you to go to Muon Harbor and Crystalarian. From what we can understand, a construction Program was derezzed. Officers at the scene will debrief you upon arrival."
"Construction Program? And you needed to call every Alpha you could?"
"It just so happens that this particular construction Program led the crew that helped design and build the supports under the city. He was the one who drew the Blueprints. We were unable to recover any data like we usually can. Now go! We can't afford for you to be late."
Xalia gave a salute. "Yes sir!" Xalia spoke with confidence but she had an uneasy feeling deep in the pit of her stomach.
A.N.: The rankings are something that I made up. Here is an explanation:
Rookie (Hasn't appeared yet): Newly recruited; Pending approval for training. Symbol: Empty hexagon. Piping color: White.
Trainee (Hasn't appeared yet): In training. Symbol: Filled hexagon. Piping color: Light blue.
Ensign (Hasn't appeared yet): Completed training. Must work with a senior partner. Symbol: Hexagon with diamond. Piping color: Dark blue.
Officer: Allowed to work alone. Trains new recruits. Symbol: Hexagon with star. Piping color: Green.
Commander (Hasn't appeared yet): Local sheriff. Gives assignments to others. Symbol: Half hexagon with single peak. Piping color: Aquamarine.
Beta (Hasn't appeared yet): Regional commander. Executive officer. Symbol: Half hexagon with two peaks. Piping color: Light lavender.
Alpha: Most trusted of all ranks. Global commander. Symbol: Half hexagon with three peaks. Piping color: Deep purple (Nearly black). Notes: Must be a veteran of war. Subject to monthly reviews.
A.N.: So... What do you think of the ranks? Too much? Not enough? What? If you know where I pulled the symbols from, I salute you. You are as big of a nerd as I am. Congratulations.