Chapter 15
In their rush, Aaron was able to piece together from Sage exactly what the situation was. Apparently, Impression Programs were far from new to Dep. The Defender learned to hate them because of the damage they'd dealt to the Grid, impersonating allies then turning back around to violate whatever trust the Defenders once had with innocent programs; they were the decline and fall of the Grid as a safe and free system. Dep believed them to have been nearly wiped out in the war, this was obviously one of the last few. The Defenders abandoned the building and stole to the shadowy rooftops. From off in the distance a, rumble thundered in the empty city. The two large shutters to the gate retracted, allowing for the awaiting procession of orange circuited tanks and guards to march inside. From far off in the distance, beyond the gate, buildings of Master City burned as the riots ripped the grid into chaos. Smoke billowed in the air as screams echoed in the distance. In the foreground, the marching guards were followed closely by sleek crafts that Aaron recognized from his childhood.
"Crap tanks," he grunted. Suddenly a computerized voice projected from what seemed like out of nowhere. Echoing through the dismal remains of the city, Aaron jumped with surprise.
"All programs to the assembly grounds. All programs to the assembly grounds. All programs to the assembly grounds." The repeating command was annoying as it continued with only a seconds pause between the loop. Suddenly, far below from the ground levels, doors opened and masses timidly poured into the streets. Aaron watched in surprise as he saw the many residents of Tron City quietly and conquered, make their way down the street towards the heart of the city. The user had never before seen such a broken people. He watched as they all proceeded, heads down with heavy steps. The surprise was the great population. Aaron knew there were residents within the walls but as he watched the number reach that of just under eight-hundred, guilt settled into the pit of his stomach.
"We've got to do something," Aaron said, turning to the Defenders. Just then, the rumble of Recognizers passed overhead. At the sound of the crafts, Aaron ducked into the shadows with the other three. The five Recognizers flew in formation above; their spotlights panning over the roofs. Satisfied the crafts had passed, Bril deactivated his cloaking function on his suit. Aaron pulled his hand away from Sage's shoulder just as Dep and Orad released their grasps on Bril. Dep stepped up to the perch Aaron watched from with intent. His gaze followed the slow miserable march of the programs to the vast structure that loomed high in the center of the city. Dep stared down at the crowd before finally replying to Aaron's plea.
"Follow me user." The program took off to his right, leaping over vast gaps between the tall structures of Tron City. Aaron followed staying low as he gained speed and momentum, launching himself over the roof. As Dep leaped from one level to the other, Aaron jumped to the wall and ran down it to the level seamlessly continuing his trace of Dep's steps. Behind them, Bril, Sage, Tyree and Orad followed. After having navigated the high levels of Tron City, the Defender's reached the center of the city. Before them from across a massive courtyard, loomed the ruined skeleton of what was once the Grid's most popular arena. The massive pyramid like building had no ceiling and appeared to be just four slabs of architecture gradually leaning up against each other. The building was now dead, like the spirits that once burned with life from within the free programs. From far below, there was a warm illumination of orange from the guards and numerous tanks below. The sheer numbers of the Disciples' forces was overpowering. The guards all circled around the mass of programs that had been marched through the city. Tanks contributed to the guards' security formation with their large cannons trained on the innocent programs. Aaron's fury burned at the tyranny brought upon these innocent programs. His gloved fist clenched as he gritted his teeth. His eyes narrowed with hate for the oppressive force. Suddenly another Recognizer flew in low over the vast population. The craft hovered over a large platform before the mass on the footsteps to the arena. Finally it descended, landing on its thrusters. As the Recognizer touched down. The bottom of the cockpit, slid down the vertical thrusters allowing three other figures to step out into the open. At the sight of the broad, tall figure commanding the middle of the three, the Defenders all growled in anger. Aaron was drawn to the menacing program. Standing between two normal guards, loomed a large armor clad program wearing a sash across his torso. Covering the lower half of his pale face was a mask.
"That's some guard in the middle," Aaron remarked.
"That's no guard," Sage growled.
"That's Nexor, singly guilty of the massacre of hundreds of programs," Tyree replied.
"Thousands, if you count the ones killed on his orders," Dep added with a snarl. Aaron already hated Nexor and wanted nothing more than to chuck his disc right at the menace's throat. As the First Chief stepped away from the Recognizer, a podium rose from the platform. Nexor approached it with an arrogance festering about him that just added to the burn of Aaron's hate. Nexor gazed out over the vast crowds. Though not visible from his mask, his orange eyes glowed with pleasure at the subjugation of the programs. With a mechanized projection of his voice, Nexor spoke.
"Cycles past, your transgression against higher beings has earned you your life of surveillance and protection. In return the Disciples ask for one thing, your cooperation. However, as of recent discoveries, it has been made clear to them of another sin. Here in this sector you have been hiding the terrorists known to you as the Defenders. Do not let their title fool you, they are no friends to you as you will be punished for harboring these criminals. However, all your cycles of functioning has led to an opportunity such as this; when your leaders ask you of this one task. Surrender these Defenders now and your transgression will be resolved." Nexor lifted his gaze from the beaten programs up to the dark, storm raged sky. "Or if you truly do care for these programs, you will surrender yourselves now!" From their perch on the far roof, the Defenders watched in silence and disgust. Dep stood straight, glaring down at the despicable stature of Nexor. Sage, Orad and Tyree all crouched at the edge, staying low yet watchful. Bril stayed back behind the others, barely able to keep his resolve. Aaron however was perched at the edge, ready to pounce. Nexor motioned at the two guards on his flanks. The guards advanced on the crowd viciously grabbing three programs. Wails and screams came from those within the mass watching as their fellow programs were seized. One by one, the programs were dragged to the stage and thrown onto their knees. The crowd's screams grew louder. Nexor slammed his fist on the podium. "Silence!" the First Chief roared. His orange eyes flared, watching as the crowd ceased its uproar. Nexor stepped away from the podium and stalked over to the captive programs. He reached behind him for his disc, igniting the razor rimmed weapon with his grasp. "I know you're out there user!" Nexor shouted out into the empty city. His menacing roar echoed off the ruins. "Spare these innocent programs and surrender yourself to the will of the Disciples! Surrender yourself to me!" Again his voice echoed through the city and into the ears of the Defenders as they watched from above. From their perch, Dep watched Aaron carfully. Aaron's eyes flared in anger as he recognized one of the programs. Her dark complexion was easy to discern from her white light suit. Chaio shivered from her fright while on her knees before the crowd.
"Don't even think about it," Dep said in a tone just above a whisper. The user was ready to pounce watching with fury in his eyes at Nexor's despicable threats.
"I have to," Aaron growled. "Chaio has helped us before." His gaze flicked to Bril behind him. The veteran program's chest heaved as he bit back his anger.
"No not yet," Dep chastised. He turned his full attention to the man clad in black. "Aaron," he said. "If you go down there and loose, then hope is lost. If you go down there and surrender, then hope is lost. But if you go down there and run," the wise Defender paused. "Then all is lost," he finished while shaking his head. Aaron stared angrily at the face of his grandfather. He then clenched his eyes as he turned away. He knew Dep was right but he also knew the consequence and he couldn't bear to watch it.
"Time's up user!" Nexor roared. With a mighty throw, the disc sailed through the air, slicing through the programs with Chaio at the end. Showers of derrezolution shattered onto the stage. Aaron knew it happened without having even watched. His fist clenched as he swore to the ground. Again the programs screamed and cried out in fear and anger. Nexor spun on his heel to face the crowd. His pale face was mashed and wrinkled into a menacing expression. "SILENCE!" His face then softened slightly to a sneer as he chuckled deep in his throat. "Your users have abandoned you. Your savior is a coward. Ponder this; if not them, then who can you trust? If not in them, then who, I ask, can you put your faith into?" Collectively, like a wave of shame, the programs' heads dropped. "The Disciples ask only for your loyalty. Show it by finding the user and bringing him before me," Nexor roared. The programs within the crowd looked at those standing next to them. Some seemed content with these demands, willing to do whatever just to survive. Many others, however, still donned their looks of defeat.
Dep turned to and watched Aaron, with his back to the courtyard.
"We have to get you off the Grid."
"No," Aaron said. "No we have to fight this," he protested.
"There will be a day for that," Dep said. He placed his hand on Aaron's strong shoulder. "But not today."