Chapter 26
There was a still feeling on the Grid. Rubble lay in the black streets where the battle's destruction had ravaged the newly restored, Tron City. Despite everything, the destruction and the loss of life, the city and its people glowed bright and true. They were a people of promise again, a people of faith and belief. For the Defenders, the feeling was rather surreal, openly venturing about streets where it used to be restricted. Miles down the streets, the breached wall still stood with the hole. Sage sat on the short flight of stairs at the foot of a building. Around him, Orad and Tyree stood silently. Only minutes ago, Sage had told them of Dep's death. The remaining of the Defenders watched as the remainder of the Disciple's security force was rounded up and stowed in a containment field, guarded by programs. Sage didn't know how to feel and what to express. The struggle was over and the battle was won, but grief welled up in him over both Dep and the disappearance of Aaron Flynn. He hadn't seen the User since he was hauled away by Nexor. Normally he would jump to assuming the worst, but for some reason that was beyond precise explanation, he could not grasp that scenario. From among the body of programs wandering about the streets, a single figure stepped up to the Defenders. His light suit scraped and torn and his footsteps slightly labored. Tyree finally caught notice, looking up from the spot on the ground where he focused all his grief towards. His pale face lit with joy as he smiled in amazement.
"Flynn!" he exclaimed. Sage's eyes widened as his head snapped up. Even with his beaten, cut face, Aaron stood before them with a very Flynn-like grin. Sage hopped from his seat and approached him. Sage clapped him by both shoulders and Aaron did the same. Aaron then clasped Sage's hand, sliding it from his grip and in the same smooth motion the both of them bumped fists.
"Bro," Sage said. The both of them smiled then Aaron turned to greet the rest of the Defenders. Something was wrong though, someone was missing.
"Dep, where is he?" Sage's joyous smile died instantly.
"He, he didn't make it," Sage sighed. Aaron's smile faded too. In his mind he could only picture the fight that the veteran Defender put up. He was a warrior through and through; he'd never of stopped fighting. To Aaron, Dep and Daniel Flynn had shared for more than just a face. Dep had a fighting spirit that reminded him so much of his Grandfather.
"I'm sorry," Aaron said in a low tone.
"You took a beating," Orad observed. "Where have you been?" he asked with worry.
"First, take me to our wounded and I'll tell you everything." Tyree nodded as he indicated to follow. The Defender led them through the crowds to a building still intact across the way. "Well, first Nexor brought me before the Disciples."
"You saw the Disciples?"
"What were they exactly?" Tyree asked in amazement. Aaron frowned at the question.
"They were just programs, programs tainted by the Beta-Grid."
"The Beta-Grid?"
"Its real?" Again Aaron was surprised at the questions.
"Yes, it was," Aaron replied. "I followed them there." Tyree stepped aside and Aaron emerged through the entrance. He was overwhelmed with relief to find that there weren't too many wounded but then realized the true cost of such a blessing. A program at best was extremely fragile, the inner encoding was fairly easy to destabilize. The programs before him, lying on benches of a ruined processor building. The interior lights were dimmed from the building's overall damage. Sitting up against the wall, a program, aged but still able bodied clutched at his side where a pulsating jagged, scar glowed on the black of his suit. Aaron knelt down beside the program and made eye contact. "Easy there," he consoled. The program's weary eyes watched Aaron's open hand as it rested on his wound. Before every program's very eyes, the spot beneath his hand flared with an intense white light. Aaron removed his hand to reveal the healed program. With a smile, Aaron rose to his feet again. The program was speechless as he suddenly understood who Aaron was and what he'd just done. Aaron turned to address the Defenders again. "They intended to release the Master Control Program." Shock swept over the Defenders' faces. "Had I not stopped him, he'd have broken free and take control of the Grid." Aaron gazed over the room's broken and wounded occupants. "He'd probably either of made you into slaves or would've destroyed all of Tron City." He then felt a large hand rest on his shoulder.
"But you saved us," Orad said. Without a word, Aaron proceeded to restore the remaining programs. Within a matter of minutes, the entire building was healed. The programs all registered immediately who he was and followed him about with excited, joyous faces.
"Flynn, now what?" asked Tyree. "Now that this is over..." Aaron had to think long and hard over this. The Grid was secure, his duty was done. He knew this wouldn't be the last he'd ever visit the Grid. But it was more than just the appeal of absolute freedom and limitless physicality. He knew the Grid would always need a watchful eye. But before he left, there was still one last thing to do.
"Follow me Sage," Aaron beckoned. They walked through the crowds of the streets and made their way towards the heart of the Grid. Finally, Aaron and sage clambered on top of the derezzed section of the wall which despite the overwhelming change of white lighting around it, pulsated slowly with orange. Aaron clapped down his hands before him then separated them again as a digital readout of the city's systems projected before his eyes. Sage watched in amazement as the User accessed and reconfigured the broadcast system installed within every monitor and speaker found within the city. It was said when the Disciples first began to gain ground within the Grid, they announced themselves using the same programming; though their attempt took far longer than Aaron's. Every program's attention was suddenly captured as every large projection monitor around the streets lit with life with the image of a figure, broad and tall. Small scars and scrapes where his face had been beaten and cut resided. Aaron took a deep breath.
"Programs of Tron City," his voice carried and echoed through every speaker on the Grid. "The battle is over and the day is won." An eruption of cheers and chants filled the air. He waited for a pause which didn't come for a while. "Because of the brave sacrifices you've made, the Disciples and their plot to release the Master Control Program has been stopped. This victory however has come at a terrible price. We've lost many programs." Aaron paused dropping his gaze slightly. Every program invested their attention on him, feeling his words. "Dep and hundreds of other programs on both sides fought and died, they died for their beliefs. This system, the Grid, is a free system, tolerant to free agency." Sage glanced towards Aaron with a frown. "So now I address sympathizers of the Disciples, This system is just as much yours as it is theirs, and so your path is your choice. However, should any program instigate harm to another, that freedom is void. My Great, great, great grandfather created this system for freedom. As your User, I will uphold this purpose. You have my word, your User will always be there as a watchful eye." Aaron smirked to himself. In a way, he was right. Kevin Flynn was probably watching right now; Aaron only hoped he did him justice. He then looked over to Sage beside him. The program was no longer the same. He was hardened, no longer just the rookie who entered the real world. Just by the way he held himself, he reminded him immensely of Dep. He was confident in him. "In making the first step towards order, I am nominating Sage as System Administrator. His entire existence has been devoted towards serving and defending you. I ask you to trust him to continue to do so." The reply was instant. Boisterous cheers and chanting erupted from the majority of the programs. Few even came from the voices of the captives. The entire city shook from their acceptance. A smile spread on Aaron's face, returned by Sage.