"I knew it. You're no help to us," Clu takes her hesitation as weakness.
Kris runs her hand through her butterscotch bangs to try to recompose herself, "Actually, Flynn, Alan and I were discussing this issue. We think the grid bugs are coming from multiple sources. One is actually external to the grid - a fault in the older hardware we're running on. Memory in computers can go bad sometimes and cause what we in the User world call glitches. I think they manifest as grid bugs here. We have a plan to move the grid to a new more stable platform with an automated backup and much more space."
"Alan...my User?" Tron whispers in wonder.
Ignoring Clu's look of skepticism, she focuses on Tron, "Yes, your original User is still there. And he's proud of you adapting to work in this system." She squeezes Tron's shoulder, "I should have told you sooner."
Pushing her glasses back up on her nose, "As to the other source, we're working on that. We suspect that the other source of of the bugs is generating near or along side the ISOs, not because of them. And I'm working on a modification to the grid code to try to help minimize the bugs, but still allow spontaneous life forms to appear. The first phase of this though is the system move. We'll have to prepare the citizens. If moving is anything like coming to the grid - which is down right scary by the way, it may cause panic among the program residents."
"What is the time table for this move? Do we have any say about it?" Clu fumes that he was not included in this decision.
"You do have a say. I know the grid on the current Encom desktop is what you know as home. And if you and Tron don't agree to move, it won't happen. But I think you'll like the new system designed specifically for the Grid. When the Grid was first designed, Flynn used the best computer available to him. Like the Grid, the User world evolves. You'll be amazed at how fast and efficiently the new system will run. Memory is more reliable now too. I truly believe this will help wipe out a large section of the grid bugs," she encourages.
"User time tables are so in-exact. I don't want the whole grid waiting cycles just for the Users out there to get around to moving us," Clu is still not buying into this, but he's starting to be a little intrigued.
"Yes, it will be setup as a cron job, so it can be guided by the computer clock. Residents here won't be waiting for long periods in fear. That was something I insisted on. And we'll have quite a bit to coordinate with the outside, so we hacked a communication protocol to work with this system. It was tricky because this system doesn't follow the newer methods, but we managed it. I wanted real time, but Alan pointed out that it wouldn't work well since life on the grid goes at a much faster speed. But we'll be able to leave messages for each other. And on the new system, it will be even faster."
Seeing that Clu is truly interested now, she pushes for the sale, "I know you'll like the new more powerful system. It's the best money can buy in the User world and it's amazing! I was running simulations on the new system and...It just blew me away. I had a hard time coming up with a test that would really push the limits of the server. Oh, Clu - you'll be able to do so much more with the Grid there! More capabilities, more room for the Grid to grow, more stability!" She's jittery with excitement over the possibilities.
"Flynn promised us much, and often got sidetracked by things like the ISOs," Clu offers one last bit of resistance that reveals yet another injustice by his creator.
Softly she goes to face him, resisting the urge to reach out. Her bright green eyes lock gaze with him and counters, "I know. That's part of who Flynn is - brilliant and visionary - but a little flighty. I'm more grounded. I'm better at carrying a plan through and seeing the details. Flynn is better at coming up with ideas and seeing the overall picture. But most important - I'm dedicated to the grid. And I really am here to stay. How many times do I have to say it?"
Clu looks to Tron for his answer and receives a decisive nod, then answers, "If you aren't expecting me to clean up your mess - I'm in."
"Yes! I can't wait for you both to see the new system!" she gives a celebratory jump into the air at her first victory with Clu. Another thought brings her back to earth, "That brings us to the next issue. You'll need the communication code. May I insert the code to your disks?" she offers.
"Flynn had told me this was impossible," Clu sputters.
"It used to be," she responds as she adds the code to Tron's disk. "Yes or no, Clu..."
He slaps the disk into her hand.
"I knew you were. I hope you like this ability. Just remember, it will take time to get replies, ok?" she soothes. He's been horrible since she arrived, and she's got to work with him. What happened to that code that caught her eye when she first glimpsed him from the User world?
"What do you think of the residents getting a vote on some of the changes I'd like us to bring to the Grid?" she pauses to see his reaction.
"I need to review them first. But the programs here might appreciate a say in changes. We'll talk more after the system move," Clu procrastinates her request indefinitely.
"Of course! Clu, I know I'm not the user you wanted to be here, but I'll do my best for you...for all of you."
"No, you're not the one I was expecting at all."
"Believe it or not, I want to work with you, even though you've been a jerk."
"Why? This isn't logical."
Tapping her finger on her lip in thought, "How do I explain it?...I just do. You're the first program of your kind."
"I don't need your admiration or your pity," he tries to dismiss.
"But you do need help from a User," she persists and hands back his disk.
Reviewing the code that was just added to his disk, he strides out the door.
...
Dyson peeks around the corner to make sure the coast is clear and shuts the door to Shaddox's office, "Find anything?"
Shaddox's sly work with the system logs puts Dyson in awe. So few programs have access to those files. "Let's see what my little grep line found. Hmm. More arguing. Oh-ho, ho! Looky this. Our girl made a bit of progress. She must have listened to your advice."
"Users actually listening to programs. That would be a first," Dyson adds wishfully.
"Oh, and Ruby turned down two more hot date requests. She's waitin' for you, lover boy."
"What? Leave Ruby out of this."
"Come on! Kris and I are right. You know it," Shaddox waggles his eyebrows conspiratorially.
Dyson waves him off and takes his leave, just as Tron walks in. Shaddox hurriedly closes a couple vid windows.
"What was that all about?" Tron's voice is filled with suspicion. He knows his comrades all too well.
"Just chillin' with Dyson," Shaddox gives his best image of innocence.
"Stay out of Kris's business," Tron demands with an educated guess.
"Brotha, you are so darned uptight. You know I gotta know everything to do my job," Shaddox verbally dodges.
"And the 2nd most powerful program on the grid is also the most nosy," Tron quips.
"Comes with the territory, bro. You know how the boss is. And she's on his radar now with all that talk of a blingged out new system."
Chapter End of Line
Author's Note:
In the book Tron: Betrayal - Shaddox is very no nonsense. But it always seems that very intelligent, powerful and influential people are only ever serious in stories. That bugs me. It's not true to life. So I tried to give him a little more depth. Anyone who would work with Clu everyday would have to have a sense of humor.
More story on it's way soon! Reviews are greatly appreciated!