Tron Legacy The Junior Novel Part 1

Tron Legacy the Junior Novel.

by Alice Alfonsi.

WHEN SAM FLYNN WAS A LITTLE BOY, his dad, Kevin, told him a story every night before he went back to the office. Kevin didn't work the night shift or anything. He owned a software company, Encom, and he worked there...a lot.Sam loved his father's stories because they were almost always about Tron, the hero of the popular video game his dad had invented."The grid is the digital frontier," Kevin would tell Sam. "Add quantum paring, biodigital teleportation, enfoldment, and they have the power to change everything..."Hold up, dad, Sam would think. I'm only seven!Even though Sam wasn't quite old enough to understand everything his dad said, he loved the stories anyway and would always try to follow along."I imagined what it looked like inside the computer," Kevin would say to his son. "I kept dreaming of a world I thought I'd never see. Then one day-" "You got in," Sam finished, always right on cue. "You got in," Sam finished, always right on cue. "I got in..." his dad would echo. "I got in..." his dad would echo. Sam understood this part of the story. His dad had actually gotten into a computer. He'd played the games from the inside. Sam understood this part of the story. His dad had actually gotten into a computer. He'd played the games from the inside. "The world behind the computer screen was more beautiful and more dangerous than I ever imagined," his father would explain. "But with the help of a brave warrior named Tron, I took down the evil Master Control Program. Then I got back out." "The world behind the computer screen was more beautiful and more dangerous than I ever imagined," his father would explain. "But with the help of a brave warrior named Tron, I took down the evil Master Control Program. Then I got back out." The story always ended there. Except for one important night ... The story always ended there. Except for one important night ... "I tried to forget the digital world," Kevin informed his son. "But I couldn't let it go. I kept tinkering, and one day I got inside again." "I tried to forget the digital world," Kevin informed his son. "But I couldn't let it go. I kept tinkering, and one day I got inside again." Sam got excited. This part of the story was new! Sam got excited. This part of the story was new! "It was my world, my creation," Kevin said. "But I needed help to build a new system, so I created a program that could think. Like me. Like you. I named it Codified Likeness Utility-or Clu for short. But then something unexpected happened. A miracle!" "It was my world, my creation," Kevin said. "But I needed help to build a new system, so I created a program that could think. Like me. Like you. I named it Codified Likeness Utility-or Clu for short. But then something unexpected happened. A miracle!" His father did not go on. Sam pleaded with him to stay home that night. Sam wanted to hear more of the story. But Kevin shook his head. His father did not go on. Sam pleaded with him to stay home that night. Sam wanted to hear more of the story. But Kevin shook his head. "I have to go, Sam," his dad said. "We've got to see how the story ends, right?" "I have to go, Sam," his dad said. "We've got to see how the story ends, right?" Sam nodded, but his eyes were filled with disappointment. Trying to cheer him up, Kevin promised Sam that they would go to Flynn's arcade first thing the next morning. They could play a couple of levels of the games that Kevin had invented: s.p.a.ce Paranoids and, of course, Tron. Sam nodded, but his eyes were filled with disappointment. Trying to cheer him up, Kevin promised Sam that they would go to Flynn's arcade first thing the next morning. They could play a couple of levels of the games that Kevin had invented: s.p.a.ce Paranoids and, of course, Tron. "Can we play on the same team?" Sam asked. "Can we play on the same team?" Sam asked. "We're always on the same team, kiddo," his father said before stepping out of the bedroom. They were always in it together. "We're always on the same team, kiddo," his father said before stepping out of the bedroom. They were always in it together. But that wasn't true. But that wasn't true. That night, Kevin Flynn disappeared... That night, Kevin Flynn disappeared...

MANY YEARS Pa.s.sED, and the pain from his father's disappearance stayed with Sam, refusing to fade. His dad's last words still echoed inside Sam's brain: "We're always on the same team, kiddo." Sam shook his head angrily, trying to drown out the words. He revved his motorcycle's engine. The wall of noise battered his ears, but the memories would not go away. Sam shook his head angrily, trying to drown out the words. He revved his motorcycle's engine. The wall of noise battered his ears, but the memories would not go away. Some team we are, Sam thought. I'm here, dad. I've been here all along! Where the heck are you? Some team we are, Sam thought. I'm here, dad. I've been here all along! Where the heck are you? Heat lightning rippled across the night sky. Up ahead, cars hurtled along the freeway. Without warning, traffic slowed to a crawl. Bright red brake lights blinked in the night. Instead of slowing down, Sam sped up, expertly darting his bike around the scarlet lights. Heat lightning rippled across the night sky. Up ahead, cars hurtled along the freeway. Without warning, traffic slowed to a crawl. Bright red brake lights blinked in the night. Instead of slowing down, Sam sped up, expertly darting his bike around the scarlet lights. I have to get there on time, he thought. Especially tonight... I have to get there on time, he thought. Especially tonight...It was exactly twenty years ago to the day, that Sam's dad had finished his bedtime story, left for the office...and vanished. At the time, Kevin Flynn's disappearance had been front-page news. After all, he owned one of the biggest companies in the world. There was a huge media circus. reporters camped out in front of Sam's home. But the stories were all about the fate of Encom. No one really cared about young Sam. He was just a kid with a mom who'd died a few years before and a genius dad who'd gone missing-without even saying good-bye. At the time, Kevin Flynn's disappearance had been front-page news. After all, he owned one of the biggest companies in the world. There was a huge media circus. reporters camped out in front of Sam's home. But the stories were all about the fate of Encom. No one really cared about young Sam. He was just a kid with a mom who'd died a few years before and a genius dad who'd gone missing-without even saying good-bye. It's that stupid company's fault my dad is gone, Sam thought. Encom was always more important to dad than me. It's that stupid company's fault my dad is gone, Sam thought. Encom was always more important to dad than me. After his father vanished, Sam inherited a huge stake in his company. But Sam didn't care. He pretended the company didn't exist, except on one day every year-the anniversary of his father's disappearance. After his father vanished, Sam inherited a huge stake in his company. But Sam didn't care. He pretended the company didn't exist, except on one day every year-the anniversary of his father's disappearance. Every year on that day, Sam pranked Encom. Once he performed a flaming motorcycle stunt at the company barbecue. Another year he hacked into the CEO's computer. Then there was the time he bungee jumped during a big press junket. Every year on that day, Sam pranked Encom. Once he performed a flaming motorcycle stunt at the company barbecue. Another year he hacked into the CEO's computer. Then there was the time he bungee jumped during a big press junket. Sam knew these wild pranks could never make up for a life without his father. But the stunts gave him satisfaction. On that one day a year, he made sure everyone at Encom remembered that he was still here-and that his dad wasn't. It was, in a weird way, his only connection to the father he would probably never see again. Sam knew these wild pranks could never make up for a life without his father. But the stunts gave him satisfaction. On that one day a year, he made sure everyone at Encom remembered that he was still here-and that his dad wasn't. It was, in a weird way, his only connection to the father he would probably never see again. For tonight's very special anniversary, Sam had planned something really spectacular. For tonight's very special anniversary, Sam had planned something really spectacular. Pulling free of his memories, Sam gave a sharp jerk on his motorcycle handlebars and cut across six lanes of traffic. He blew down an off-ramp, ran a red light, and swerved into a narrow alley. Finally, he parked the cycle on a big commercial boulevard. In the daylight hours, these streets were very busy. Now they were dark and deserted. Everyone was home-with their families. Pulling free of his memories, Sam gave a sharp jerk on his motorcycle handlebars and cut across six lanes of traffic. He blew down an off-ramp, ran a red light, and swerved into a narrow alley. Finally, he parked the cycle on a big commercial boulevard. In the daylight hours, these streets were very busy. Now they were dark and deserted. Everyone was home-with their families. With his backpack slung over his shoulder, Sam jogged toward Encom Tower. In the quiet shadows of the night, a young man joined him. The kid wore a dark hoodie, black jeans, and dark sneakers. This was Sobel. He was an acquaintance of Sam's. Sam didn't have friends. With his backpack slung over his shoulder, Sam jogged toward Encom Tower. In the quiet shadows of the night, a young man joined him. The kid wore a dark hoodie, black jeans, and dark sneakers. This was Sobel. He was an acquaintance of Sam's. Sam didn't have friends. "You were on time," Sobel whispered gleefully. "That's good. Synchronization is good." "You were on time," Sobel whispered gleefully. "That's good. Synchronization is good." Together, the two jogged to a steel security door near Encom's loading dock. Sam pulled up the cord hanging around his neck. Attached to it was a USB device. He plugged the device into the electronic door lock. Then he connected it to a handheld keypad with a tiny LEd screen. Together, the two jogged to a steel security door near Encom's loading dock. Sam pulled up the cord hanging around his neck. Attached to it was a USB device. He plugged the device into the electronic door lock. Then he connected it to a handheld keypad with a tiny LEd screen. "We take down the big guy up there," Sobel whispered. "That is a.s.sa.s.sin cool. That is rep, bro!" "We take down the big guy up there," Sobel whispered. "That is a.s.sa.s.sin cool. That is rep, bro!" "Huge rep," Sam quietly replied, still working the keypad. "Huge rep," Sam quietly replied, still working the keypad. "But why we always messin' with the same guys?" Sobel asked. "I know they're master-of-the-universe, corporate-evil style, but I want to hit other villains, too. My game is too strong for just one enemy." "But why we always messin' with the same guys?" Sobel asked. "I know they're master-of-the-universe, corporate-evil style, but I want to hit other villains, too. My game is too strong for just one enemy." "You do have mad game," Sam said halfheartedly, his eyes on the hundreds of cipher codes running through his device. He knew one of them would open the lock. "You do have mad game," Sam said halfheartedly, his eyes on the hundreds of cipher codes running through his device. He knew one of them would open the lock. "You're courageous, Sam," Sobel said. "You're my Butch Ca.s.sidy! This is just the beginning!" "You're courageous, Sam," Sobel said. "You're my Butch Ca.s.sidy! This is just the beginning!" Sam noticed something on the screen just then. "Uh-oh..." Sam noticed something on the screen just then. "Uh-oh..." "What's up?" Sobel asked, worry in his voice. "What's up?" Sobel asked, worry in his voice. "They added a new security cipher," Sam explained. "The code I hit...I might have just called the cops." "They added a new security cipher," Sam explained. "The code I hit...I might have just called the cops." Sobel's eyes grew big. "Cops?" Sobel's eyes grew big. "Cops?" Sam shrugged. "So we get caught. This is where reps are made, 'a.s.sa.s.sin.' " Sam shrugged. "So we get caught. This is where reps are made, 'a.s.sa.s.sin.' " But now Sobel had gone completely pale. "If I'm caught by the cops, call my stepmom!" He took off down the street. "My stepmom!" But now Sobel had gone completely pale. "If I'm caught by the cops, call my stepmom!" He took off down the street. "My stepmom!" Sam rolled his eyes. Figured. The only person he could rely on was himself. "Okay, Sundance!" he called. See you on the flip side, he added silently. Sam rolled his eyes. Figured. The only person he could rely on was himself. "Okay, Sundance!" he called. See you on the flip side, he added silently. Just then, the multiple locks clicked, and the security door opened. Sam smiled, tucked the USB device into his jacket, and slung his backpack over his shoulder. Then he took a deep breath and darted through the door. Just then, the multiple locks clicked, and the security door opened. Sam smiled, tucked the USB device into his jacket, and slung his backpack over his shoulder. Then he took a deep breath and darted through the door. At the base of the stairs, Sam spotted the red light on the first security camera, indicating that it was active. He slipped a modified laser pointer out of his wrist sheath and fired at the lens. At the base of the stairs, Sam spotted the red light on the first security camera, indicating that it was active. He slipped a modified laser pointer out of his wrist sheath and fired at the lens. Somewhere inside Encom, a security monitor went blank. Then another and another as Sam fired at each camera. Somewhere inside Encom, a security monitor went blank. Then another and another as Sam fired at each camera. Now, that's how we do it, he thought. Invisible people can't get caught. Now, that's how we do it, he thought. Invisible people can't get caught. Sam needed no map as he raced through the building. He'd studied the floor plans and knew exactly which route to take. Sam needed no map as he raced through the building. He'd studied the floor plans and knew exactly which route to take. After two flights of stairs, Sam arrived at a bank of freight elevators. He hit the b.u.t.ton and an elevator instantly opened-just as he knew it would. After two flights of stairs, Sam arrived at a bank of freight elevators. He hit the b.u.t.ton and an elevator instantly opened-just as he knew it would. Three minutes later Sam stepped onto the skysc.r.a.per's roof, his backpack now firmly attached to both shoulders. Three minutes later Sam stepped onto the skysc.r.a.per's roof, his backpack now firmly attached to both shoulders. The night air was warm and laced with the smell of the ocean. Sam paused in the neon glow of the huge Encom sign that topped the building. The night air was warm and laced with the smell of the ocean. Sam paused in the neon glow of the huge Encom sign that topped the building. "Hey, dad," Sam whispered to the dark wind, hoping that wherever his father was, he could hear him asking: "How you doing?" "Hey, dad," Sam whispered to the dark wind, hoping that wherever his father was, he could hear him asking: "How you doing?" Just then, Sam heard a heavy door clang. Boots clomped across the roof. Two security guards appeared behind him! It looked like he hadn't been as invisible as he hoped. Just then, Sam heard a heavy door clang. Boots clomped across the roof. Two security guards appeared behind him! It looked like he hadn't been as invisible as he hoped. Here we go, Sam thought. Here we go, Sam thought. A third uniformed man appeared. This last guy was big and beefy. He wore special bars on his collar indicating that he was the guy in charge. "I got you now!" the big man called to Sam. A third uniformed man appeared. This last guy was big and beefy. He wore special bars on his collar indicating that he was the guy in charge. "I got you now!" the big man called to Sam. Sam ignored him as he tugged on the straps of his backpack, making sure they were secure. Then he began climbing to the top of the neon sign. Sam ignored him as he tugged on the straps of his backpack, making sure they were secure. Then he began climbing to the top of the neon sign. The guards shouted at him to get down, but he didn't listen. So the big guard started to follow him up. The guards shouted at him to get down, but he didn't listen. So the big guard started to follow him up. Sam kept climbing-right onto a catwalk suspended high above the city. The walkway was attached to a huge crane. Sam kept climbing-right onto a catwalk suspended high above the city. The walkway was attached to a huge crane. "I've got you cornered," the big officer shouted as he climbed onto the walkway. He faced Sam, moving a step closer. "I've got you cornered," the big officer shouted as he climbed onto the walkway. He faced Sam, moving a step closer. "Take it easy, buddy," Sam said, backing away. "Take it easy, buddy," Sam said, backing away. "The name's Ernie," the guard said. "You should know the name of the sheriff who brought you down." "The name's Ernie," the guard said. "You should know the name of the sheriff who brought you down." "You're a sheriff?" "You're a sheriff?" "You think you're so smart," Ernie shouted. "Every year at this time, some stupid stunt. And every time with that logo, that 89 symbol you leave behind! But not this year. No more chew-outs from my boss, because this year I've got my man!" "You think you're so smart," Ernie shouted. "Every year at this time, some stupid stunt. And every time with that logo, that 89 symbol you leave behind! But not this year. No more chew-outs from my boss, because this year I've got my man!" By now, the night wind was buffeting them both. The crane began to sway. Sam clutched the rail, looked at the ground far below and then back at Ernie. By now, the night wind was buffeting them both. The crane began to sway. Sam clutched the rail, looked at the ground far below and then back at Ernie. "Your boss is fine with this," he informed the man. "Your boss is fine with this," he informed the man. Ernie frowned and shook his head. "No way." Ernie frowned and shook his head. "No way." "Who's your boss?" Sam asked. "Who's your boss?" Sam asked. Ernie inched a little closer to Sam. A blast of wind hit them, and the crane's swaying became more violent. Ernie inched a little closer to Sam. A blast of wind hit them, and the crane's swaying became more violent. "The security chief is my boss," Ernie shouted. "The security chief is my boss," Ernie shouted. "That's not actually true," Sam told him, "because your boss works for the board of directors, and they work for the shareholders." "That's not actually true," Sam told him, "because your boss works for the board of directors, and they work for the shareholders." Ernie gave Sam a "so what" look. Ernie gave Sam a "so what" look. "do you know who the biggest shareholder is, Ernie?" "do you know who the biggest shareholder is, Ernie?" "I don't know!" Ernie cried. "Some kid!" "I don't know!" Ernie cried. "Some kid!" Sam stuck a thumb in his own chest-and grinned. Sam stuck a thumb in his own chest-and grinned. "You're the kid?" Ernie groaned. "You're the kid?" Ernie groaned. Sam nodded. Sam nodded. "You're killin' me," Ernie muttered. "You're killin' me," Ernie muttered. Still grinning, Sam dived off the walkway. "See ya, Sheriff!" he shouted as he hurtled toward the pavement. Still grinning, Sam dived off the walkway. "See ya, Sheriff!" he shouted as he hurtled toward the pavement. Ernie looked away, too horrified to watch. That's when he saw the 89 logo glowing from a giant neon sticker now attached to the crane. Sam had struck again. Ernie looked away, too horrified to watch. That's when he saw the 89 logo glowing from a giant neon sticker now attached to the crane. Sam had struck again.

SAM FELT HIMSELF FALLING FAST THROUGH THE AIR. With a hard jolt, the parachute hidden in his backpack deployed and his body was jerked back up again. Sam laughed. Everything was working out exactly as planned. He began floating down slowly, his feet dangling over his intended landing zone-the employee parking lot. And then, the gust came. Sam laughed. Everything was working out exactly as planned. He began floating down slowly, his feet dangling over his intended landing zone-the employee parking lot. And then, the gust came. With a whoosh the night wind caught his chute, twisting and turning it. With a whoosh the night wind caught his chute, twisting and turning it. Uh-oh... Uh-oh...While sirens began wailing in the distance, Sam felt the wind sweeping him away from the parking lot. He was drifting helplessly now, over the darkened city streets. Down, down he floated, and then, with another jolt, he stopped. Aw, no! he thought. His parachute had gotten caught on a streetlight! Down, down he floated, and then, with another jolt, he stopped. Aw, no! he thought. His parachute had gotten caught on a streetlight! Sam looked down to the pavement-the very hard pavement. He could slip out of the chute's harness and let himself fall to the ground. But it was just a little too high a drop. Sam looked down to the pavement-the very hard pavement. He could slip out of the chute's harness and let himself fall to the ground. But it was just a little too high a drop. With a sigh, Sam folded his arms and waited. With a sigh, Sam folded his arms and waited. Just then, he noticed a cab rolling down the empty street. Timing his move just right, he slipped out of the parachute harness and landed with a thump on the taxi's roof. Perfect! Just then, he noticed a cab rolling down the empty street. Timing his move just right, he slipped out of the parachute harness and landed with a thump on the taxi's roof. Perfect! "Hey, no free ride!" the driver shouted out his window. "Hey, no free ride!" the driver shouted out his window. Just then, a pair of police cars flew around the corner. Lights flashing, sirens wailing, two more units appeared on the opposite end of the block. Just then, a pair of police cars flew around the corner. Lights flashing, sirens wailing, two more units appeared on the opposite end of the block. Wow! Sam thought. When I call the cops, I really call 'em! Wow! Sam thought. When I call the cops, I really call 'em! The taxi was blocked in. The driver hit the brakes. But Sam wasn't stopping. He rolled off the roof of the taxi and landed on his feet. Then he leaped on and over the hoods of both police cars and took off full speed down the street. Behind him, more official vehicles screeched to a halt. The taxi was blocked in. The driver hit the brakes. But Sam wasn't stopping. He rolled off the roof of the taxi and landed on his feet. Then he leaped on and over the hoods of both police cars and took off full speed down the street. Behind him, more official vehicles screeched to a halt. Just as he reached his motorcycle back at the original landing site, a blinding beam of light shone down from above. Sam looked up and saw a police helicopter overhead, its blades beating the night air. Just as he reached his motorcycle back at the original landing site, a blinding beam of light shone down from above. Sam looked up and saw a police helicopter overhead, its blades beating the night air. Policemen rushed out of the shadows. They had been waiting. Strong hands seized him. One of the officers snapped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists. Another told Sam what he already knew. Policemen rushed out of the shadows. They had been waiting. Strong hands seized him. One of the officers snapped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists. Another told Sam what he already knew. "You're under arrest!" "You're under arrest!"

A FEW HOURS LATER, EVERYTHING WAS CLEARED UP. While his dad might not be around, his name still pulled a lot of weight. Uncuffed and released, and not much worse for the wear, Sam left the police station and headed home. Home for Sam wasn't a nice little ranch house in the suburbs or a huge mansion in a subdivision, which, by the way, he could easily afford. Sam Flynn lived where no one else did, next to a junkyard near the city docks. Home for Sam wasn't a nice little ranch house in the suburbs or a huge mansion in a subdivision, which, by the way, he could easily afford. Sam Flynn lived where no one else did, next to a junkyard near the city docks. During the day, this area was loud and active. Sam didn't like it much then. But now, just past midnight, the piers were closed, the warehouses were deserted, and the city skyline silently flickered like rows of lit candles in a quiet church. During the day, this area was loud and active. Sam didn't like it much then. But now, just past midnight, the piers were closed, the warehouses were deserted, and the city skyline silently flickered like rows of lit candles in a quiet church. Sam cut his motorcycle engine and parked beside a stack of boxcar-size shipping containers. Carrying a bag of take-out burgers, he climbed a metal staircase to the container on the very top. Sam cut his motorcycle engine and parked beside a stack of boxcar-size shipping containers. Carrying a bag of take-out burgers, he climbed a metal staircase to the container on the very top. Home sweet home, he thought, pulling out a key. Home sweet home, he thought, pulling out a key. Thanks to a giant window cut into one side of the metal container, Sam had a great view of the city. But tonight he ignored the scenery. Thanks to a giant window cut into one side of the metal container, Sam had a great view of the city. But tonight he ignored the scenery. Walking in the front door, he heard a friendly bark. A furry dog, tail wagging, bounded up to greet him. Walking in the front door, he heard a friendly bark. A furry dog, tail wagging, bounded up to greet him. "Hey, Marvin," Sam called, reaching into the bag. He tossed his dog a thick, hot burger. "double-double. No mayo. Just the way you like it." "Hey, Marvin," Sam called, reaching into the bag. He tossed his dog a thick, hot burger. "double-double. No mayo. Just the way you like it." Marvin barked a thank you and began nibbling on the juicy meat. Marvin barked a thank you and began nibbling on the juicy meat. Sam went to the fridge and grabbed a cold drink, then headed for the couch with his own burger. Sam went to the fridge and grabbed a cold drink, then headed for the couch with his own burger. His place was a total mess. Papers and books were piled everywhere. The shelf was cluttered with rows of action figures, and in the middle of the room, a vintage motorcycle sat up on blocks. This was his father's old bike. Sam was in the middle of rebuilding the twenty-year-old ducati. One wheel and a lot of engine parts were scattered all over the floor. His place was a total mess. Papers and books were piled everywhere. The shelf was cluttered with rows of action figures, and in the middle of the room, a vintage motorcycle sat up on blocks. This was his father's old bike. Sam was in the middle of rebuilding the twenty-year-old ducati. One wheel and a lot of engine parts were scattered all over the floor. Sam stretched out on a couch beside his father's cycle, unwrapped his burger, and began to eat. That's when Sam realized he wasn't alone. A man stepped out of the shadows. Sam stretched out on a couch beside his father's cycle, unwrapped his burger, and began to eat. That's when Sam realized he wasn't alone. A man stepped out of the shadows. Sam bolted upright in alarm. Then he saw the man's face. "Alan," he said with relief, "what are you doing in my apartment?" Sam bolted upright in alarm. Then he saw the man's face. "Alan," he said with relief, "what are you doing in my apartment?" Alan Bradley shrugged. "You don't answer your phone." He smiled. "How ya been, Sam?" Alan Bradley shrugged. "You don't answer your phone." He smiled. "How ya been, Sam?" Sam narrowed his eyes. Years ago, Alan had been his father's best friend. After his father had escaped the digital world and focused back on the real world, he'd made Alan a partner at Encom. And when Kevin disappeared, Alan had been the one to help raise the young orphan. Now Alan managed Sam's majority ownership of the corporation-and he tried to manage Sam, too. Sam narrowed his eyes. Years ago, Alan had been his father's best friend. After his father had escaped the digital world and focused back on the real world, he'd made Alan a partner at Encom. And when Kevin disappeared, Alan had been the one to help raise the young orphan. Now Alan managed Sam's majority ownership of the corporation-and he tried to manage Sam, too. "When I was twelve I might have appreciated the whole surrogate-father thing," Sam bitterly told Alan. "But come on. I got it under control now." "When I was twelve I might have appreciated the whole surrogate-father thing," Sam bitterly told Alan. "But come on. I got it under control now." Alan gestured to the mess around him. "Clearly." Alan gestured to the mess around him. "Clearly." "What is it?" Sam lashed back. "do you want to help me with my homework?" "What is it?" Sam lashed back. "do you want to help me with my homework?" Alan turned his back on Sam and peered at the city skyline. "I heard you did a triple axel off the Tower a few hours ago," he said. "rough landing, huh?" Alan turned his back on Sam and peered at the city skyline. "I heard you did a triple axel off the Tower a few hours ago," he said. "rough landing, huh?" Sam rubbed the wrists where he'd been cuffed. "Could have been worse." Sam rubbed the wrists where he'd been cuffed. "Could have been worse." Alan sighed. "I also heard you sent the last batch of dividend checks to some interesting charities." Alan sighed. "I also heard you sent the last batch of dividend checks to some interesting charities." "The dog-park thing?" Sam gestured to his canine bud. "That was Marvin's idea." "The dog-park thing?" Sam gestured to his canine bud. "That was Marvin's idea." Alan folded his arms. Alan folded his arms. "Are we gonna do this again?" Sam asked, shaking his head. "do I look like I'm ready to run a Fortune 500 company?" "Are we gonna do this again?" Sam asked, shaking his head. "do I look like I'm ready to run a Fortune 500 company?" "No," Alan said. "And truthfully, the board's pretty happy with you where you are. That way they can keep doing whatever they want. What I find curious is that annual prank you pull on the company. You have an interesting way of being disinterested." "No," Alan said. "And truthfully, the board's pretty happy with you where you are. That way they can keep doing whatever they want. What I find curious is that annual prank you pull on the company. You have an interesting way of being disinterested." Sam put down his burger and wiped his hands. "Why are you here, Alan?" Sam put down his burger and wiped his hands. "Why are you here, Alan?" "I promised you if I ever got any information about your dad, I'd tell you first," Alan said. "I got a page last night." "I promised you if I ever got any information about your dad, I'd tell you first," Alan said. "I got a page last night." "Still rocking the pager," Sam said, stifling a laugh. Pagers were so old-school. "good for you," he added. "Still rocking the pager," Sam said, stifling a laugh. Pagers were so old-school. "good for you," he added. "The page came from the arcade." "The page came from the arcade." Sam shrugged. "So." Sam shrugged. "So." "So, that number has been disconnected for twenty years," Alan said. "Ever since your father vanished." "So, that number has been disconnected for twenty years," Alan said. "Ever since your father vanished." Sam froze. Sam froze. "Two nights before your father disappeared, he came to my house," Alan went on. "Flynn said he cracked it. He was talking about genetic algorithms, quantum teleportation. Flynn said he was about to change everything. Science. Medicine. religion." Alan locked eyes with Sam. "He wouldn't have left that, Sam. And he wouldn't have left you." "Two nights before your father disappeared, he came to my house," Alan went on. "Flynn said he cracked it. He was talking about genetic algorithms, quantum teleportation. Flynn said he was about to change everything. Science. Medicine. religion." Alan locked eyes with Sam. "He wouldn't have left that, Sam. And he wouldn't have left you." Sam shook his head. He had heard this before. It didn't change anything. It couldn't change anything. "You and I both know he's either dead or chillin' in Costa rica," Sam said angrily. "Probably both. I'm sorry, man. I'm beat, and I smell like jail. Let's reconvene in a couple of years-" Sam shook his head. He had heard this before. It didn't change anything. It couldn't change anything. "You and I both know he's either dead or chillin' in Costa rica," Sam said angrily. "Probably both. I'm sorry, man. I'm beat, and I smell like jail. Let's reconvene in a couple of years-" Before Sam could object, Alan tossed him a metal ring. Instinctively, Sam reached out and caught it. "The keys to the arcade," Alan said. "I haven't gone over yet. I thought you should be the one-" Before Sam could object, Alan tossed him a metal ring. Instinctively, Sam reached out and caught it. "The keys to the arcade," Alan said. "I haven't gone over yet. I thought you should be the one-" "You're acting like I'm gonna find dad sitting there working!" Sam cried. "Ah, sorry, kiddo, lost track of time for, like, twenty years..." "You're acting like I'm gonna find dad sitting there working!" Sam cried. "Ah, sorry, kiddo, lost track of time for, like, twenty years..." The older man nodded, stared at the flickering lights of the city. "Wouldn't that be something?" he said wistfully. Sam felt a momentary pang of sympathy. He wasn't the only one his dad had left behind. Then, before he could say anything, Alan walked out the door. The older man nodded, stared at the flickering lights of the city. "Wouldn't that be something?" he said wistfully. Sam felt a momentary pang of sympathy. He wasn't the only one his dad had left behind. Then, before he could say anything, Alan walked out the door. Left alone again with his dog, Sam found his gaze straying to the Tron-game action figures lined up on his shelf. Left alone again with his dog, Sam found his gaze straying to the Tron-game action figures lined up on his shelf. For the very first time, Sam noticed something. "What the...?" he whispered, looking harder. The plastic face on the Tron figure looked just like the face of Alan Bradley. For the very first time, Sam noticed something. "What the...?" he whispered, looking harder. The plastic face on the Tron figure looked just like the face of Alan Bradley. When Sam's dad had been trapped inside the computer all those years ago, it was Tron who'd helped Kevin defeat the evil Master Program. When Sam's dad had been trapped inside the computer all those years ago, it was Tron who'd helped Kevin defeat the evil Master Program. Does the digital world my dad created really mirror our world so closely? Sam wondered. The thought stayed with him, like an itch he couldn't scratch. Does the digital world my dad created really mirror our world so closely? Sam wondered. The thought stayed with him, like an itch he couldn't scratch. He stared at the keys in his hand, the keys to the arcade. Suddenly, Sam grabbed his helmet and jacket. Before Marvin had time to swallow the last bite of his double-double, no mayo, Sam was back on the freeway. He stared at the keys in his hand, the keys to the arcade. Suddenly, Sam grabbed his helmet and jacket. Before Marvin had time to swallow the last bite of his double-double, no mayo, Sam was back on the freeway.

AS HEAT LIGHTNING RIPPLED THROUGH THE PURPLE SKY, Sam arrived in front of his dad's gaming arcade. It was three a.m., the streets were deserted, and Flynn's was dark and shuttered, just as it had been for two decades. Layers of old posters covered the entryway. There were flyers for concerts, movies, basketball games-twenty years of event history. Sam ripped them all away. Using the keys Alan had given him, he unlocked the front door. Layers of old posters covered the entryway. There were flyers for concerts, movies, basketball games-twenty years of event history. Sam ripped them all away. Using the keys Alan had given him, he unlocked the front door. A beeping sound reminded him to punch in the alarm code. Sam did, surprised his twenty-seven-year-old brain could still access his seven-year-old self's memory. A beeping sound reminded him to punch in the alarm code. Sam did, surprised his twenty-seven-year-old brain could still access his seven-year-old self's memory. The arcade was dark. Even after Sam turned on the lights, the place felt gloomy. Strange shapes lurked under sheets covered with layers of dust, like the creation on doctor Frankenstein's lab table. The arcade was dark. Even after Sam turned on the lights, the place felt gloomy. Strange shapes lurked under sheets covered with layers of dust, like the creation on doctor Frankenstein's lab table. But Sam knew the only creations lurking under the dusty covers were the ghosts of forgotten video games from the 1980s. Every one of them was an antique. The multiplatform, Internet gamers of the twenty-first century had no use for them. But Sam knew the only creations lurking under the dusty covers were the ghosts of forgotten video games from the 1980s. Every one of them was an antique. The multiplatform, Internet gamers of the twenty-first century had no use for them. But not everything in this place was useless. As in Frankenstein's lab, Sam suspected there might be a secret lurking inside the arcade. He just had to find it. But not everything in this place was useless. As in Frankenstein's lab, Sam suspected there might be a secret lurking inside the arcade. He just had to find it. Before he could begin his search, something caught his attention. One game, covered in a sheet like all the others, was up against the far wall. He walked up to it, blew away the dust, and pulled the sheet off Tron. He dug into his pocket for a quarter. Just one game, he thought. For old time's sake. Before he could begin his search, something caught his attention. One game, covered in a sheet like all the others, was up against the far wall. He walked up to it, blew away the dust, and pulled the sheet off Tron. He dug into his pocket for a quarter. Just one game, he thought. For old time's sake. Suddenly the coin slipped between his fingers and Sam groaned. dropping down to retrieve it, he noticed scuff marks on the floor. It seemed the Tron machine had been moved-and moved a lot. Suddenly the coin slipped between his fingers and Sam groaned. dropping down to retrieve it, he noticed scuff marks on the floor. It seemed the Tron machine had been moved-and moved a lot. Why? Why? Sam tugged on the game, trying to move it himself. For a moment it didn't budge-and then the whole thing suddenly swung outward. The game was concealing a secret doorway! Sam tugged on the game, trying to move it himself. For a moment it didn't budge-and then the whole thing suddenly swung outward. The game was concealing a secret doorway! As Sam stepped over the threshold, an electronic eye activated the room's power. Lights came on by themselves, and Sam gasped in surprise. As Sam stepped over the threshold, an electronic eye activated the room's power. Lights came on by themselves, and Sam gasped in surprise. It must be dad's secret laboratory, he realized, his heart beginning to pound. It must be dad's secret laboratory, he realized, his heart beginning to pound. Frozen in time, a twenty-year-old pot of coffee sat on a stove in the corner. The leather jacket his dad had been wearing the night he vanished was still draped over a chair. A layer of dust covered everything. gulping, Sam continued to move around, taking stock. Frozen in time, a twenty-year-old pot of coffee sat on a stove in the corner. The leather jacket his dad had been wearing the night he vanished was still draped over a chair. A layer of dust covered everything. gulping, Sam continued to move around, taking stock. He saw a map tacked to a cork bulletin board. The map outlined a landma.s.s Sam didn't recognize. His father had labeled it the grid. He saw a map tacked to a cork bulletin board. The map outlined a landma.s.s Sam didn't recognize. His father had labeled it the grid. Computer mainframes lined the walls, and a gla.s.s and silicon laser array was placed in one corner. The laser was aimed at a chair and table in the center of the room. Computer mainframes lined the walls, and a gla.s.s and silicon laser array was placed in one corner. The laser was aimed at a chair and table in the center of the room. Sam sat down in the chair. Suddenly the table in front of him lit up. Sam brushed away two decades of dust and discovered that it was actually a worktable that controlled the computers surrounding him. Sam sat down in the chair. Suddenly the table in front of him lit up. Sam brushed away two decades of dust and discovered that it was actually a worktable that controlled the computers surrounding him. Processors began to hum. Then the screen in the center of the table flashed a question: Processors began to hum. Then the screen in the center of the table flashed a question: TRON PROJECT TRON PROJECTINITIATE SEQUENCE? Y/N Y/N Sam pondered the question for two whole seconds before pressing Sam pondered the question for two whole seconds before pressing Y Y. Instantly, a brilliant blue burst of light washed over Sam. "Ahh!" he cried, blinded by the flash. Instantly, a brilliant blue burst of light washed over Sam. "Ahh!" he cried, blinded by the flash. For a moment, there was nothing but the bright flash and the heavy sound of Sam's startled breathing. It was as if time had been suspended. For a moment, there was nothing but the bright flash and the heavy sound of Sam's startled breathing. It was as if time had been suspended. Sam finally opened his eyes. darkness. He blinked and rubbed his eyes, but it didn't help. All the lights in the room had shorted out. Sam finally opened his eyes. darkness. He blinked and rubbed his eyes, but it didn't help. All the lights in the room had shorted out. Reaching out in the pitch dark, Sam felt the surface of the table. There were no running lights on the control panel, no humming or vibrations. It was dead. Sam found a manual reboot switch and activated it. Reaching out in the pitch dark, Sam felt the surface of the table. There were no running lights on the control panel, no humming or vibrations. It was dead. Sam found a manual reboot switch and activated it. Nothing. No power at all, not even emergency lighting. Muttering in frustration, Sam felt his way out of the secret lab. He moved through the arcade, which was also pitch dark, and finally stumbled out the front door. Nothing. No power at all, not even emergency lighting. Muttering in frustration, Sam felt his way out of the secret lab. He moved through the arcade, which was also pitch dark, and finally stumbled out the front door. Although it was still dim, at least now he could see. And go home. Enough trips down memory lane. Although it was still dim, at least now he could see. And go home. Enough trips down memory lane. The night air felt different now, wet, foggy, cooler. Maybe the jump off the Encom building had rattled his brain. Shaking his head, Sam walked over to the streetlight where he'd parked his motorcycle. It was gone. The night air felt different now, wet, foggy, cooler. Maybe the jump off the Encom building had rattled his brain. Shaking his head, Sam walked over to the streetlight where he'd parked his motorcycle. It was gone. "What?!" "What?!" He glanced around and realized the missing bike wasn't the only strange occurrence. Lots of things were different now. Clouds, stars, even the moon had disappeared. The sky above him looked as black as outer s.p.a.ce. Suddenly a crackling flash of lightning rippled across the firmament. He glanced around and realized the missing bike wasn't the only strange occurrence. Lots of things were different now. Clouds, stars, even the moon had disappeared. The sky above him looked as black as outer s.p.a.ce. Suddenly a crackling flash of lightning rippled across the firmament. Heat lightning again? he thought. But the weather seemed too cool for that. And since when was lightning blue? Heat lightning again? he thought. But the weather seemed too cool for that. And since when was lightning blue? Sam's heart was now pumping hard enough to drown out the strange electronic buzzing that was a.s.saulting his ears. He couldn't wrap his head around it. Nothing was as it should be. Even the buildings looked different-blank walls without any windows or doors. Sam's heart was now pumping hard enough to drown out the strange electronic buzzing that was a.s.saulting his ears. He couldn't wrap his head around it. Nothing was as it should be. Even the buildings looked different-blank walls without any windows or doors. That's when a blinding spotlight pinned him. Sam groaned. The police again? "This has to be a new record," he said out loud. That's when a blinding spotlight pinned him. Sam groaned. The police again? "This has to be a new record," he said out loud. But this was no helicopter. Looking up, Sam's eyes nearly popped out of his head, and his jaw dropped. Hovering over him was an upside down U-shaped recognizer-from the Tron game! The digital construct was blue-black in color, with orange piping. But this was no helicopter. Looking up, Sam's eyes nearly popped out of his head, and his jaw dropped. Hovering over him was an upside down U-shaped recognizer-from the Tron game! The digital construct was blue-black in color, with orange piping. I'm inside, Sam realized in shock. I'm in dad's digital world! I'm inside, Sam realized in shock. I'm in dad's digital world! The recognizer hovered overhead, its light probing Sam as if he were a specimen under a microscope. The recognizer hovered overhead, its light probing Sam as if he were a specimen under a microscope. "Identify yourself, program," a booming, metallic voice commanded. "Identify yourself, program," a booming, metallic voice commanded. There was no way he was staying around to answer that question. He had to get back into the arcade. Sam tried to run, but the ground under his feet rumbled. Then the streets sank, transforming into deep canyons that surrounded Sam. In seconds, he found himself trapped on a concrete plateau with nowhere to go. There was no way he was staying around to answer that question. He had to get back into the arcade. Sam tried to run, but the ground under his feet rumbled. Then the streets sank, transforming into deep canyons that surrounded Sam. In seconds, he found himself trapped on a concrete plateau with nowhere to go. The recognizer circled its prey then settled on the lone piece of raised concrete. The machine's two legs straddled Sam. Hatches opened, and four guards-or Sentries as Sam remembered them being called-in blue-black armor and smooth, blank helmets walked out of a hangar and surrounded him. The recognizer circled its prey then settled on the lone piece of raised concrete. The machine's two legs straddled Sam. Hatches opened, and four guards-or Sentries as Sam remembered them being called-in blue-black armor and smooth, blank helmets walked out of a hangar and surrounded him. One of them pointed to Sam. "This program has no disc. Another stray." One of them pointed to Sam. "This program has no disc. Another stray." The voice was electronic, but not without emotion. Sam sensed disdain, maybe even hatred, in the Sentry's tone. A second Sentry seized his arm. The voice was electronic, but not without emotion. Sam sensed disdain, maybe even hatred, in the Sentry's tone. A second Sentry seized his arm. "Wait!" Sam cried. "Wait!" Sam cried. The Sentries ignored Sam's pleas. They dragged him into the recognizer's hangar. The hatch closed, and Sam felt the craft lurch under his feet. He was trapped. The Sentries ignored Sam's pleas. They dragged him into the recognizer's hangar. The hatch closed, and Sam felt the craft lurch under his feet. He was trapped.

ONCE THE MACHINE WAS AIRBORNE, the Sentries finally released Sam. But before he could take even a step, crackles of light energy slammed Sam against a bulkhead. More bands of power restrained his hands and feet. Sam ceased to struggle when the hangar floor became transparent. What he saw was unbelievable. It was the stuff of his father's stories-but in living color. Sam ceased to struggle when the hangar floor became transparent. What he saw was unbelievable. It was the stuff of his father's stories-but in living color. The recognizer was flying over a city that appeared to stretch for a hundred miles in every direction. The craft was dwarfed by impossibly high skysc.r.a.pers capped by towering spires that rose against the ebony horizon. The recognizer was flying over a city that appeared to stretch for a hundred miles in every direction. The craft was dwarfed by impossibly high skysc.r.a.pers capped by towering spires that rose against the ebony horizon. The entire metropolis was laid out in a grid pattern. Sam tracked crackling bolts of energy as they raced between the buildings. Blue plasma traveled beside the streets through ca.n.a.ls that flowed along every avenue and boulevard, like a river meandering through the forest. The entire metropolis was laid out in a grid pattern. Sam tracked crackling bolts of energy as they raced between the buildings. Blue plasma traveled beside the streets through ca.n.a.ls that flowed along every avenue and boulevard, like a river meandering through the forest. Those same energy beams roiled in the black sky. In one blazing blue flash of lightning a gla.s.sy onyx mountain range in the far distance was revealed. Those same energy beams roiled in the black sky. In one blazing blue flash of lightning a gla.s.sy onyx mountain range in the far distance was revealed. Dragging his attention back inside, Sam noticed other people in the hangar with him. They appeared dazed and frightened. Some watched the view through the floor, but most seemed disinterested. Dragging his attention back inside, Sam noticed other people in the hangar with him. They appeared dazed and frightened. Some watched the view through the floor, but most seemed disinterested. "Hey," Sam called out. "does the name Kevin Flynn mean anything to you?" "Hey," Sam called out. "does the name Kevin Flynn mean anything to you?" "Keep quiet if you want to live," a teenager warned, causing Sam to raise an eyebrow. He'd just been asking a question. giving him a closer look, Sam saw that the kid wore a weird black bodysuitlike piece of clothing that glowed with lines of rippling energy. "Keep quiet if you want to live," a teenager warned, causing Sam to raise an eyebrow. He'd just been asking a question. giving him a closer look, Sam saw that the kid wore a weird black bodysuitlike piece of clothing that glowed with lines of rippling energy. Sam looked back at the rest of the people. "Not the games, not the games, not the games," one person chanted. Curled in a ball on the transparent floor, his eyes were hidden behind trembling hands. Sam looked back at the rest of the people. "Not the games, not the games, not the games," one person chanted. Curled in a ball on the transparent floor, his eyes were hidden behind trembling hands. "What's his problem?" Sam asked. "What's his problem?" Sam asked. "Shhhh," another hissed. "Shhhh," another hissed. Sam faced the man and gasped. Half his face had been violently torn away, leaving empty s.p.a.ce bound loosely together...with wavering pixels! Sam faced the man and gasped. Half his face had been violently torn away, leaving empty s.p.a.ce bound loosely together...with wavering pixels! These aren't human beings, Sam realized with a jolt. The Sentry had said it earlier, he just hadn't been paying attention! These are programs! Living bio-digital ent.i.ties. And the Sentries think I'm one of them! These aren't human beings, Sam realized with a jolt. The Sentry had said it earlier, he just hadn't been paying attention! These are programs! Living bio-digital ent.i.ties. And the Sentries think I'm one of them! Suddenly, the invisible restraints holding Sam released him. He tumbled to the floor. The recognizer banked, moving into a landing pattern. Finally the airship docked on a platform high over the city streets. Suddenly, the invisible restraints holding Sam released him. He tumbled to the floor. The recognizer banked, moving into a landing pattern. Finally the airship docked on a platform high over the city streets. Sentries dragged Sam outside with the other programs. They were greeted by an intelligence officer in translucent armor. A Judge Sentry, identified with a special symbol glowing on his chest plate, stood next to him. Sentries dragged Sam outside with the other programs. They were greeted by an intelligence officer in translucent armor. A Judge Sentry, identified with a special symbol glowing on his chest plate, stood next to him. Without wasting any time, the Judge Sentry began p.r.o.nouncing sentence on every captured program: "I sentence you to the games...I sentence you to the games...I sentence you..." He went from one to the other without hesitation. Without wasting any time, the Judge Sentry began p.r.o.nouncing sentence on every captured program: "I sentence you to the games...I sentence you to the games...I sentence you..." He went from one to the other without hesitation. Most programs accepted their fate meekly, as if they were already doomed. But some were not as quiet. Most programs accepted their fate meekly, as if they were already doomed. But some were not as quiet. "Not the games!" shouted one frightened program. He broke away from the Sentries and ran screaming to the rail. Sam watched in horror as the program hurled himself off the platform to the ground far below. "Not the games!" shouted one frightened program. He broke away from the Sentries and ran screaming to the rail. Sam watched in horror as the program hurled himself off the platform to the ground far below. A moment later, the judge approached Sam. A moment later, the judge approached Sam. This was his chance. He had to explain the situation and get out of here. He didn't belong here. This was his chance. He had to explain the situation and get out of here. He didn't belong here. "Look," Sam began to tell the judge, "I know you probably get this a lot. But there's been a mistake. I need to talk to somebody-" "Look," Sam began to tell the judge, "I know you probably get this a lot. But there's been a mistake. I need to talk to somebody-" But the judge cut Sam off with a simple p.r.o.nouncement: "I sentence you...to the games." But the judge cut Sam off with a simple p.r.o.nouncement: "I sentence you...to the games."

THE JUDGE HAD SPOKEN. Sam was taken away and tossed into a room with four life-size statues of women. He blinked in astonishment when the beautiful "statues" came to life. They were Sirens from his dad's game! Their white unitards glowed alluringly, and they looked as though they had been carved from pure marble. "Uh," Sam said, "can somebody tell me what-" "Uh," Sam said, "can somebody tell me what-" The one Sam a.s.sumed was the leader-lifted her finger. The tip glowed with a stark white light. The Siren touched his lips, and Sam fell silent. Then she ran the finger along his chest, and the light cut his clothes away, as if it were a surgeon's scalpel. The one Sam a.s.sumed was the leader-lifted her finger. The tip glowed with a stark white light. The Siren touched his lips, and Sam fell silent. Then she ran the finger along his chest, and the light cut his clothes away, as if it were a surgeon's scalpel. "Whoa!" Sam protested. "Whoa!" Sam protested. The Siren ignored him as two others returned bearing formfitting armor. They touched the plates to Sam's legs, torso, and arms. The armor clung to his flesh as if magnetized. The Siren ignored him as two others returned bearing formfitting armor. They touched the plates to Sam's legs, torso, and arms. The armor clung to his flesh as if magnetized. Then the Siren raised her glowing finger again. Then the Siren raised her glowing finger again. "This can't be good," Sam said. "This can't be good," Sam said. She ran her finger along Sam's armored joints, sealing them and trapping him inside. Arcs of plasma surged through the plating. Sam's newly electrolyzed flesh tingled. She ran her finger along Sam's armored joints, sealing them and trapping him inside. Arcs of plasma surged through the plating. Sam's newly electrolyzed flesh tingled. Finally, another beautiful Siren approached Sam. She carried a circular metal disc the size of a dinner plate. Silently, she inserted the disc into a groove on the back of Sam's armor. Finally, another beautiful Siren approached Sam. She carried a circular metal disc the size of a dinner plate. Silently, she inserted the disc into a groove on the back of Sam's armor. Sam's head felt like it was going to explode. And rightfully so. Unbeknownst to him, a powerful processor inside that disc had begun downloading the contents of his mind. Sam's head felt like it was going to explode. And rightfully so. Unbeknownst to him, a powerful processor inside that disc had begun downloading the contents of his mind. "Mirroring complete," the disc Siren droned. "disc activated and synchronized. Proceed to the games." She stepped back into the shadows and froze, statuelike once more. The two others joined her, and all three became motionless again. "Mirroring complete," the disc Siren droned. "disc activated and synchronized. Proceed to the games." She stepped back into the shadows and froze, statuelike once more. The two others joined her, and all three became motionless again. Sam faced the head Siren. "What do I do?" he asked. Sam faced the head Siren. "What do I do?" he asked. For a moment, it looked as though she might be sympathetic, as though she might actually help Sam get out of this waking nightmare. But then she spoke. Her answer was one word: "Survive." For a moment, it looked as though she might be sympathetic, as though she might actually help Sam get out of this waking nightmare. But then she spoke. Her answer was one word: "Survive." A door opened and the floor moved, carrying Sam forward and then straight up a dark chute. He rose and when he could see again, he was in the middle of a vast arena. A door opened and the floor moved, carrying Sam forward and then straight up a dark chute. He rose and when he could see again, he was in the middle of a vast arena. Looking around, Sam realized he was standing on a raised platform-one of eight. The platforms were huge circles. Each was separated by a deep abyss. Sam looked down into the black pit beside him. He couldn't see the bottom. Looking around, Sam realized he was standing on a raised platform-one of eight. The platforms were huge circles. Each was separated by a deep abyss. Sam looked down into the black pit beside him. He couldn't see the bottom. Thunderous applause greeted Sam's arrival. Scanning the arena, he saw thousands of programs sitting in the stands. They weren't just clapping for him. They were clapping for all the contestants-and there were sixteen of them. Thunderous applause greeted Sam's arrival. Scanning the arena, he saw thousands of programs sitting in the stands. They weren't just clapping for him. They were clapping for all the contestants-and there were sixteen of them. The competing programs eyed one another. Some seemed used to their surroundings, and Sam guessed they were vet-erans of the games. His suspicions were confirmed when those programs dropped into a crouch, waiting for play to begin. The frightened newcomers, on the other hand, shifted nervously. Sam quickly mimicked the seasoned players and dropped into a crouch, too. The competing programs eyed one another. Some seemed used to their surroundings, and Sam guessed they were vet-erans of the games. His suspicions were confirmed when those programs dropped into a crouch, waiting for play to begin. The frightened newcomers, on the other hand, shifted nervously. Sam quickly mimicked the seasoned players and dropped into a crouch, too. Just then, a robotic voice boomed: "The Leader has signaled the start of the games." Just then, a robotic voice boomed: "The Leader has signaled the start of the games." Leader? What leader? Sam thought. Leader? What leader? Sam thought. Cheers erupted from the audience, and Sam focused. Across the court, his opponent pulled the disc from the back of his armor. A helmet immediately formed over the program's head, and then a visor covered his face, making him battle-ready. Cheers erupted from the audience, and Sam focused. Across the court, his opponent pulled the disc from the back of his armor. A helmet immediately formed over the program's head, and then a visor covered his face, making him battle-ready. "Yo!" Sam called, realizing the opponent looked familiar in his gear. "I have a three-inch version of you on my action-figure shelf!" Maybe fighting him would be as easy as playing with toys. "Yo!" Sam called, realizing the opponent looked familiar in his gear. "I have a three-inch version of you on my action-figure shelf!" Maybe fighting him would be as easy as playing with toys. Maybe not. Maybe not. The disc in the progam's hand began to glow. Then the program hurled the disc so fast it singed Sam's hair. Without missing a beat, the disc returned to the thrower's gloved hand like a high-tech boomerang. The disc in the progam's hand began to glow. Then the program hurled the disc so fast it singed Sam's hair. Without missing a beat, the disc returned to the thrower's gloved hand like a high-tech boomerang. The game was officially on. And Sam needed to stay focused. The game was officially on. And Sam needed to stay focused. Just then, a big, bearded opponent threw a disc. But this one wasn't aimed at Sam. This disc was heading for the terrified program on the platform at Sam's right. Just then, a big, bearded opponent threw a disc. But this one wasn't aimed at Sam. This disc was heading for the terrified program on the platform at Sam's right. The glowing disc hit the quivering program square in the chest. It exploded into thousands of tiny squares that bounced across the court like shattered gla.s.s. The glowing disc hit the quivering program square in the chest. It exploded into thousands of tiny squares that bounced across the court like shattered gla.s.s. "Program three derezzed," the robotic announcer calmly declared. "Program three derezzed," the robotic announcer calmly declared. Sam swallowed hard. He was freaking out now, but he refused to show it. I can play this, he told himself. Plus, I can't derezz...I don't think. Sam swallowed hard. He was freaking out now, but he refused to show it. I can play this, he told himself. Plus, I can't derezz...I don't think. Taking a moment to get his bearings, it occurred to Sam that he had an advantage. He had played a game just like this before-Tron! First level. Single-elimination round. Taking a moment to get his bearings, it occurred to Sam that he had an advantage. He had played a game just like this before-Tron! First level. Single-elimination round. I can beat this level. I've done it already. I can beat this level. I've done it already. Sam reached behind him for his disc, but it stuck in its sheath. Uh-oh. His opponent threw again. Sam ducked just in time and finally freed his own weapon. Sam reached behind him for his disc, but it stuck in its sheath. Uh-oh. His opponent threw again. Sam ducked just in time and finally freed his own weapon. "All right, here we go," Sam said, as the visor instantly closed over his face. Now he was battle-ready! He fired his disc. "All right, here we go," Sam said, as the visor instantly closed over his face. Now he was battle-ready! He fired his disc. His opponent dodged Sam's throw and tossed again. This time the disc hit the platform, shattering it under Sam's feet. His opponent dodged Sam's throw and tossed again. This time the disc hit the platform, shattering it under Sam's feet. Sam yelped as he fell. With one hand he managed to grab the crumbling edge. He caught his returning disc with the other. Sam yelped as he fell. With one hand he managed to grab the crumbling edge. He caught his returning disc with the other. "So that's how it is," Sam muttered, pulling himself back up. "So that's how it is," Sam muttered, pulling himself back up. His opponent made a huge leap, jumping right onto Sam's broken platform. Standing over him, the program raised his glowing disc like an ax. His opponent made a huge leap, jumping right onto Sam's broken platform. Standing over him, the program raised his glowing disc like an ax. "I don't think so!" Sam slammed down his own disc, striking the platform at his opponent's feet. The platform shatt