Chapter 16

As Sam struggled to process this strange place, the Siren Gem, Alexader and Quorra led him to the neon bar. They passed a row of Sentries sipping energy drinks.

At the sight of the guards, Sam tensed with alarm. "Relax," she said. "The Sentries are occupied." She pointed out other Sirens just like her. They were sitting next to the Sentries, whispering to them. Sam nodded and continued to follow the Siren. She led him to the base of a high platform at the center of the vast club. The platform was heavily guarded by grim-faced programs. They stood, arms folded and staring straight ahead, as the party flowed around them like ocean waves around giant boulders.

A man sat on the platform they were guarding. He wore a formal tailcoat and a top hat. He spun a cane in his left hand. His hair was white, his face the same pale color, and his clothes a startling white as well. He was like no program Sam had ever seen. "His name is Castor," the Siren told Sam. "If you want to speak to Zuse, you have to go through him." Sam noticed the wall of guards parting. A tough-looking program climbed the platform stairs. Pixels were missing in his face and neck—this world's version of a hideous scar.

"That's Bartik. Bartik the Anarchist," someone close to Sam whispered, pointing to his scarred face. Bartik crossed the high platform and approached Castor. down in the crowd, Bartik's gang watched the meeting with interest. So did Sam. He moved closer to hear what the two were saying. "Have a sense of humor, my friend," Castor began. "It's only a revolution." Plasma pulsated through Bartik's armor. "I didn't come here for entertainment," he snapped. "It's time. You can feel it. The boy's on the grid. He's spurred hope." Sam tensed. They were talking about him. Bartik pointed to the windows. "The eastern sky is alight!" Castor sighed. "And you wish me to ask Zuse to rally the troops? Stir the masses? rouse the rabblers? Am I right?"

"Programs are disappearing, Castor," Bartik said. "Soon none of us will be left. We need to strike now. Unite the factions. Encourage revolution!"

"Of course, Zuse can do these things," Castor said, stifling a yawn. "Then grant me an audience," Bartik pleaded. Castor yawned deeply. "Your enthusiasm is intoxicating, dear Bartik, but Zuse's time is more than precious. We shall see…"

Zuse was not having it, when Alex spoke up"What if we can get you someone else?"

Bartik looked at Alex and was curious then questioned"Who?"

Alex answered"Kevin Flynn."

Bartik was shocked hearing there creators name and asked"How can I believe you?"

Quorra showed her ISO mark, which caused Bartik to understand the last ISO that was saved by Kevin Flynn, he had heard some rumors about it during the time of purge.So breaking away from his thoughts he questioned"You can grant an audience for me."

Alex nodded and replied"But only bring your most loyal with you, also I will send you the location."

Bartik smiled in relief, now they atleast had to chance to survive this whole ordeal.So after he walked away, Castor or Zuse was studying Alexander and Sam, then took a harder look.

Castor stepped down off the platform and walked right up to Sam, Quorra, Gem and Alexander.

The programs around them suddenly got quiet.

Alexander felt like every program in the club was watching them, including Bartik and his gang.

But Castor hooked a thin arm around Sam's. "Come away from these primitive functions," Castor cooed and gestures Alexander, Gem and Quorra to follow him, leading them back onto the platform.

Castor glanced at all of them once more, his eyes filled with curiosity…and something else Sam couldn't pinpoint. "The Son of Flynn!" Castor gushed as they walked. "Of all the innumerable possibilities, of all the places he could have chosen, he just happens to walk into mine!"

Castor then looked at Alexander with curiosity and asked"And who might you be?"

Castor wanted to know this mysterious individual, who got close to the creator Kevin Flynn.

Alexander gave fake smiled and replied"It is a long story."

Castor waved his hands and said"I have plenty of time."