Chapter Text
MP3 programs are the bane of his existence, Rinzler thinks to himself as the program finishes its set and exits the DJ booth. They do nothing good and contribute nothing but loud noise in the Grid, Rinzler thinks disdainfully as he keeps close tabs on Castor.
Rinzler was under direct orders from CLU to monitor Castor and his little nightclub; there was talk of a wave coming. Something that CLU was keeping to himself, but Rinzler was not one to judge. He just did as he was told; he did what he was programed to do. Fight and protect CLU, that was his mission in the big picture when it came down to things.
The program watched from the doors as two MP3 Programs entered the booth; one of the MP3s was taller that the other. The monitor above the booth read Daft Punk: Derezzed.
Rinzler shook his head and stole a glance at Castor, who was still sitting in his lounge watching the two MP3s closely. Rinzler turned his attention to the music booth and watched with fascination as the smaller program displayed an array of blues', purples', and greens' on it's helmet. Rinzler had never seen such displays in his entire span while in the Grid. Sure, you could up-grade your suits, but for a price. Rinzler highly doubted that both those MP3s' were just made like that. He walked up to the booth to get a better look, trying his best to avoid being seen. He finally got close enough to see the stage lights reflecting off the smaller Program's suit. Remembering why he was here, Rinzler stole a glance at the lounge to find Castor gone. He frowned at that and sent out a code alerting all his guards that Castor was on the move.
Rinzler turned his attention back to the two MP3 Programs; both were distinctly male and built with the utmost care and affection. These must be Castor's prize Djs, he thinks to himself; seeing as both these Programs were well taken care of and given such high quality suit up-grades. The noise that came out of the speakers was not horrible or annoying; the music was electrifying and addicting. Rinzler realized with a bit of shock that he was tapping his foot along to the song. He shook his head and headed back towards the doors, positioning himself between two of his guards. He tried to avoid the booth as much as possible, but he found it difficult to focus on anything other than the smaller flashing program.
"See something you like?"
Rinzler tensed and turned to find Castor by the door with a program standing by his side. He couldn't remember her name, but he knew she was a force to be reckoned with in one-on-one combat. His guards on either side edged their hands towards their disks to grab them, but Rinzler raised his hand in submission.
Castor laughed and pointed with his cane towards the DJ-ng duo wearing an amused smirk, "And to what do I owe the pleasure of CLU's guard?"
Rinzler just stared at Castor, making his message clear that Castor was being monitored. Castor just nodded his head as in understanding and held up a finger as if to say, 'just wait here'.
Rinzler shook his head and folded his arms; watching as his full guard assembled at the doors. Castor pushed a button and all the Programs in the club started to leave. Some were giving CLU's guard weary glances, others looking disappointed and annoyed. Rinzler looked towards the booth to see the two MP3s nowhere in sight. He lowered his head to hide his disappointment.
"CLU still believes I'm up to no good then, does he?" Castor crows with mock hurt, covering his chest pretending to look offended.
Rinzler shakes his head, knowing that Castor doesn't really feel offended. In fact Castor looks almost pleased, but there is that underlining fear there that Rinzler can see. He nods his head at Castor as if to say, 'yes, CLU still thinks you are a traitor'.
"Ahhh....." Castor scratched his head, clearly not knowing where to go from here.
Rinzler can almost literally see the gears turning in Castor's head, trying to find an escape. About a minute of silence passed before Castor's eyes lit up and he said, "Well then. if that's the case...oh well! CLU's loss, then! Say, have you, Rinzler my old friend, met my prize MP3 Programs yet?"
Rinzler takes a step back before collecting himself and shaking his head 'no'.
Castor just nods his head and gets this wicked grin on his face.
Rinzler tensed up; Castor couldn't possibly know about his fascination with the smaller program, could he? The rational part of his judgement got the better of him thinking, that no, Castor couldn't possibly know; Rinzler still put up his guard anyway, noting how Castor took in of all his movements.