[Even with the weeks that have passed since his and Rinzler’s last face-to-face conversation, the difference in the program’s affect is difficult to miss. The way he seems to shrink in on himself is much more reminiscent of a time before all this, when Alan had first been on the ship and every move he made seemed to be a misstep. At least this time, the cause isn’t nearly so cryptic; Rinzler hadn’t wanted to see Alan in person and now that Alan is actually looking, the reason why quickly becomes obvious.
The space above the program’s lowered shoulders is empty, lacking the sharp curve of a disk. The realization brings with it a sense of sudden, visceral dread -- the last time Alan had seen Rinzler without his disk, Alice had been holding it out to him while Rinzler hung paralyzed at her side -- but logic quickly catches up with him. Rinzler doesn’t have his disk. Rinzler doesn’t appear to have been recoded. The natural conclusion is that wherever the disk is, it isn’t with Clu.
Not you. That had been Rinzler’s response when Alan had offered his help. That doesn’t mean Rinzler couldn’t have found someone else. Alan sighs, feeling that earlier sense of foreboding begin to ebb -- if he’s still concerned, there’s at least less of an edge to it now that he can see the board more clearly.]
What I said last time, about being willing to help if you need it -- that still stands. [And it always will.] But… I think now I understand why you didn’t want to tell me anything. [He nods towards the absence, eyes flicking briefly to where the program’s disk should be and isn’t.] It’s probably safer if fewer people know.
no subject
The space above the program’s lowered shoulders is empty, lacking the sharp curve of a disk. The realization brings with it a sense of sudden, visceral dread -- the last time Alan had seen Rinzler without his disk, Alice had been holding it out to him while Rinzler hung paralyzed at her side -- but logic quickly catches up with him. Rinzler doesn’t have his disk. Rinzler doesn’t appear to have been recoded. The natural conclusion is that wherever the disk is, it isn’t with Clu.
Not you. That had been Rinzler’s response when Alan had offered his help. That doesn’t mean Rinzler couldn’t have found someone else. Alan sighs, feeling that earlier sense of foreboding begin to ebb -- if he’s still concerned, there’s at least less of an edge to it now that he can see the board more clearly.]
What I said last time, about being willing to help if you need it -- that still stands. [And it always will.] But… I think now I understand why you didn’t want to tell me anything. [He nods towards the absence, eyes flicking briefly to where the program’s disk should be and isn’t.] It’s probably safer if fewer people know.