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After a botched attempt at Kronos Island, Sage has a second chance by helping Eggman by hacking into a private server of highly secured facility. What she didn't know is that hacking into the system would change her, be that the best or worst.
Sage (Sonic Frontiers) to Paige (Tron: Uprising)
Artwork done by YellowCatArt98 (https://www.deviantart.com/yellowcatart98)
Story done by Me
Edited by B1111199 (https://www.deviantart.com/b1111199)
Note: This sequence was planned to be posted like the rest of the sequence on my DeviantArt profile. However, due to 'complications', and deactivated my profile page and had to step back to clear my head. So the SAGE series wasn't finished. However, now that I am back with a different direction, I am posting the next installment here with another one coming in two weeks. Also, I decided to do the writing portion while B1111199 does the editing as he never got around to working on this and another sequence and he is currently busy with other projects. Thought I help give him some leeway. Still, I hope you all enjoy this.
The Eggman Empire’s multiversal campaign was getting started. The “good” Doctor had all he needed. Armandas of flying battleships, legions of badniks and eggrobos, dozens of portals, millions of pointy spike traps and, most importantly, one blue nemesis tied up with some other nonsense. Now all he needed was intel on what fools could possibly put up token resistance in his new universe. To this task, he entrusted his newest AI to use a portal and an EGG wi-fi router to hack into enemy systems and see what they had in store.
"Come in SAGE. This is Eggman. What is your status?"
He waited for a response until he heard it from a young girl's synthetic voice.
'I'm here good doctor. I already enter the data stream.'
The doctor smirked and was pleased with the progress.
"Excellent work, SAGE. now all you need to do is hack into the enemy's security system and look what we need. Defenses, weaknesses, personal information, anything necessary for my victory."
In the DataStream, a young girl dressed in a black dress, has short white hair, and glowing red eyes, was floating around the digital sea, looking though each and every port to find the proper spot. Her name is SAGE and she is Eggman's personal AI. She was created to breach into the most highly advance technologies. Though despite how advance she was, she nearly caused some problems in the last mission. When she was program to access the monolith like structure on Kronos Islands, she temporarily malfunctioned and sent her creator into the virtual world. Not to mention almost killing Sonic in the process. And while she repaired most of the damage and sacrificed herself to save everyone, Eggman managed to save her and gave her a second chance in this new mission.
SAGE looked through the virtual space and, she told him of the situation.
"Understood, doctor. Though the problem is that there are multiple ports and it is really hard to pick which one is the most promising."
She soon heard the doctors voice in her head telling her, 'Then start choosing one. Whatever port is important, we would use it to our advantage.'
SAGE nodded and said with, "Understand. I'll begin hacking into the system and let you know when I successful."
Looking around the datastream, she could see eight ports around her, each with a different private system. Looking through each of them, she wondered where to start. It was then she saw one port that seems...unique.
It was a port with a T shaped logo and was glowing neon. It was strange for SAGE as she never seen a port like that. Placing her hand up to it, she traced it to its sorce and discovered something completely strange. From what she could put together, it would seem like this port came from some outdated piece of technology circa 1980s located underground where an abandoned arcade is located. Almost like it was forgotten, but still operating.This system was an enigma. The hardware that maintained it matched up with that from fifty years ago but the world inside was about as advanced as SAGE herself, maybe even more so. She summarised that this world had the capacity to store digitised humans, though for what purpose, she had yet to discern. Stranger yet, this advanced system that would have the good doctor more jealous that he’d care to admit was left rotting the back of a dilapidated arcade. But the “why” didn't really matter to the mission, only the how.
“Initiate Hack.”
SAGE dispatched a special Buzz Bomber which had its stinger replaced with a variety of late 20th century computer connection ports. Once it got past the near non-existent physical security, it eventually found a working port, and with that SAGE had her way in.
By the time she entered the port, she found herself in a hallway made of glass and glowing lights. She soon looked around and wondered where she was. Turning her head to the side, she noticed a window and took a look to see what’s on the other side. What she didn’t expect is to see a vast city of futuristic proportions. She marvelled at the huge skyscrapers that were made of glass with glowing blue lines, futuristic cars driving down the information superhighway. Not only that, but people were walking down the sidewalks dressed in black one pieces with glowing blue, white, green, and red lights, and futuristic choppers and strange looking arches flying by.
SAGE was amazed at what she was looking at and couldn’t believe that all this comes from an old and outdated port. It’s almost like a home she never had. Almost immediately, she was shaking off the thought as she had a mission to accomplish. The good doctor is in need of intel before attacking and he isn’t a patient person. So turning back, she walked down to the long neon lit hallway to find something useful.
Walking, she marvelled at the interior of the place, glass like walls, floors, and ceilings with lighted designs sprinkled across. It was quite the architecture. But the more she ventured, the more lost she got as she realised that she had been wondering about for a while and never found a way out.
“Wow… I must be walking down these halls for hours. It’s almost like a maze in here. Still, I need to find a way out and help with Eggman’s plans. Hopefully I can find an exit within this place.”
As she was walking down the hallway, she encountered a doorway that led her to someplace. Looking at the doorway, she figured the most obvious of thoughts and said, “Maybe, this is the exit?” As she approached the door, it slowly started to open and gave her immediate entry. Feeling a bit cautious, she stepped into what appears to be a huge chamber with something glowing in the middle of it. Taking one step after another, she looked around and noticed that no one was around.
“Hello! Is anyone here! Sorry if I am intruding, but I am a little lost. Can you help me?”
She wasn't near anyone as the echoes of her voice was the only thing her ears could pick up. With a sigh, she said, “Why am I even asking for help? I’m a sophisticated AI created by the great Dr. Robotnik. I’m not some lost child.”
Looking around, she could tell that this chamber was vast. But for what purpose, she has no idea. “Still… Whatever this place is, has nothing of importance. Must find the exit and…”
Before she could make her leave, the door closed in front of her and locked her up completely. That caught SAGE by surprise as she pounded on the door to see if anyone was on the other side.
“Hey! What is the meaning of this? I demand you open up this instant!”
She didn’t get an answer on the other side of the door, but she did hear a voice from above her.
“Welcome program. Please step into the platform to begin your registration.”
She was caught by surprise from that announcement and looked up with a bit of confusion.
“Huh… Registration? What does that mean?”
Turning back to the centre of the chamber, she could see the middle of the floor blinking. Looking on, she shrugged and said, “Oh well… Might as well get this over with. Maybe this ‘registration’ command can get me out of here.”
Walking up to the centre of the floor, she looked down to see two footprints close to each other. Seeing that, she figured that the only way to activate registration is to step on those prints.
“Huh… Just step on this tile… Seems simple enough.”
Slowly, SAGE placed one foot after another to get on the tile and waited to see what happened next.
“Okay… There we go… Now what happens-”
Before she could figure things out, digital clamps came up on her feet and locked her tight. Sage was caught off guard and tried to get out of them.
“What the- What’s this?! Get these things off of me!”
She tried to pull herself out of them, but they were completely stuck tight on her bare feet.
“Remain calm. The restraints are there as a safeguard.”
SAGE heard that and was still trying to get herself out of the situation. “Oh?! Now you tell me?!” she said in annoyance.
As she was struggling to get out, she heard the sound of doors opening round her. Stopping herself, she looked around to see where the sounds were coming from. It was then that she noticed four small chambers in each corner opening up one after another. But that’s not the only thing she saw. Stepping out of the chambers, four women in all white with white lights, and buns on their hair, and futuristic high heels stood there and looked at the young girl. SAGE saw this and was a little confused.
“Uh… Hi?”
All four women walked in sync as they approached the AI. As they were close to her, they all looked down to her while she was feeling a little awkward around them.
“Can…Can you help me?”
The women just looked at her as one of them said, “This program isn’t fit for the games. Prepare her for reformatting.”
SAGE blinked and was a little confused. “Wait… Games? Reformatting? What are you…”
Suddenly, the platform she was on started to glow under her and a vector-like scanner came up and down her body. SAGE looked to see the scanner scanning her and felt a tingler on her body. Once the scan is complete, four hologram monitors appear in front of the women as they show the 3C display of SAGE with some buttons and sliders next to it. They soon began to work on the screens as the AI wonders what they are doing to her.
“Accelerating program’s age.” the first one said.
SAGE heard that and didn’t like the sound of it.
“Accelerating my age. Wait! I don’t want to-”
But as she was about to finish her complaint, her body started to shoot upwards as she was gaining height. Not only that, but she was maturing at an alarming rate. SAGE found it to be shocking as her view was rising up, going from looking up at the mature women to face to face.
“Whoa! This is… Different…” she said in an older voice.
But the four women aren’t done yet as they were making a few more adjustments.
“Modifying attire,” said the second one.
SAGE soon felt a tingle within her growing and maturing body as her clothes were simply changing. Her simple black dress was starting to grow across her body as her sleeves and bottom hem of her dress grew longer. At the same time, orange red lines began to appear across her body and were spreading into a unique design. Not only that, but somehow, these strange women are repairing SAGE’s body as the red glitches were fading. The AI looked to herself and was amazed at what was happening to her.
“My… This is actually… Kinda nice…” she said as all fear and confusion were subsiding. “It’s almost like I’m becoming a completely different person.”
“Reformatting hair style.” the third one mentioned.
Her white hair with red highlights darkened into a black and grey colour as it fluffed around and while giving her a short cut, it also gave her a cow lick style. Her body aged into that of a young woman that looks like she’s in college, let alone graduate. Her black dress tightened and covered her body as the skirt split into a pair of leggings that went down to her legs while a pair of heels appeared on her feet. And her skin gave a bit of a darker grey tone with her face refitting to a mature woman.
Ruffling her hair, she said in a more confident voice, “I feel so…unique. So special…”
“Installing Combat Program for the Games.” the fourth one said.
SAGE soon felt a new type of programming entering her mind to clash with her original programming. Apparently, it’s everything she needs to know about fighting and the different styles of fighting. Disk Combat, Lightcycle Races, Tank Warfare, Digital Dogfights, everything necessary to survive.
As the reformatting was finished, SAGE has become a completely different woman. She had a shapely body with a pair of B cup breasts and a curvy figure, wrapped around with a black one piece suit with orange red lines neatly designed on her body. Her face looked mature and beautiful as part of her face was covered by a cowlick of black black hair and a grey streak. With a smile spread across her face, she felt at peace in this world known as, The Grid.
“I feel perfect.”
Once the reformatting was done, the four screens vanished as the women still stood there. It was then that one of them turned and approached a podium as a strange disk floated down to it.
“Attention: Program. You will receive an Identity Disk. Everything you do and learn, will be imprinted on this disk. If you lose your disk or fail to follow commands, you will be subject to immediate deresolution.”
SAGE heard the voice and said to herself, “Deresolution? Definitely don’t like the sound of it.”
The woman picked up the disk and returned to the group. Once she was behind SAGE’s back, she immediately installed and twisted it as the red light started to go on one by one. Once it was full, SAGE felt a jolt as her eyes started to spark for a little bit.
“Reformation complete. Disk activated and synchronised. Proceed to games.” the first one said. All four of them soon stepped backwards as they returned to their chambers.
SAGE blinked a little bit and heard the same word before. “Games?”
One by one, the women re-entered the chambers as their doors closed for them. SAGE soon looked at one of them before she could enter and said, “Um… Excuse me. What exactly am I supposed to do?”
The final woman gave a smirk and told the AI, “Survive.” She started to go into the chamber as it closed in front of her.
SAGE looked on and was a little confused by what she said. “Survive?”
Suddenly, the platform she was on started to move upwards as she was hanging on. Looking up, she could see the ceiling above her opening up as a light bathed her. But she also heard the sound of cheers and chants coming from outside. She was bathed in a bright light as she shielded her eyes. By the time the light faded, she was astonished by what she saw. All around her, there are multiple programs gathered in a huge arena with a variety of coloured lights as digital fireworks popped in the air. Looking on both sides, she could see more platforms coming up and more of these programs, who looked like professional sports players, gathered to partake in the event. Looking around her, she realized what they meant by the games.
“Oh… This is the Games. I see now.”
As she was watching on, she noticed what looked like a private box that’s all drenched in red and orange as someone was sitting on some sort of throne with what looked like a high ranking soldier next to him. The individual stood up and welcomed everyone to the event.
“My fellow programs! Welcome to the Games! Tonight, we have a special event all lined up for these participants you see before you. I have a special spot for one lucky contestant to serve within my ranks. The last program who will survive these games will be facing the undisputed champion, Rinzler!”
The soldier, who is Rinzler, stepped forward and lifted his arms high in the air as the crowd cheered for him. SAGE watched on and could tell he looked intimidating.
“Whoever defeats Rinzler will be joining my ranks and continue our campaign of perfection throughout the Grid.”
SAGE heard that and she realised an opportunity when she saw it. Indeed, she is now a recreated program to blend in with all these programs, but she was still created by her user, Dr. Robotnik. Which means she has orders to follow. If she joined this program’s ranks, she could gather whatever data she needs and send them to the doctor. And with this body and skills, she might be able to pull it off.
“To the combatants within the area, good luck! And remember… United, we will bring dominance through perfection!”
The crowd cheered as they all chanted ‘Clu’ multiple times. SAGE heard it and knew this person at the private box is Clu, the leader of this place. Looking at the combatants, it would be difficult, but she might be able to pull it off.
“Let the games begin!”
For a full night, SAGE was partaking in many risk taking and dangerous games and the more she competes, the further she advances. Going through game after game, she dominated. Disk Battles, she was victorious. Lightcycle feuds, she surpassed. Tank Battles, she dominated. Aerial combat, conquered. Any challenge she endure, and every challenge she has succeeded. However, there was one thing that she learned from all of this. She learned what de-res meant. Normally, when an opponent is defeated, they are eliminated. But here in the grid, when an opponent fails, they get shattered into multiple cubes. That was something she wasn’t expecting after defeating her challengers. But given the situation, she needed to press on in order to join Clu’s ranks.
Once the other combatants were eliminated and she was the only one standing, she gots to face the undefeated Rinzler in a one on one bout. The battle was fierce as they ducked it out with weapons be that disks, poles, sabers, and fists. The fight itself got the crowd at the edge of their seats as they eager to see who will win this. After a long and hard battle, SAGE was able to deliver a blow to the floor as it shattered near Rizler’s feet. He was about to fall, but as a sudden shock out of nowhere, SAGE dropped her saber and grabbed him by the arm, making sure he didn't fall. Pulling him up, she looked to him and said, “I might be the victor, but I am not going to have you de-res.” Rizler looked at her through his visor and accepted her respect. He soon raised SAGE’s arm high in the air and presented the winner of the games as the crowd cheered and fireworks blasted across the sky. But at the sky box, Clue looked down at the final battle and was vaguely interested in this new program. Who was she? And where did she come from?
An hour later, SAGE was in Clu’s private box as he paced back and forth with the AI looking a little silent.
“Well done program! You surpassed the games and defeated my highest ranking officer. I am quite impressed by your performance. You would make an excellent addition to my ranks.”
SAGE looked on and was a little nervous around him. She could tell that there’s a unique aura with him and it makes him a bit uneasy. But it’s the only way to get into the Grid’s highly secure military system for Eggman, so she needs to keep her cool. All she needs to play along until she can gather what the good doctor needs.
“Thank you sir.” she started, “I promise to serve under you and lead your soldiers towards greatness.”
Clue stopped and turned to her for a brief moment before going back to pasing.
“Such an ambitious little program. I like it. So… What is your designation? I never got a chance to hear it.”
SAGE looked at him and answered with, “I am…” She soon stopped herself and looked away, wondering if she could go by her name or not, considering it would raise some suspicion. So she decided to come up with a quick alias and looked to a pacing general. “Paige. My designation is Paige.”
“Hmm…” he said out of curiosity, “Paige… That’s an interesting designation. Well, you prove yourself worthy to be by my side. There is still one more thing I need to address before I add you to the ranks.”
“And that is…?” SAGE/Paige asked feeling a little worried.
Stopping, Clu turned to her and explained to her about how the Grid works. “See, here in the Grid, there are a wide variety of programs to have a wide variety of tasks. Maintenance, scanners, repairers, cleaners, even my own military. We each have a purpose within the Grid. I should know, I am its coordinator after all. But you? You are quite the anomaly.”
SAGE/Paige tilted her head and asked, “An anomaly? What do you…”
It was then that two guards in heavy armor came up from behind and blocked her with their staffs. She was surprised by that and didn’t know what was happening now.
“Hey! What gives!” she asked in complete shock.
Clu soon approached her as he explained to her a few things that are missing. “See, as a coordinator and general, it’s apparent that I need to know every program within the Grid. Now I have never seen you within the Grid and could tell that you are new. And then I noticed this.” He pointed to the screen that appeared in front of them as he turned to watch it.
SAGE/Paige looked at it as well and was wondering what he was doing. It was then she was watching the hologram screen and saw something that she didn’t expect. On the screen, she saw security feed of herself and her previous body journeying across the Arena, looking for a way out, with glitches on parts of her body and white bob cut hair.
Looking at the footage, Clu continued. “Five minutes before the games have started, security footage shows a young little program wandering around the halls. Security lost track of her when she went into one of the preparation chambers. Five minutes later, a new player entered the fold and strangely enough, was heavily skilled and athletic. Making things easy for her to win and take her spot in my rankings.” He soon turned back to her and asked one important question. “Now… Who are you? Really…”
SAGE/Paige looked up to the monitor and could tell he is starting to put the pieces together. So she needs to try to play coy on him. “I… I told you. My name is Paige. And this girl on the monitor could be a lost girl looking for their parents. There’s no way this girl and I are connected.”
Clu found it hard to believe and decided to get his answer for himself. “Uh-huh… Well, we’ll see about that. Disk.”
With that, one of the guards removed the disk from SAGE/Paige’s back and handed it to the general. Grabbing it, Clu looked into the disk’s memories to see for himself, turning his back to her, he reviewed all of the AI’s memories and noticed something unexpected, but fascinated. SAGE/Paige looked on and was a little worried about what he found. By the time he finished reviewing the disk, he got all the information he needed.
“Interesting… Very interesting indeed.” he said as he turned to her with a sly smile on his face. “I got to admit, Paige, you are quite the unique program. How you managed to get into the Grid was quite astonishing. Not to mention that you have a designated user on the other side. I must say, you are quite…special.”
SAGE/Paige realized what he meant and turned away, knowing that she got caught. Looking at him, she asked, “What are you going to do to me? Planning to de-res me like the programs at the games?”
Clu rubbed his chin and gave it some thought. “Hmm… I was thinking of that, but since you managed to get into the Grid without detection and that you surpassed my games, I have something better in mind. All I need…is an audience.”
In the main hub of his lab, Eggman was pacing back and forth, waiting for a response from his AI. Already it has been a few hours and yet no response from her. It’s almost like she was taking her time in breaching some military, government, or alien database and it is starting to get a little worrying. Looking at his watch, he could tell that it was getting late.
“Dang it, SAGE. How long does it take to breach a secured sever? I programmed you better at this. I just hope what you found is worth the wait.” he said with a deep sigh.
Suddenly, he heard a beeping noise from his console. Hearing that, he turned to the blinking light and knew who it was. “Ah! Perfect timing. I was about to loose all hope.” He soon said on his comfy chair and said, “Let’s see what she found.”
Hitting the button, he got into contact with his AI. “SAGE, report. What did you find for me?”
He waited for a response from her, but instead it was a different voice.
“Hello Dr. Robotnik.”
He was soon caught by surprise as he looked at the screen and saw it go static for a bit before an image of a man with black and glowing orange garb stood before him with two guards holding a female program at bay. Blinking, he was irate at what he saw.
“What the-? Who are you? How did you get into my communication link?” he demanded.
The person in question got his hand up and said, “Relax, good doctor. I only wish to talk. My designation of Clu, ruler of the Grid. It’s an honor to speak to an ambitious user like yourself.”
Eggman leaned back and wasn’t amused. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Clu. Now where is my AI? Where is SAGE? What have you done to her?”
Clu heard that name and recalled the designation in a different way. “Oh, you mean Paige. She’s right here.” he soon showed him the woman being guarded as she turned away, feeling she let the doctor down again.
Eggman blinked and realized who she was. “SAGE? Is that you? What happened to you?”
SAGE/Paige looked to him for a bit before turning away explaining herself. “It’s… It’s a long story, doctor. What you need to know is that I got a little sloppy in gaining access. I’m sorry.”
Clu turned to her and said to her, “Oh quite the opposite, my dear doctor.” He soon turned to the doctor on the screen and continued. “I would like to congratulate you, Robotnik. Not only did you create a program capable of breaching a system like the Grid, but also have a communication relay with you once the mission is successful. I am amazed by this.”
Eggman looked at him and still had no answer from him. “Hmph… Let’s just say my creation knows her away around the datastream. Now what do you want?”
Clu smirked and told him, “Simple… I want a partnership.”
The doctor raised an eyebrow and was a little confused. “Partnership? What partnership?”
Clu leaned back on the screen and explained to him his idea. “See, you are an incredible doctor making an army of robots for world domination. I am a general of an army of my own, wishing to create a world of perfection. We both share a common goal and wish for it to come to fruition. With this program you created, this SAGE or Paige, she can be the bridge between your world and the Grid. So here’s the deal. You help me create a port that can help me and my army to go through, and together we will both rule your world through perfection. How does that sound?”
Eggman listened to his proposal and gave it some deep thought. “Hmm… An alliance between two rulers with the same mission of conquering the world, huh? Sounds like a tempting offer. But what’s in it for me?”
“Simply put, we split the deal 50/50. You will control your part of the world with your little robots, while I take control of the other half with my programs. While we share our fair share, we will always be united in peace. Seems fair, wouldn’t you agree.” Clu finished.
The doctor gave it some deep thought that didn’t like this deal. His goal, like any other, is to rule the world in his own image. However, thanks to a certain hedgehog, most of his plans have been foiled from time to time. Still, with a little assistance, maybe there’s a chance for a small victory. Though the idea of sharing isn’t in his repertoire. But as long as he plays along, then maybe he can wait for an opportunity to stab him in the back. Oh… The irony…
With a bit of hesitation, he said to Clu, “You put up a hard bargain Clu, I give you that. But if I am to accomplish my goals of world domination, then I do believe an alliance is in order. Now I’ll be taking my AI back and we’ll-”
Clu stopped him there as he told him, “Not so fast, doc. I’ll be keeping your AI, as a little…insurance policy. After all, she dominated the Games and beat my top lieutenant. Which means she is added to the ranks. Not to worry, you will speak to her from time to time. But she is a part of my army, and nothing else. Understood?”
Eggman was a bit surprised by that reaction. Clu wanted to partner up with him, but would be keeping his AI to himself. Another issue that he has to resolve. Though he can’t blame him. With SAGE’s, or Paige’s upgraded body, he could understand why Clue wants to keep her. He just hoped that he wasn’t thinking about doing naughty things with his creation, otherwise there would be some… problems. But if it’s to help lead to world conquest, then he’ll play his game…for now…
“I… I suppose I’ll let you borrow her for connecting between our worlds. As long as she is safe and cared for. Now what should we discuss, partner?”
Clu gave a smirk as he told him the first thing on the to do list.
“Why don’t we start with handling a small group that’s been causing you so much problems over the years. You know, a certain…blue hedgehog and his friends.”
Leave a comment below and stay tune for the next installment of SAGE's Upgrade
Sage (Sonic Frontiers) to Paige (Tron: Uprising)
Artwork done by YellowCatArt98 (https://www.deviantart.com/yellowcatart98)
Story done by Me
Edited by B1111199 (https://www.deviantart.com/b1111199)
Note: This sequence was planned to be posted like the rest of the sequence on my DeviantArt profile. However, due to 'complications', and deactivated my profile page and had to step back to clear my head. So the SAGE series wasn't finished. However, now that I am back with a different direction, I am posting the next installment here with another one coming in two weeks. Also, I decided to do the writing portion while B1111199 does the editing as he never got around to working on this and another sequence and he is currently busy with other projects. Thought I help give him some leeway. Still, I hope you all enjoy this.
The Eggman Empire’s multiversal campaign was getting started. The “good” Doctor had all he needed. Armandas of flying battleships, legions of badniks and eggrobos, dozens of portals, millions of pointy spike traps and, most importantly, one blue nemesis tied up with some other nonsense. Now all he needed was intel on what fools could possibly put up token resistance in his new universe. To this task, he entrusted his newest AI to use a portal and an EGG wi-fi router to hack into enemy systems and see what they had in store.
"Come in SAGE. This is Eggman. What is your status?"
He waited for a response until he heard it from a young girl's synthetic voice.
'I'm here good doctor. I already enter the data stream.'
The doctor smirked and was pleased with the progress.
"Excellent work, SAGE. now all you need to do is hack into the enemy's security system and look what we need. Defenses, weaknesses, personal information, anything necessary for my victory."
In the DataStream, a young girl dressed in a black dress, has short white hair, and glowing red eyes, was floating around the digital sea, looking though each and every port to find the proper spot. Her name is SAGE and she is Eggman's personal AI. She was created to breach into the most highly advance technologies. Though despite how advance she was, she nearly caused some problems in the last mission. When she was program to access the monolith like structure on Kronos Islands, she temporarily malfunctioned and sent her creator into the virtual world. Not to mention almost killing Sonic in the process. And while she repaired most of the damage and sacrificed herself to save everyone, Eggman managed to save her and gave her a second chance in this new mission.
SAGE looked through the virtual space and, she told him of the situation.
"Understood, doctor. Though the problem is that there are multiple ports and it is really hard to pick which one is the most promising."
She soon heard the doctors voice in her head telling her, 'Then start choosing one. Whatever port is important, we would use it to our advantage.'
SAGE nodded and said with, "Understand. I'll begin hacking into the system and let you know when I successful."
Looking around the datastream, she could see eight ports around her, each with a different private system. Looking through each of them, she wondered where to start. It was then she saw one port that seems...unique.
It was a port with a T shaped logo and was glowing neon. It was strange for SAGE as she never seen a port like that. Placing her hand up to it, she traced it to its sorce and discovered something completely strange. From what she could put together, it would seem like this port came from some outdated piece of technology circa 1980s located underground where an abandoned arcade is located. Almost like it was forgotten, but still operating.This system was an enigma. The hardware that maintained it matched up with that from fifty years ago but the world inside was about as advanced as SAGE herself, maybe even more so. She summarised that this world had the capacity to store digitised humans, though for what purpose, she had yet to discern. Stranger yet, this advanced system that would have the good doctor more jealous that he’d care to admit was left rotting the back of a dilapidated arcade. But the “why” didn't really matter to the mission, only the how.
“Initiate Hack.”
SAGE dispatched a special Buzz Bomber which had its stinger replaced with a variety of late 20th century computer connection ports. Once it got past the near non-existent physical security, it eventually found a working port, and with that SAGE had her way in.
By the time she entered the port, she found herself in a hallway made of glass and glowing lights. She soon looked around and wondered where she was. Turning her head to the side, she noticed a window and took a look to see what’s on the other side. What she didn’t expect is to see a vast city of futuristic proportions. She marvelled at the huge skyscrapers that were made of glass with glowing blue lines, futuristic cars driving down the information superhighway. Not only that, but people were walking down the sidewalks dressed in black one pieces with glowing blue, white, green, and red lights, and futuristic choppers and strange looking arches flying by.
SAGE was amazed at what she was looking at and couldn’t believe that all this comes from an old and outdated port. It’s almost like a home she never had. Almost immediately, she was shaking off the thought as she had a mission to accomplish. The good doctor is in need of intel before attacking and he isn’t a patient person. So turning back, she walked down to the long neon lit hallway to find something useful.
Walking, she marvelled at the interior of the place, glass like walls, floors, and ceilings with lighted designs sprinkled across. It was quite the architecture. But the more she ventured, the more lost she got as she realised that she had been wondering about for a while and never found a way out.
“Wow… I must be walking down these halls for hours. It’s almost like a maze in here. Still, I need to find a way out and help with Eggman’s plans. Hopefully I can find an exit within this place.”
As she was walking down the hallway, she encountered a doorway that led her to someplace. Looking at the doorway, she figured the most obvious of thoughts and said, “Maybe, this is the exit?” As she approached the door, it slowly started to open and gave her immediate entry. Feeling a bit cautious, she stepped into what appears to be a huge chamber with something glowing in the middle of it. Taking one step after another, she looked around and noticed that no one was around.
“Hello! Is anyone here! Sorry if I am intruding, but I am a little lost. Can you help me?”
She wasn't near anyone as the echoes of her voice was the only thing her ears could pick up. With a sigh, she said, “Why am I even asking for help? I’m a sophisticated AI created by the great Dr. Robotnik. I’m not some lost child.”
Looking around, she could tell that this chamber was vast. But for what purpose, she has no idea. “Still… Whatever this place is, has nothing of importance. Must find the exit and…”
Before she could make her leave, the door closed in front of her and locked her up completely. That caught SAGE by surprise as she pounded on the door to see if anyone was on the other side.
“Hey! What is the meaning of this? I demand you open up this instant!”
She didn’t get an answer on the other side of the door, but she did hear a voice from above her.
“Welcome program. Please step into the platform to begin your registration.”
She was caught by surprise from that announcement and looked up with a bit of confusion.
“Huh… Registration? What does that mean?”
Turning back to the centre of the chamber, she could see the middle of the floor blinking. Looking on, she shrugged and said, “Oh well… Might as well get this over with. Maybe this ‘registration’ command can get me out of here.”
Walking up to the centre of the floor, she looked down to see two footprints close to each other. Seeing that, she figured that the only way to activate registration is to step on those prints.
“Huh… Just step on this tile… Seems simple enough.”
Slowly, SAGE placed one foot after another to get on the tile and waited to see what happened next.
“Okay… There we go… Now what happens-”
Before she could figure things out, digital clamps came up on her feet and locked her tight. Sage was caught off guard and tried to get out of them.
“What the- What’s this?! Get these things off of me!”
She tried to pull herself out of them, but they were completely stuck tight on her bare feet.
“Remain calm. The restraints are there as a safeguard.”
SAGE heard that and was still trying to get herself out of the situation. “Oh?! Now you tell me?!” she said in annoyance.
As she was struggling to get out, she heard the sound of doors opening round her. Stopping herself, she looked around to see where the sounds were coming from. It was then that she noticed four small chambers in each corner opening up one after another. But that’s not the only thing she saw. Stepping out of the chambers, four women in all white with white lights, and buns on their hair, and futuristic high heels stood there and looked at the young girl. SAGE saw this and was a little confused.
“Uh… Hi?”
All four women walked in sync as they approached the AI. As they were close to her, they all looked down to her while she was feeling a little awkward around them.
“Can…Can you help me?”
The women just looked at her as one of them said, “This program isn’t fit for the games. Prepare her for reformatting.”
SAGE blinked and was a little confused. “Wait… Games? Reformatting? What are you…”
Suddenly, the platform she was on started to glow under her and a vector-like scanner came up and down her body. SAGE looked to see the scanner scanning her and felt a tingler on her body. Once the scan is complete, four hologram monitors appear in front of the women as they show the 3C display of SAGE with some buttons and sliders next to it. They soon began to work on the screens as the AI wonders what they are doing to her.
“Accelerating program’s age.” the first one said.
SAGE heard that and didn’t like the sound of it.
“Accelerating my age. Wait! I don’t want to-”
But as she was about to finish her complaint, her body started to shoot upwards as she was gaining height. Not only that, but she was maturing at an alarming rate. SAGE found it to be shocking as her view was rising up, going from looking up at the mature women to face to face.
“Whoa! This is… Different…” she said in an older voice.
But the four women aren’t done yet as they were making a few more adjustments.
“Modifying attire,” said the second one.
SAGE soon felt a tingle within her growing and maturing body as her clothes were simply changing. Her simple black dress was starting to grow across her body as her sleeves and bottom hem of her dress grew longer. At the same time, orange red lines began to appear across her body and were spreading into a unique design. Not only that, but somehow, these strange women are repairing SAGE’s body as the red glitches were fading. The AI looked to herself and was amazed at what was happening to her.
“My… This is actually… Kinda nice…” she said as all fear and confusion were subsiding. “It’s almost like I’m becoming a completely different person.”
“Reformatting hair style.” the third one mentioned.
Her white hair with red highlights darkened into a black and grey colour as it fluffed around and while giving her a short cut, it also gave her a cow lick style. Her body aged into that of a young woman that looks like she’s in college, let alone graduate. Her black dress tightened and covered her body as the skirt split into a pair of leggings that went down to her legs while a pair of heels appeared on her feet. And her skin gave a bit of a darker grey tone with her face refitting to a mature woman.
Ruffling her hair, she said in a more confident voice, “I feel so…unique. So special…”
“Installing Combat Program for the Games.” the fourth one said.
SAGE soon felt a new type of programming entering her mind to clash with her original programming. Apparently, it’s everything she needs to know about fighting and the different styles of fighting. Disk Combat, Lightcycle Races, Tank Warfare, Digital Dogfights, everything necessary to survive.
As the reformatting was finished, SAGE has become a completely different woman. She had a shapely body with a pair of B cup breasts and a curvy figure, wrapped around with a black one piece suit with orange red lines neatly designed on her body. Her face looked mature and beautiful as part of her face was covered by a cowlick of black black hair and a grey streak. With a smile spread across her face, she felt at peace in this world known as, The Grid.
“I feel perfect.”
Once the reformatting was done, the four screens vanished as the women still stood there. It was then that one of them turned and approached a podium as a strange disk floated down to it.
“Attention: Program. You will receive an Identity Disk. Everything you do and learn, will be imprinted on this disk. If you lose your disk or fail to follow commands, you will be subject to immediate deresolution.”
SAGE heard the voice and said to herself, “Deresolution? Definitely don’t like the sound of it.”
The woman picked up the disk and returned to the group. Once she was behind SAGE’s back, she immediately installed and twisted it as the red light started to go on one by one. Once it was full, SAGE felt a jolt as her eyes started to spark for a little bit.
“Reformation complete. Disk activated and synchronised. Proceed to games.” the first one said. All four of them soon stepped backwards as they returned to their chambers.
SAGE blinked a little bit and heard the same word before. “Games?”
One by one, the women re-entered the chambers as their doors closed for them. SAGE soon looked at one of them before she could enter and said, “Um… Excuse me. What exactly am I supposed to do?”
The final woman gave a smirk and told the AI, “Survive.” She started to go into the chamber as it closed in front of her.
SAGE looked on and was a little confused by what she said. “Survive?”
Suddenly, the platform she was on started to move upwards as she was hanging on. Looking up, she could see the ceiling above her opening up as a light bathed her. But she also heard the sound of cheers and chants coming from outside. She was bathed in a bright light as she shielded her eyes. By the time the light faded, she was astonished by what she saw. All around her, there are multiple programs gathered in a huge arena with a variety of coloured lights as digital fireworks popped in the air. Looking on both sides, she could see more platforms coming up and more of these programs, who looked like professional sports players, gathered to partake in the event. Looking around her, she realized what they meant by the games.
“Oh… This is the Games. I see now.”
As she was watching on, she noticed what looked like a private box that’s all drenched in red and orange as someone was sitting on some sort of throne with what looked like a high ranking soldier next to him. The individual stood up and welcomed everyone to the event.
“My fellow programs! Welcome to the Games! Tonight, we have a special event all lined up for these participants you see before you. I have a special spot for one lucky contestant to serve within my ranks. The last program who will survive these games will be facing the undisputed champion, Rinzler!”
The soldier, who is Rinzler, stepped forward and lifted his arms high in the air as the crowd cheered for him. SAGE watched on and could tell he looked intimidating.
“Whoever defeats Rinzler will be joining my ranks and continue our campaign of perfection throughout the Grid.”
SAGE heard that and she realised an opportunity when she saw it. Indeed, she is now a recreated program to blend in with all these programs, but she was still created by her user, Dr. Robotnik. Which means she has orders to follow. If she joined this program’s ranks, she could gather whatever data she needs and send them to the doctor. And with this body and skills, she might be able to pull it off.
“To the combatants within the area, good luck! And remember… United, we will bring dominance through perfection!”
The crowd cheered as they all chanted ‘Clu’ multiple times. SAGE heard it and knew this person at the private box is Clu, the leader of this place. Looking at the combatants, it would be difficult, but she might be able to pull it off.
“Let the games begin!”
For a full night, SAGE was partaking in many risk taking and dangerous games and the more she competes, the further she advances. Going through game after game, she dominated. Disk Battles, she was victorious. Lightcycle feuds, she surpassed. Tank Battles, she dominated. Aerial combat, conquered. Any challenge she endure, and every challenge she has succeeded. However, there was one thing that she learned from all of this. She learned what de-res meant. Normally, when an opponent is defeated, they are eliminated. But here in the grid, when an opponent fails, they get shattered into multiple cubes. That was something she wasn’t expecting after defeating her challengers. But given the situation, she needed to press on in order to join Clu’s ranks.
Once the other combatants were eliminated and she was the only one standing, she gots to face the undefeated Rinzler in a one on one bout. The battle was fierce as they ducked it out with weapons be that disks, poles, sabers, and fists. The fight itself got the crowd at the edge of their seats as they eager to see who will win this. After a long and hard battle, SAGE was able to deliver a blow to the floor as it shattered near Rizler’s feet. He was about to fall, but as a sudden shock out of nowhere, SAGE dropped her saber and grabbed him by the arm, making sure he didn't fall. Pulling him up, she looked to him and said, “I might be the victor, but I am not going to have you de-res.” Rizler looked at her through his visor and accepted her respect. He soon raised SAGE’s arm high in the air and presented the winner of the games as the crowd cheered and fireworks blasted across the sky. But at the sky box, Clue looked down at the final battle and was vaguely interested in this new program. Who was she? And where did she come from?
An hour later, SAGE was in Clu’s private box as he paced back and forth with the AI looking a little silent.
“Well done program! You surpassed the games and defeated my highest ranking officer. I am quite impressed by your performance. You would make an excellent addition to my ranks.”
SAGE looked on and was a little nervous around him. She could tell that there’s a unique aura with him and it makes him a bit uneasy. But it’s the only way to get into the Grid’s highly secure military system for Eggman, so she needs to keep her cool. All she needs to play along until she can gather what the good doctor needs.
“Thank you sir.” she started, “I promise to serve under you and lead your soldiers towards greatness.”
Clue stopped and turned to her for a brief moment before going back to pasing.
“Such an ambitious little program. I like it. So… What is your designation? I never got a chance to hear it.”
SAGE looked at him and answered with, “I am…” She soon stopped herself and looked away, wondering if she could go by her name or not, considering it would raise some suspicion. So she decided to come up with a quick alias and looked to a pacing general. “Paige. My designation is Paige.”
“Hmm…” he said out of curiosity, “Paige… That’s an interesting designation. Well, you prove yourself worthy to be by my side. There is still one more thing I need to address before I add you to the ranks.”
“And that is…?” SAGE/Paige asked feeling a little worried.
Stopping, Clu turned to her and explained to her about how the Grid works. “See, here in the Grid, there are a wide variety of programs to have a wide variety of tasks. Maintenance, scanners, repairers, cleaners, even my own military. We each have a purpose within the Grid. I should know, I am its coordinator after all. But you? You are quite the anomaly.”
SAGE/Paige tilted her head and asked, “An anomaly? What do you…”
It was then that two guards in heavy armor came up from behind and blocked her with their staffs. She was surprised by that and didn’t know what was happening now.
“Hey! What gives!” she asked in complete shock.
Clu soon approached her as he explained to her a few things that are missing. “See, as a coordinator and general, it’s apparent that I need to know every program within the Grid. Now I have never seen you within the Grid and could tell that you are new. And then I noticed this.” He pointed to the screen that appeared in front of them as he turned to watch it.
SAGE/Paige looked at it as well and was wondering what he was doing. It was then she was watching the hologram screen and saw something that she didn’t expect. On the screen, she saw security feed of herself and her previous body journeying across the Arena, looking for a way out, with glitches on parts of her body and white bob cut hair.
Looking at the footage, Clu continued. “Five minutes before the games have started, security footage shows a young little program wandering around the halls. Security lost track of her when she went into one of the preparation chambers. Five minutes later, a new player entered the fold and strangely enough, was heavily skilled and athletic. Making things easy for her to win and take her spot in my rankings.” He soon turned back to her and asked one important question. “Now… Who are you? Really…”
SAGE/Paige looked up to the monitor and could tell he is starting to put the pieces together. So she needs to try to play coy on him. “I… I told you. My name is Paige. And this girl on the monitor could be a lost girl looking for their parents. There’s no way this girl and I are connected.”
Clu found it hard to believe and decided to get his answer for himself. “Uh-huh… Well, we’ll see about that. Disk.”
With that, one of the guards removed the disk from SAGE/Paige’s back and handed it to the general. Grabbing it, Clu looked into the disk’s memories to see for himself, turning his back to her, he reviewed all of the AI’s memories and noticed something unexpected, but fascinated. SAGE/Paige looked on and was a little worried about what he found. By the time he finished reviewing the disk, he got all the information he needed.
“Interesting… Very interesting indeed.” he said as he turned to her with a sly smile on his face. “I got to admit, Paige, you are quite the unique program. How you managed to get into the Grid was quite astonishing. Not to mention that you have a designated user on the other side. I must say, you are quite…special.”
SAGE/Paige realized what he meant and turned away, knowing that she got caught. Looking at him, she asked, “What are you going to do to me? Planning to de-res me like the programs at the games?”
Clu rubbed his chin and gave it some thought. “Hmm… I was thinking of that, but since you managed to get into the Grid without detection and that you surpassed my games, I have something better in mind. All I need…is an audience.”
In the main hub of his lab, Eggman was pacing back and forth, waiting for a response from his AI. Already it has been a few hours and yet no response from her. It’s almost like she was taking her time in breaching some military, government, or alien database and it is starting to get a little worrying. Looking at his watch, he could tell that it was getting late.
“Dang it, SAGE. How long does it take to breach a secured sever? I programmed you better at this. I just hope what you found is worth the wait.” he said with a deep sigh.
Suddenly, he heard a beeping noise from his console. Hearing that, he turned to the blinking light and knew who it was. “Ah! Perfect timing. I was about to loose all hope.” He soon said on his comfy chair and said, “Let’s see what she found.”
Hitting the button, he got into contact with his AI. “SAGE, report. What did you find for me?”
He waited for a response from her, but instead it was a different voice.
“Hello Dr. Robotnik.”
He was soon caught by surprise as he looked at the screen and saw it go static for a bit before an image of a man with black and glowing orange garb stood before him with two guards holding a female program at bay. Blinking, he was irate at what he saw.
“What the-? Who are you? How did you get into my communication link?” he demanded.
The person in question got his hand up and said, “Relax, good doctor. I only wish to talk. My designation of Clu, ruler of the Grid. It’s an honor to speak to an ambitious user like yourself.”
Eggman leaned back and wasn’t amused. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Clu. Now where is my AI? Where is SAGE? What have you done to her?”
Clu heard that name and recalled the designation in a different way. “Oh, you mean Paige. She’s right here.” he soon showed him the woman being guarded as she turned away, feeling she let the doctor down again.
Eggman blinked and realized who she was. “SAGE? Is that you? What happened to you?”
SAGE/Paige looked to him for a bit before turning away explaining herself. “It’s… It’s a long story, doctor. What you need to know is that I got a little sloppy in gaining access. I’m sorry.”
Clu turned to her and said to her, “Oh quite the opposite, my dear doctor.” He soon turned to the doctor on the screen and continued. “I would like to congratulate you, Robotnik. Not only did you create a program capable of breaching a system like the Grid, but also have a communication relay with you once the mission is successful. I am amazed by this.”
Eggman looked at him and still had no answer from him. “Hmph… Let’s just say my creation knows her away around the datastream. Now what do you want?”
Clu smirked and told him, “Simple… I want a partnership.”
The doctor raised an eyebrow and was a little confused. “Partnership? What partnership?”
Clu leaned back on the screen and explained to him his idea. “See, you are an incredible doctor making an army of robots for world domination. I am a general of an army of my own, wishing to create a world of perfection. We both share a common goal and wish for it to come to fruition. With this program you created, this SAGE or Paige, she can be the bridge between your world and the Grid. So here’s the deal. You help me create a port that can help me and my army to go through, and together we will both rule your world through perfection. How does that sound?”
Eggman listened to his proposal and gave it some deep thought. “Hmm… An alliance between two rulers with the same mission of conquering the world, huh? Sounds like a tempting offer. But what’s in it for me?”
“Simply put, we split the deal 50/50. You will control your part of the world with your little robots, while I take control of the other half with my programs. While we share our fair share, we will always be united in peace. Seems fair, wouldn’t you agree.” Clu finished.
The doctor gave it some deep thought that didn’t like this deal. His goal, like any other, is to rule the world in his own image. However, thanks to a certain hedgehog, most of his plans have been foiled from time to time. Still, with a little assistance, maybe there’s a chance for a small victory. Though the idea of sharing isn’t in his repertoire. But as long as he plays along, then maybe he can wait for an opportunity to stab him in the back. Oh… The irony…
With a bit of hesitation, he said to Clu, “You put up a hard bargain Clu, I give you that. But if I am to accomplish my goals of world domination, then I do believe an alliance is in order. Now I’ll be taking my AI back and we’ll-”
Clu stopped him there as he told him, “Not so fast, doc. I’ll be keeping your AI, as a little…insurance policy. After all, she dominated the Games and beat my top lieutenant. Which means she is added to the ranks. Not to worry, you will speak to her from time to time. But she is a part of my army, and nothing else. Understood?”
Eggman was a bit surprised by that reaction. Clu wanted to partner up with him, but would be keeping his AI to himself. Another issue that he has to resolve. Though he can’t blame him. With SAGE’s, or Paige’s upgraded body, he could understand why Clue wants to keep her. He just hoped that he wasn’t thinking about doing naughty things with his creation, otherwise there would be some… problems. But if it’s to help lead to world conquest, then he’ll play his game…for now…
“I… I suppose I’ll let you borrow her for connecting between our worlds. As long as she is safe and cared for. Now what should we discuss, partner?”
Clu gave a smirk as he told him the first thing on the to do list.
“Why don’t we start with handling a small group that’s been causing you so much problems over the years. You know, a certain…blue hedgehog and his friends.”
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Category Artwork (Digital) / Transformation
Species Human
Size 3137 x 1175px
File Size 891.2 kB
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