The Grid Runner

Round 2 - The Characters

Name: Zan McCawl

Age: 19

About: Zan has lived his whole life in the Pipelands – a condensed section of pipes and tubes high up in Terrun Edun, the last city on Earth. Zan's father, Herrik, was one of the head engineers that maintained the Pipelands for years, as well as preserving the full structure of machine-networks around the city, collectively called the Grid. But Herrik has been retired for some time now, and wants nothing more to do with the Grid or his old company – although Zan suspects there's more to his early retirement.

A friendly and energetic young boy, Zan has a mischievous and curious streak about him, enjoying nothing more than traversing the intricate pipeworks and tunnels around him. Zan knows the Grid pretty much better than anyone else, except for his father. Growing up in such a dangerous environment, high up in the frameworks that run along the city roof, Zan has learned to adapt in a special way. Running, jumping, twisting in the air, effortlessly throwing himself around the criss-crossing pipework's is all second nature to Zan, having developed a strong agility and athleticism that few others possess. The other children that live around the Pipelands share a similar agility, although none have enjoyed exploring and pushing themselves as much as Zan does. This has earned him the nickname of The Grid Runner among his peers.

There is something about machines and Zan, like he can talk to them, understand them. It's just been an instinct for him his whole life to listen to and fix machinery. His father is the best engineer and mechanic Zan has ever known, perhaps in the whole city, but Zan has some kind of connection to the machines that he's never really thought about or explored. It's just the way it's always been for him.

Herrik had always told him that his mother died of a sickness when Zan was very young. It was a sickness that came from leaving the enclosed city and being exposed to the world beyond. Outside of Terrun Edun the world was a tortured mess, and no one survived out there. Herrik is the most important person in Zan's life, the only family he has, and as such he and his father have a closeness that matches the greatest of friendships also. They tell each other everything and have a relationship that few others can understand, but all admire and respect.

When the day comes that the machines of Terrun Edun all shut down, it comes down to Herrik – and Zan – to figure out how to save the city. That's if the city wants saving.

Questions:

Zan shuffles uncomfortably in his chair.

Zan: So this is for your new article?

Bedro: That's right. I think the world will want to know about you.

Zan raises an eyebrow.

Zan: Well I dunno about that, but okay then, hit me with the first question.

Bedro: Alright then. Question one, what is your greatest fear?

Zan: Starting off with the big guns... okay then. I guess, not living up to my full potential?

Bedro: That's rather arbitrary isn't it? Anything else?

Zan looks away in thought, becoming still. He stares into the distance with a solemn look.

Zan: My dad. I guess... If I ever lost him. If I was alone. I... Being alone, then. Is that enough of an answer for you?

Bedro: Yes of course. Okay, next question. What is your greatest strength?

Zan: Easy, running the pipes. I can do it better than anyone. And don't believe Jonas, he only beat me the once because I was distracted. And I'd say I know the Grid better than anyone.

Bedro: Very good. Now, what is your greatest weakness?

Zan scrunches his face in thought.

Zan: Hmm, I dunno. Being too good at running the pipes? Is that a weakness?

Bedro: Let's put arrogance, shall we?

Zan chuckles.

Zan: No, no. Okay. I guess... my dad is always telling me that I'm too headstrong. That I don't think before doing things. He said it would get me seriously hurt one day if I don't learn to think before I act. Even if I think that it's done well for me so far. But.... I dunno.

Bedro: Not thinking.

Zan: Hey, I didn't put it like that.

Bedro: Okay I think I have everything for now. Thank you for your time, Zan. Send my regards to your dad.

Zan: Thanks for the interview, whatever it's for. Oh and kids, stay inside the Grid, ya hear?