fluxnet | Text; un: Mysterio

[There's a distant nostalgic smile on his face.]

It was my escape as a kid. I loved the dimming of the cinema lights, the smell of popcorn, the anticipation of being transported to another world.

[ Shadow genuinely increased in happiness at seeing Beck light up. It wasn't visible to an ordinary eye but a light inside of him actually did glow when there was real joy that he felt. He knew all of the things that Beck talked about even if they didn't hold the same meaning for him. ]

I didn't have the surrounding factors but that's what I like about books, escaping to another world.

Is there a theater here?

Not that I've seen. But this place... It changes. I suppose some sort of cinema could appear. I'd like that.

You're lucky that you can surround yourself with books in here.

Maybe you can find some real estate and open up one. With all the kids running around, I'm sure you'd have steady business. Give the arcade some friendly competition.

[ Shadow did feel lucky in Haven but it was because of having Lydia (his girlfriend and mother of his child) with him, not that he'd tell Beck that. It already seemed as if the man didn't have many connections around. ]

I... hadn't thought of that option.

Right now I'm just working at the electronics repair store. Doing my own tinkering on the side.

[ He continued to hold a hopeful smile. ]

That would come in handy for maintaining a theater. If you open one.

What kind of tinkering do you do?

I can certainly do my own behind the scenes repairs.

Oh, various sorts. I've been working on some robotics.

I think you should give the theater idea some serious thought. If anyone can make it work, sounds like you can.

Yeah? That a hobby?

Of sorts. I've made some professionally before.

And for personal reasons.

Do you mind me asking the kind of robots you've built? Professionally or otherwise? --Whatever you're comfortable sharing.

There have been a variety... Some for combative purposes. Replicas of others and myself meant to... fool others. To deceive superheroes and the authorities alike.

[He sounds uncomfortable but there's also some pride in there. He does have talent with this.]

One was made to cross dimensions. Kind of a remote avatar that I could control from my own world and remain safe.

Another... I made so realistic that she wasn't even aware she was a robot.

[ Shadow enjoyed listening to Beck talk about movies and robots, even after the admission that he'd built them to fool others. Beck wouldn't notice any change in him. It wasn't as if Shadow didn't have experience fooling authorities and gods who could be considered superheroes to some extent. ]

Beck, man, that's amazing! Are you pulling my leg? I've never heard of robots doing half of what you described! I mean, this is the first I think I've ever crossed a dimension but wow. I'd love to see your work here, if you'd consider showing it.

[ Maybe he should be more cautious but Shadow didn't pick up anything malicious from Beck. If anything, Shadow might be embarrassed to show his coin or card tricks compared to functioning robots. ]

[Once Beck accepted that Shadow wasn't mocking him and was genuinely interested, he relaxes more and even smiles.]

Robots can do a lot, if you program them correctly. They can work for you or be companions. Although... that can also go wrong if you let them have too much free will.

[He sighs, obviously remembering something that saddens him.]

But... yes, I could show you. Once I have it up to a decent working standard.

Can they protect someone? Like a child?

[ The genuine interest remained. Shadow might have looked at Beck with pleading eyes, hopeful that if his young son arrived in Haven, he could be well guarded.

It wasn't that he ignored the words about going wrong with too much free will. Beck seemed knowledgeable where Shadow thought he'd learned to correct that error. ]

Whenever you're comfortable. I'd really like to see your work. I've never seen more than automated parts at a factory when it comes to robots. Oh, and the robot vacuum cleaners.

[The expression didn't escape Beck's notice and he wondered if indeed Shadow had children that needed protection. He replies with a mixture of caution and confidence.]

It's possible to program something like that, sure. Robots are often strong purely because they're made of durable metals and they can be made to be both nurturing and protective.

[ He nodded along with what Beck said, acknowledging him. ]

Do you think it's possible for a very small child? An infant? Toddler?

[He pauses, then asks.]

Do you have a specific reason for wanting this?

I have a son. Leo. [ Shadow immediately answered, sitting up when he did. Proudly. Yet short-lived when he continued. ] He's not here but his mom and I worry if he might show up, how we can keep him safe. Leo isn't two yet.

You don't think you can keep him safe without outside help?

Text; un: Mysterio

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