Text; un: Mysterio

[makeanentrance]

Do you believe in redemption?

Or do you think those who have done bad things should be forever condemned?

Comments

[makeanentrance]

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.

[curious_spirit]

[ 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. ]

[makeanentrance]

[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.

[curious_spirit]

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.

[makeanentrance]

[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.

[curious_spirit]

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

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

[makeanentrance]

[He pauses, then asks.]

Do you have a specific reason for wanting this?

[curious_spirit]

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.

[makeanentrance]

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