[Video]

[mysteryhero]

Further to my ongoing technical research here, I am asking for some volunteers for testing purposes.

I'm afraid that I can't offer you much information beforehand about this test since that could be detrimental at this phase of the development. Just know that it is completely safe for you to undergo this experimentation and there will be no harm or side-effects.

Let me know here if you are interested and I will send you the location to take part.

Comments

video

[made_up_names]

[ He's never been so conflicted in his life. On the one hand, he knows this is bad news. Such bad news. And engaging is probably the worst thing he can do.

On the other hand, what else is he supposed to do? Just let him do stuff without poking his nose in? No way. ]

I'll help.

video - Potentially FFH spoilers later in thread

[mysteryhero]

Ah, Peter! How good of you to help out.

You'll have to come to my apartment. When are you free?

[Yes, he's actually conducting these tests at his apartment. It's the best place for a controlled atmosphere where he won't be interrupted or his set-up tampered with.]

[made_up_names]

[ AND he has to go to Beck's apartment. That's great. This is starting off great. Breathe, Peter. ]

Well school's not in session, and I don't have a job yet, so I guess any time. Since this is important.

[mysteryhero]

Fine, fine.

If you can be there shortly, I'll be waiting.

[And he gives Peter the address: Apartment 101, Tupelo Alley in Genessia at the corner of Oak Ave. and 8th St. It's a classy building and it seems Beck lucked out with the key to a good apartment when he arrived.]

--> Action

[made_up_names]

See you soon.

[ And sure enough, he doesn't waste much time swinging over to the address in question. Just enough time to leave Gwen a note - "if I'm not back in like two hours, Mysterio probably killed me, send help and/or Iroh" - before setting out. Why does everyone else get a cool apartment and not him? Not that he's complaining, exactly. He's just jealous.

Anyway. It doesn't take long for Beck to get a knock on his door. And when he opens it, Peter will be standing there in his usual hoodie and jean combo, looking for all the world like a normal teenager. ]

Action

[mysteryhero]

Peter, hey. You made it!

[Beck's very congenial and looks genuinely pleased to see him. Is it an act? Difficult to tell. But he seems to be relaxed.]

Come in.

[He steps back to allow Peter inside. The apartment is elegantly furnished and spacious - not by Beck's design, it all came as is.]

Do you want something to drink? Or you want to get right to it.

[made_up_names]

[ Always hard to tell with Beck, which is the problem. But he'll take it as-is for the moment, if only because he's trying to juggle other things in his head right now. He takes a moment to gawk at the apartment as he steps inside, momentarily distracted. ]

I - uh - water? Water is fine.

[mysteryhero]

Coming right up!

[He's a little too enthusiastic about this task, as if going for a friendly tone and pushed it a bit too far. He heads over to the kitchen area through an open arch at the side, grabs a clean glass and a bottled water from the fridge.]

You can just have it from the bottle but if you want a cup...

[He shrugs and hands them over.]

[made_up_names]

[ He accepts both, moving to find a spot where he can pour himself a glass. Also wincing a little. ]

You don't have to act like that around me. It's kind of weird.

[mysteryhero]

Like what?

You mean friendly?

I know we have... a past. But fresh start, remember?

[made_up_names]

I know that. But this is overdoing it.

[mysteryhero]

[Beck pauses, then he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.]

.... Alright. Restart.

[When he opens his eyes again, the too bright smile is gone and he appears calmer.]

Look, I just want this to work out, OK? I made a mistake before. Now I'm fixing it.

I'm guessing you didn't just come over here to selflessly volunteer for my little experiment.

[made_up_names]

[ That's better, honestly. Peter mostly just doesn't like being lied to, and that was definitely a lie.

But he can relax a little now. Shoulders untensing. ]

Of course not. I came to see what you're up to. And help out.

[mysteryhero]

I'm sure you already have some idea.

After all, you've experienced it before.

[In nightmare form.]

But I've been putting together a sort of... vacation illusion. It's a work in progress here. I came in with some tech but I've had to make adjustments and find alternate methods. It's just for entertainment purposes so far.

[But of course Beck could never be satisfied with that. He was mad enough at Tony for what he did with it.]

[made_up_names]

[ Nightmares during, nightmares since. He's already had at least one where he wakes up in a cold sweat in his apartment, only to discover that it's an illusion unraveling itself around him.

He rubs at his face a bit. ]

Okay, vacation AR. Seems like a good start. So what do you need other people for? Just to test it?

[mysteryhero]

I want to see reactions and how convincing it may be. That's the key, right? It has to be convincing.

[He pauses a moment.]

And this is without any damaging drones... I mean, people need to be able to have all of their senses working as if they really were there.

Yet have it be safe and never leaving their home.

[There is, of course, more to it that he isn't saying.]

[Video]

[fate_aspect]

It would seem you have made quick progress, Quentin Beck.

[Video]

[mysteryhero]

Not yet, however I have gained some extra tools to go along with my current knowledge.

[And he did come in with his suit, incorporating much of his equipment, so much of what he needs he already has. But he wants to do more.]

video

[priceofmagic]

You testing anything that a Guardian should hear about?

video

[mysteryhero]

Nothing dangerous, I assure you.

Video;

[protectorscaptain]

[Did someone say "experiment?"]

I'm interested, but I wish to ask before I formally volunteer;

What category is your experiment? Technological? Medical?

Video;

[mysteryhero]

Technological and recreational. Nothing physically invasive.

Video;

[protectorscaptain]

That sounds well within my fields of expertise. In that case, if I may, I wish to formally volunteer.

Video;

[mysteryhero]

Great.

When you're free, come to this address and we can get started.

[And he sends her his address: Apartment 101, Tupelo Alley in Genessia at the corner of Oak Ave. and 8th St.]

Re: Video;

[protectorscaptain]

Thank you. I'll be there with bells and whistles.

[That's the correct Earth saying, right? She never said she was a historian on old Earth lingo.]

My name is Natalia, but the way. See you soon.