2nd Idea [Accidental Visual]

[notgivinguponyou]

[With everything settling back down again, it should be the best time to relax. But it apparently was the opposite for Tadashi, who could be seen pacing around his room at the commune. His tail flicked with every turn, and the expression on his face was more agitated and troubled than normal for those who had seen him before.

Another passing turn had him pausing, finally noticing the scroll was open. And for a moment he almost seemed to glare at it, his hardened expression persisting as he debated whether to simply roll it up.

But it only lasted a moment before his expression softened, and he managed a small, if somewhat weary smile.]

Anyone feel like grabbing a drink?

...Or taking a walk. Or...something.

[It just seemed like he could use the company.]

Comments

>action

[4thdimensional]

Then I'll be by soon.

[And there he is. Good old Doc Brown, his saddle bag stuffed with pages of notes and other objects. But his main concern here is Tadashi.]

I take it you've been keeping yourself busy?

[notgivinguponyou]

[Coming to meet the doctor, Tadashi gives him a rather wane smile.] Yeah...been trying to, anyway.

[4thdimensional]

Anything particularly interesting? I feel as though my projects lingered in limbo for far too long, and when I hit that wall again...well, I walk.

[notgivinguponyou]

Well, I'm actually trying to design a robot I'm making for a friend. It's based off a robot from his home world.

[4thdimensional]

Oh?

What's its intended purpose?

[notgivinguponyou]

Cleaning...and I think arguing. [That's only kind of a joke.]

[4thdimensional]

Is there a purpose to the arguing? To challenge the user to do better, perhaps?

[notgivinguponyou]

Not really...I think that's just how they get along.

[4thdimensional]

Bickering can strengthen the bonds of friendship at times.

[He smiles]

Not that I'm all that knowledgeable on the subject, but the robots are wise. Perhaps I could create my own for a companion someday---but Curie suits me well enough for now.

And you, Tadashi? Are you pursing any projects for your own pleasure?

[notgivinguponyou]

If you ever wanted to, let me know. I wouldn't mind giving you a hand. [Er, hoof?] Well...I mean, I like designing and working with robotics... [That might be edging towards a no.]

[4thdimensional]

I'd really enjoy that. And...you're sure?

[He looks puzzled.]

You're exceptionally bright from what I've seen. Anything you put your mind to, you can accomplish it. And...actually...

...maybe I could discuss another matter with you.

[Uh oh. He might just do it.]

[notgivinguponyou]

[He blinks. Another matter?] What's up?

[4thdimensional]

I think it's about time I told you what exactly I've been up to with my nuclear physics.

[He taps one hoof to a leg, right where one of his many watches is strapped. When he's sure no one else is in earshot, he speaks again.]

I worked all my life with the hope of someday traveling in time. Eventually, I did...and it didn't go off without a few missteps, but I haven't been able to forget it.

[notgivinguponyou]

[Tadashi can't help but blink a little.]

Time travel...? Like, actual time travel?

[Seriously?]

[4thdimensional]

Yes. To the future or the past. The most I ever intended to jump was thirty years, but I've gone as far as a hundred in the past.

[notgivinguponyou]

Whoa! That's incredible...! How'd you manage that?

[4thdimensional]

It's simple. I hooked a sports car to nuclear-powered time portal device. The center of it all is the flux capacitor, a device that opens the rift to the third dimension and allows the user to drive to any point in the time stream that they wish. From the present, its current can flow to the past or the future.

[As he says this, he gestures to his flank, where the meaning of the y-shaped marking should now be clear.]

And, truth be told, I'm itching to do it again.

[notgivinguponyou]

That's amazing! [He was used to a lot amazing tech in his world, but he still hadn't heard of anything like that.] Would you be able to manage something like that here?

[4thdimensional]

[He's practically glowing. It's been so long since he's been able to share this with someone who might appreciate it.]

I'm already working on it. Steam power, a touch of magic, and some electricity should do it. I might just be paying a visit to historical figures of interest.

[notgivinguponyou]

Oh man, that would be amazing. Getting to learn about this world's history first hand...

[4thdimensional]

Not that I'll be doing it for a little while yet. I want to know everything I can before I study Starswirl in person...and we'll strictly be observing. I've seen the effects of altered timelines first hand, and I don't want to cause any major disturbances.

[He smiles.]

But I'll need all the hands on board I can get. I'd be thrilled to have you join us.

[notgivinguponyou]

Yeah, that makes sense. [He's heard enough from Fred's comments to know that messing with timelines can be bad.] But yeah, definitely! I'd be glad to help out.

[4thdimensional]

A time traveler must have a strong heart and will. We have a path that we must not waver from, no matter what temptations lie ahead---and we'll need to keep each other in check, if necessary.

I believe you're exactly the right fit for the job.

[notgivinguponyou]

[There's a touch of sheepishness to his smile, but all the same Tadashi nods.] I'll do my best.

[4thdimensional]

Good, because I only take the best. It won't be easy, but...with enough patience, we can make a better future for this world.

[He gives Tadashi another warm smile.]