Robotic Essences - SCENE 56 – “Entertainment Planning”

INT. JASON’S CUBE – AFTER DINNER

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Oil‑bowls stacked, table cleared, Jason leans against the kitchenette counter while SD‑A and SD‑K lounge on the floor amid scattered UNO cards.

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JASON

“Okay, new house rule: A, limit cartoon marathons. The power meter burned six credits yesterday.”

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SD‑A (sheepish)

“They’re educational?”

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SD‑K

“They taught him how to moonwalk while firing imaginary lasers. Very practical.”

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JASON

“Cute, but expensive. So let’s brainstorm non‑cartoon activities for when I’m out punching time sheets.”

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He pats the battered poker set.

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JASON

“Poker’s an option. Low voltage. Builds strategy.”

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SD‑A

“I like strategy! K cheats, though.”

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SD‑K (deadpan)

“I optimize.”

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JASON

“No optimizing past five percent, understood? Other options—”

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He rummages under the bed, pulls out a dusty plastic crate.

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JASON

“Junk Jenga, assorted magazines, and… oh—” (holds up a tiny soldering kit) “—DIY electronics. You two could build something harmless. Key word: harmless.”

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SD‑A (eyes sparkle)

“We could upgrade the spoon‑king!”

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SD‑K

“Absolutely not.”

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JASON

“Maybe start with a radio? Music > idols.”

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A scrolls his texter, thinking.

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SD‑A

“We could also read. You have… Twilight?”

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SD‑K (groans)

“I veto sparkling vampires.”

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JASON

“Thank you.”

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He starts jotting with a stylus on a scrap pad stuck to the fridge.

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JASON

“Potential activities list:

• Board games (UNO, Poker)

• DIY small gadgets

• Reading (non‑cringe)

• Light rooftop parkour—carefully

• Learn to cook something besides stew”

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A raises a hand.

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SD‑A

“Can we practice flying tricks? Off the roof?”

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JASON

“Sure—if K spots and you stay below the drone lanes.”

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K nods as “acceptable risk.”

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JASON

“And if boredom hits critical, ping me on the texter. I’ll reply between paperwork tragedies.”

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He tapes the list to the wall.

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JASON

“There. Structured fun. We’re basically a youth center.”

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SD‑K

“I feel targeted.”

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SD‑A

“I feel excited!”

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Jason smirks, grabbing a greasy rag to wipe the counter.

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JASON

“Good. Tomorrow’s shift is long—make the cube proud and try not to detonate anything.”

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SD‑A

“Promise!”

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SD‑K

“No guarantees.”

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JASON

“Close enough.”

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They settle into a relaxed silence—A organizing UNO, K flicking poker chips into neat towers, Jason flipping through a magazine titled “Gadgets & Badges” with half a smile.

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FADE OUT.

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