Reborn as Richard Castle in Criminal Minds

When the chubby kid heard about Simon's plan from Castle, he was initially a bit bewildered by the complexity of it all. However, he didn't have any objections to Castle's later explanations. Castle had many secrets, and the chubby kid was well aware of that. After all, who doesn't have a few secrets, right?

Moreover, Uncle Rick had made it clear that even if they revealed his existence to Officer Beckett, she wouldn't come directly looking for him. So, there was no harm in helping Castle out a bit.

The chubby kid wasn't concerned about anything else. He was busy recalling the chaotic plan that Castle had described—a plan by Simon that involved misdirection and a multi-pronged approach. Despite Castle's somewhat scattered explanation, as a meticulous science geek, the chubby kid quickly realized that if it weren't for his Uncle Rick's intervention, Simon's plan theoretically had a high chance of succeeding.

If Simon's men strictly followed the plan, they might indeed manage to loot the gold from the vault and make a clean getaway.

The chubby kid couldn't help but admire Simon's high intelligence for coming up with such a plan. Frankly, if his Uncle Rick hadn't gotten involved to disrupt things, Simon might have actually pulled it off. Unfortunately, Castle and Simon were naturally on opposing sides. Whether Simon's motive was revenge or money, as someone with strong ties to the NYPD, Castle wouldn't just sit back and let Simon execute his plan.

For the chubby kid, helping his family was perfectly normal. When Castle called earlier to explain the situation, he made it clear that it involved public safety. Given that, the chubby kid had no reason to refuse. Also, after watching an intense drama with Castle in Brazil, the chubby kid, Harry, was no longer the simple nerd he used to be. Thanks to Castle's guidance, Harry had developed a keen interest in watching events unfold and getting involved in the action.

He had been feeling a bit bored since the task Castle gave him—to monitor Vincent and his group—hadn't really started yet due to their preparations for salvaging the submarine. Just when he was feeling restless, his dear Uncle Rick provided him with a new, exciting target. And this target wasn't just any ordinary person, which thrilled the chubby kid. Therefore, he didn't mind being used as the source of information for Beckett.

All he wanted to know now was when the events Castle mentioned would start.

Lost in his thoughts, his eyes gleaming with excitement, he was oblivious to the fact that Castle was still waiting for his response. He was entirely focused on figuring out the best way to monitor Simon and his group. Since Castle mentioned Simon had an IQ of 187, he knew that simple or casual surveillance wouldn't suffice. If Simon realized he was being watched, it could ruin everything. How could he face his trusting Uncle Rick if that happened?

Castle sat on the sofa, watching in amazement as the chubby kid fell deep into thought. He didn't interrupt, understanding that the kid was probably formulating his own plan after hearing about Simon's heist. 

Castle, too, remained silent, contemplating how to improve and optimize his nearly completed drone.

The two sat in silence, creating an oddly quiet atmosphere in the room.

The chubby kid was the first to snap out of it. After drafting a preliminary surveillance plan for Simon and his group in his mind, he remembered that his Uncle Rick was waiting for his answer.

Feeling a bit awkward about his previous lack of response, he finally spoke up, which caught Castle's attention.

With a smile, Castle asked, "So, have you already figured out how to monitor Simon and his crew?"

Scratching his head and smiling sheepishly, the chubby kid replied, "Yes, you said their leader Simon is very smart, right? So, they will definitely be wary of surveillance equipment. I think they won't stay in hotels but will have safe houses in the city. Based on their plan, it's clear they have a lot of people—at least thirty to fifty. Just the garbage trucks alone need fourteen drivers. Add the people to control the bank staff and other tasks, and I estimate they need at least thirty to fifty people. Finding them isn't hard, but monitoring them without being detected is challenging. I believe their hideout will be carefully chosen and equipped by themselves, so cameras and such are out of the question. I can only use the modified drone you gave me in Brazil to do some preliminary observations around their hideout."

Castle hadn't considered this practical difficulty before, but upon reflection, he had to admit that the chubby kid was right. Though the kid was a master in the digital world, even the most skillful can't work without the necessary tools.

This realization further solidified Castle's resolve to quickly complete the drone he was working on.

Standing up, Castle said to the chubby kid, "I need to find a way to get a more advanced drone. Simon and his crew just arrived in New York, and I estimate they won't act for at least a week. They need time to scout and prepare. We have time. For now, don't rush into anything. Let me get more information about Simon's background."

Excited at the prospect of a new drone, the chubby kid asked, "Uncle Rick, where are you going to get a drone? Military ones aren't available on the black market."

Castle snorted, "Can't I make one myself?"

Remembering Castle's craftsmanship from their time in Brazil, the chubby kid realized that his uncle might actually be serious about making a new drone. 

Castle explained that he had already built the drone's frame and was now working on installing the body and reconnaissance equipment. With the mechanical skills he inherited from Tony Stark and the prototype being based on Stark Industries' designs, Castle was confident he could quickly complete it.

He assured the chubby kid that this new drone, while using civilian engines to avoid unwanted attention, would be far more advanced than the one he was currently using. 

Castle's enthusiasm and commitment to providing a better surveillance tool reassured the chubby kid, who eagerly anticipated getting his hands on the new drone.

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