And yet he's coming anyway, more because he doesn't want to be rude after John Reese helped him with his questions, and there's always the chance there's a book that stands out. Always that slim possibility where you can never assume anything, except when you want to. That's the way Gorgug thinks.
He's also been thinking about this 'getting a book from the library thing', and for talking to John over the earpiece (or-- well, he has been talking ever since getting in the van, using the voice-to-text to continue their conversation), he wasn't expecting John, but he's an okay surprise to see once he wanders in, dressed as typically as he is: hoodie and jeans.
And he's polite. He wipes his feet on the door mat before he comes in farther, giving John Reese a pull of his mouth that's positive, if not too much of a smile (but also not not one. he's matching the low key vibes of the man!). He does see the book he holds, but he doesn't know what to think, glancing from it to the man's face. ]
Hey. If I find a book, I should, like, order it from Aurora, right?
[ He figures already, it wouldn't be right to gift someone a book from somebody's (two somebody's!) library, but John Reese is right here, and so Gorgug feels the need to say something. ]
[ John notes him wiping his feet, though it doesn't make a material difference; he'll still mop the floor anyway soon enough. Keeps him busy. Still, it's a nice gesture. ]
You can keep it, Finch has already given away some of the books here. Most people won't miss them and we can always get replacements if we need.
[ He takes the book out from under his arm and holds it out to Gorgug. It's titled The Camper Van Bible. ]
For you. Thought you might like it since you have a van.
[ It's a bit awkward, John isn't really used to giving gifts. Is this how you give a gift? He really doesn't know. He can't remember the last time he gave a gift. ]
[ Ohhhh. Gorgug nods, a little idly, though he does think there's a difference between Finch (or John Reese) giving away a book compared to Gorgug just taking one. But he's being given permission, so he'll accept it.
Though, he wasn't suspecting a book so quickly. He wonders very briefly if it's something to do with pirates, but-- Camper Van Bible doesn't sound very pirate-y? Is this a culture different?
Regardless, his eyes do widen a little, and he takes it with both hands. Staring at the cover, and then looking at John Reese. ]
Oh, thanks. Is there a special occasion?
[ He remembers them talking about vans, or cars, but John Reese told him to talk to someone else about them. But he didn't have to give him a book, right? ]
[ John doesn't do gestures like shrug, but he feel the itch to right now. He ignores it. He can't quite help his face falling into something that's just a hint of unsure. ]
Just thought you might like it.
[ It's actually because of a Valentine's Day challenge, but it feels awkward to say that. It is true that he thought of Gorgug, even though he wouldn't normally do such a thing. ]
[ He repeats the sound, this time delayed--this time, somehow more surprised. But softer, something he wasn't expecting; his gaze lingering on John, and then taking a second look at the book. He wasn't expecting this. He probably would have expected something because of the Valentines challenge going around?
And maybe it's inspired by it, but it's not because of it, so it's--nice. He tucks it against his stomach, moving to hold it in one hand, to keep it secure. ]
Thank you. [ That he repeats, tone touched. ] I'll read it and see what it says. I can make my van cool. I wanted to do it up.
[ He wanted to see about doing something with the creature trapped on its roof, but this works too. His friends and him used to live in it on their travels, so--maybe he can make it nicer. Because John Reese gave him a book.
And he feels bad he doesn't have anything to give back now. He'll have to think of something. Except, he sort of knows something. ]
If you ever want me to make ammo for your gun, you know, not regular bullets, or that too, I've worked with guns before. I like the challenge.
[ It feels... nice, hearing Gorgug express thanks, seeing that it means something to him. Did he ever thank Harold for his loft, for his suits? He knows he thanked him for the job, but that was when he was dying. Maybe he should say thank you for those other things. ]
If you end up changing your van, let me know.
[ Though, he's really curious about what "not regular bullets" are. ]
[ He nods to the request, and as for the explanation-- ]
I've made bullets out of light, and I learned about making netting bullets, and acidic bullets, and all the different kinds of bullets you can make for a gun even if you want a slower shot despite the muzzle velocity. I've been learning about electro magnetic pulses as bullets and bombs, too. And arrows.
[ ...He might just be getting a little excited, making a meaningless gesture of size with his free hand, his voice picking up. Even if he pauses then, and, oh right.
[ Don't worry Gorgug, John is very interested in these weird bullets. He likes guns. ]
What do light bullets do? You can make explosive bullets?
[ Bullets that explode sound exciting. He likes the sound of that, assuming that's what Gorgug meant by "bombs as bullets". He hopes that's what Gorgug meant. ]
I can make explosive bullets. And light bullets are made with light-- for fucking up shit that's weak to light.
[ He could just call it 'magic shit' to make this easier for John Reese, but it's also just life for Gorgug, so those kind of creatures probably exist in other worlds too? Clearly? ]
...but there is a pause, a thought. Something he's made clear, but he also wants to be sure of, since he knows this sort of thing can be important to people. ]
I need the gun and bullets to know what I'm working with since, we're from different worlds, so I need to know the weight and..the way it functions. I can't just...make ammo without seeing what I'm working with.
[ But: ] I just need it for a day--I can test it, and then work off the information. I don't have to keep it.
[ Still, he knows it's probably a big ask. People are particular about their weapons. Gorgug likes his, too.
And does John have reason to trust him? That's the bigger question. ]
[ There's a moment's pause where John has to weigh that: new ammo or keeping his gun on him at all times. Back home he'd have backup guns, things he could pull out in an emergency. He has an entire "Plan B" bag. But all he has here is this gun and his sniper rifle, which isn't very convenient. What if he needs to protect Harold from something?
[ That's actually a small surprise, but Gorgug doesn't linger on the thought, or the blink that widens his eyes slightly. He looks up, thinking. When would be good? ]
...I'm gonna be busy today. [ He glances at the book, a stand-in right now for the one he means to look for, even if he knows already he'll never find suitable Fabian reading material. ] Tomorrow? We can meet, and-- you can show me how you take it apart and put it together, and then I'll take it, and I can tell you when I'm done with it. I can bring it back.
[ He's got a van. He's pretty handy with bringing things back quick! ]
[ Tomorrow. He'll have time to prepare Harold, to let him know that he needs to stay in for the day, stay somewhere as safe as possible. They can have Maria walk Bear and John can stay in the library as much as possible keep an eye on things. ]
Tomorrow. Can we meet here?
[ It's a bit rude since Gorgug is doing him a favor, but he doesn't want to be away from Harold. It's paranoia, he's away from Harold plenty and nothing happens, but he feels... anxious, knowing he's going to be without his weapon. He craves the security of the library without his firearm. ]
[ If only Gorgug knew what he's going to put John and Harold through. Instead, he's still rather chill on discussing this. ]
Yeah-- I'll watch and record you, and then I'll make sure I have everything and message you before I come back. I'll be careful with it. [ And, nodding: ] My friend is special about his gun, too.
I will. Thanks. [ He looks towards the doors leading farther into the library. ]
Does the library have books on guns from your world? I can read up on them too. So I'm really covered.
[ It can't hurt to add a hundred more books on top of the rest he's already going through, right? Plus, he's kinda more interested in guns now more than the one magical book Fabian might enjoy... ]
Mostly about the debate of who should own guns, or military campaigns. Nothing in the way of manuals or raw information.
[ That's not the kind of thing a library has. Or gets published, really. The internet is the only place to find that information and even then you have to dig for anything really detailed. ]
Oh. Boring. [ The most unimpressed boring to come from a young adult's mouth. ]
Well, I have books and I've got experience, so-- yeah, I'll be careful. [ He nods. ] I'll take a look for pirate books, and then, tomorrow. I'll see you tomorrow?
[ It's weird to say 'bye' in somebody's library, but... that's what you get when you own a library! ]
[ Tomorrow rolls around and John realizes they didn't set up a time, so he just decides to read at the checkout desk in the main hall. He'll be able to catch anyone who arrives.
Today's book of choice is Stress Fractures in Titanium. He started it before and never got around to finishing it. Now that he has nearly unlimited time it seems like a good time to do that. ]
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And yet he's coming anyway, more because he doesn't want to be rude after John Reese helped him with his questions, and there's always the chance there's a book that stands out. Always that slim possibility where you can never assume anything, except when you want to. That's the way Gorgug thinks.
He's also been thinking about this 'getting a book from the library thing', and for talking to John over the earpiece (or-- well, he has been talking ever since getting in the van, using the voice-to-text to continue their conversation), he wasn't expecting John, but he's an okay surprise to see once he wanders in, dressed as typically as he is: hoodie and jeans.
And he's polite. He wipes his feet on the door mat before he comes in farther, giving John Reese a pull of his mouth that's positive, if not too much of a smile (but also not not one. he's matching the low key vibes of the man!). He does see the book he holds, but he doesn't know what to think, glancing from it to the man's face. ]
Hey. If I find a book, I should, like, order it from Aurora, right?
[ He figures already, it wouldn't be right to gift someone a book from somebody's (two somebody's!) library, but John Reese is right here, and so Gorgug feels the need to say something. ]
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You can keep it, Finch has already given away some of the books here. Most people won't miss them and we can always get replacements if we need.
[ He takes the book out from under his arm and holds it out to Gorgug. It's titled The Camper Van Bible. ]
For you. Thought you might like it since you have a van.
[ It's a bit awkward, John isn't really used to giving gifts. Is this how you give a gift? He really doesn't know. He can't remember the last time he gave a gift. ]
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Though, he wasn't suspecting a book so quickly. He wonders very briefly if it's something to do with pirates, but-- Camper Van Bible doesn't sound very pirate-y? Is this a culture different?
Regardless, his eyes do widen a little, and he takes it with both hands. Staring at the cover, and then looking at John Reese. ]
Oh, thanks. Is there a special occasion?
[ He remembers them talking about vans, or cars, but John Reese told him to talk to someone else about them. But he didn't have to give him a book, right? ]
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Just thought you might like it.
[ It's actually because of a Valentine's Day challenge, but it feels awkward to say that. It is true that he thought of Gorgug, even though he wouldn't normally do such a thing. ]
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[ He repeats the sound, this time delayed--this time, somehow more surprised. But softer, something he wasn't expecting; his gaze lingering on John, and then taking a second look at the book. He wasn't expecting this. He probably would have expected something because of the Valentines challenge going around?
And maybe it's inspired by it, but it's not because of it, so it's--nice. He tucks it against his stomach, moving to hold it in one hand, to keep it secure. ]
Thank you. [ That he repeats, tone touched. ] I'll read it and see what it says. I can make my van cool. I wanted to do it up.
[ He wanted to see about doing something with the creature trapped on its roof, but this works too. His friends and him used to live in it on their travels, so--maybe he can make it nicer. Because John Reese gave him a book.
And he feels bad he doesn't have anything to give back now. He'll have to think of something. Except, he sort of knows something. ]
If you ever want me to make ammo for your gun, you know, not regular bullets, or that too, I've worked with guns before. I like the challenge.
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If you end up changing your van, let me know.
[ Though, he's really curious about what "not regular bullets" are. ]
What are "not regular bullets"?
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I've made bullets out of light, and I learned about making netting bullets, and acidic bullets, and all the different kinds of bullets you can make for a gun even if you want a slower shot despite the muzzle velocity. I've been learning about electro magnetic pulses as bullets and bombs, too. And arrows.
[ ...He might just be getting a little excited, making a meaningless gesture of size with his free hand, his voice picking up. Even if he pauses then, and, oh right.
Reel it back in: ]
Or I can make bullets with normal gunpowder.
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What do light bullets do? You can make explosive bullets?
[ Bullets that explode sound exciting. He likes the sound of that, assuming that's what Gorgug meant by "bombs as bullets". He hopes that's what Gorgug meant. ]
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[ He could just call it 'magic shit' to make this easier for John Reese, but it's also just life for Gorgug, so those kind of creatures probably exist in other worlds too? Clearly? ]
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Things that are weak to light? [ He suddenly remembers his arrival. ] Like those shadow creatures in Nova City a while back.
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Exactly. Like those. When you've got a shadow problem, you need a light.
[ Internally, he's so proud of that... doesn't it sound so smart...! ]
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I'm not sure how much I'll need light bullets, but explosive ones sound handy. I won't say no if you're offering.
[ Explosives are great. He can always fine a use for explosives. ]
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...but there is a pause, a thought. Something he's made clear, but he also wants to be sure of, since he knows this sort of thing can be important to people. ]
You're okay trusting me with your gun?
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Do you need my gun? Or just bullets as an example? I have extra ammunition.
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I need the gun and bullets to know what I'm working with since, we're from different worlds, so I need to know the weight and..the way it functions. I can't just...make ammo without seeing what I'm working with.
[ But: ] I just need it for a day--I can test it, and then work off the information. I don't have to keep it.
[ Still, he knows it's probably a big ask. People are particular about their weapons. Gorgug likes his, too.
And does John have reason to trust him? That's the bigger question. ]
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In the end the pros outweigh the cons. ]
I can do that. When would you want it?
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...I'm gonna be busy today. [ He glances at the book, a stand-in right now for the one he means to look for, even if he knows already he'll never find suitable Fabian reading material. ] Tomorrow? We can meet, and-- you can show me how you take it apart and put it together, and then I'll take it, and I can tell you when I'm done with it. I can bring it back.
[ He's got a van. He's pretty handy with bringing things back quick! ]
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Tomorrow. Can we meet here?
[ It's a bit rude since Gorgug is doing him a favor, but he doesn't want to be away from Harold. It's paranoia, he's away from Harold plenty and nothing happens, but he feels... anxious, knowing he's going to be without his weapon. He craves the security of the library without his firearm. ]
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Yeah-- I'll watch and record you, and then I'll make sure I have everything and message you before I come back. I'll be careful with it. [ And, nodding: ] My friend is special about his gun, too.
[ Granted, it was his dad's gun.... ]
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Okay. Don't hesitate to ask me any questions when we're going over things.
[ His gun is special to him. It's a part of him. He's spent so much time using it. ]
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Does the library have books on guns from your world? I can read up on them too. So I'm really covered.
[ It can't hurt to add a hundred more books on top of the rest he's already going through, right? Plus, he's kinda more interested in guns now more than the one magical book Fabian might enjoy... ]
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[ That's not the kind of thing a library has. Or gets published, really. The internet is the only place to find that information and even then you have to dig for anything really detailed. ]
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Well, I have books and I've got experience, so-- yeah, I'll be careful. [ He nods. ] I'll take a look for pirate books, and then, tomorrow. I'll see you tomorrow?
[ It's weird to say 'bye' in somebody's library, but... that's what you get when you own a library! ]
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See you tomorrow. Good luck finding a book.
[ He doesn't need any more pleasantries and just vanishes somewhere off into the library, leaving Gorgug to do whatever it is he's going to do. ]
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Today's book of choice is Stress Fractures in Titanium. He started it before and never got around to finishing it. Now that he has nearly unlimited time it seems like a good time to do that. ]
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