Hmm, the inherent romance in existential logistics, that always gets me going. [maybe a joke? who can say.] I'm sure you've got fascinating points— not that I need to be convinced.

[That Viktor has points is the draw— no. Well, kind of. He's already smitten; he's only going to be in deeper with each pseudo-philosophical conversation, including that almost-downer one about legacy.

Their arms brush and Palamedes leans in automatically for just a moment, an affectionate press of arm-to-arm while he keeps flipping pages. They do need to, like, go home - but a detour to talk about lasers is a good use of time, actually.]

I would like to see it. I would also like to try it out, if you'll help me to not burn my fingers off.

[Can he shoot an apple or something, what is the done thing? He certainly shouldn't be allowed near these shelves or he'll melt them wrong, but still.]

I've got one of those orbs in the works for you, by the way. I spoke to someone in the marketplace; they'll be sourcing me a bigger one than the smaller, decorative types. [so he doesn't have to steal one off a lamppost, ahem.] Should be soon.