[It's a noise that both acknowledges Tim's position without confirming they're of a similar mindset. After all, one of Oswald's closer crew members had been a vampire (before he was sent home), he still employs a half-demon, and his Dominant is some kind of illusion mage. He doesn't necessarily get the supernatural elements, but he has no problem with it.
Pouring two fingers of scotch into the glass, Oswald places the glass down in front of Tim before spreading his hands out upon the bar to prop himself up.]
Is fending off non-human's the primary or secondary need of this arms request?
[Tim picks up the glass and inhales the aroma. Gently swirling the liquid before taking a sip.] That is very good, thank you.
[Not answering right away, Tim takes another sip. Trying to disguise his need to think the question over. Would it mostly still be for defence if he had a weapon he knew could kill a supernatural creature?] Honestly? I'm mostly looking for something that might get them to at least pause and reconsider attacking me. That I have more than just my words telling them to back off and leave me alone. Having teeth to go with the bark can go a long way compared to being nothing but gums.
And calling the guards when they're already trying to beat me just takes too long. [A corner of his lips turn up into a small, unamused smirk. What would Hawke say? If he heard Tim was arming himself so he didn't have to call on the corrupted guards as much? He has a feeling the man wouldn't be any happier with him.] I'd rather not get the city involved with things when I don't have to anyway.
My hope would be all I would need to do is flash it to get anything coming after me to back off and if not? [He casually shrugs. Looking unconcerned with what he's about to say.] Then what happens when they ignore my warning and I have to shoot wouldn't really be my fault at that point, now would it? [Is that the answer Oswald wants to hear? He certainly hopes so.]
[For his part, Oswald has no stakes in any of these particular divides in personhood or different lines in the sand.
He listens to Tim's answer, nodding slowly more in the sense that he understands and follows rather than agrees with the sentiments, though his nods are a little more purposeful at the sentiment of having teeth to go with the bark. Oswald can relate to that.]
Well, I must be upfront and say I don't have anything quite like that to hand and it sounds like the sort of thing that would take a fair while to source, assuming that such a weapon exists at all. Honestly it sounds like a bit of a lost artefact more than a weapon if you're after something. Maybe you need to start to collect yourself a little anti-supernatural toolkit like a vampire slayer.
[He reaches across to collect his own glass, swirling the remaining wine lightly.]
Laying hands on weapons here in general is no easy feat. The last specific request I had for a rifle took almost a month to source and effectively launder. If you're after something even more specialised, it'll take longer and more resources to research. It'd cost you more than just a pretty penny too, I would say.
[He lifts the glass to take a small sip.]
And if you want something quick, it won't be specific and, again, won't come cheap, I'm afraid.
[Unsurprised by the answer Tim nods his head.] I understand completely. Resources can be hard to come by even if they exist. [Especially if you're a submissive. Is a thought Tim keeps to himself.]
What about something smaller and more common? Like a handgun? That should at least scare off any undesirables without powers who think my wallet is worth taking while I'm walking home at night.
[Tim may be a tactful sort of British fellow, but Oswald is proud of all he has achieved, both in Gotham and here. In fact, it's the fine teaching that Gotham has given him that has allowed Oswald to achieve all he has in Duplicity.]
But yes, a handgun is possible. Here--[He flips his notebook open and takes up his pen, drawing three overlapping circles and writing in each (minus the unicorn).]
Which two are most important to you in this particular instance, Tim?
[After a second or two Tim taps at the good quality circle.] This is the only one I'm really concerned about. [His finger starts to hover towards fast, but not cheap then hesitates. He did have two submissives now to consider as well.] This one. [Good quality and cheap.] I suppose I'm not really in that much of a rush. I do have something that will work for the moment.
[And Oswald slaps the notebook closed abruptly before there can be any additional deliberation.]
With more time, we can also source you something more specific. Say, if you have a preferred model in mind. That matters to some people. But if you're simply after a good quality handgun, I'm sure we can manage that.
Additionally, payment--[He shifts a little where he stands, though not from any kind of discomfort and more likely from a bit of excitement.] Cash is always acceptable, but if you have more unique offerings then that can also be negotiated and, in certain cases, help expedite the process.
I have cash. [Did he say that too quickly? He might have said that too quickly. He's just very sure he doesn't want to owe what might be a mob boss a favour. That never ends well in movies.] I work in publishing so I really doubt I have any unique offerings I can make.
[Okay Tim, maybe you were right the first time. Oswald momentarily pushes his tongue into his upper lip against his teeth before giving a slight eyeroll.]
[Tim feels his muscles relax a little at that.] Yeah, I'm afraid the information this city is most interested in reading about isn't all that exciting. Unless you're from some very sexually oppressed society originally.
[Tim nods. That, at least, seemed standard.] Of course. Regardless I wouldn't consider telling them where I got it from. What kind of friend stabs the other in the back?
Or, at the very least, where would I buy another one from if they took one away from me if I did that? Bad business all around.
[Tim starts to reach forward then suddenly stops. Hesitating for a moment.]
Now, please don't take this the wrong way, but-- ah, you are human, right? This isn't some trick and I'm about to shake my life and soul away, right? Because just to be clear - I just want to buy a gun with money. Physical money.
[The question draws Oswald up short, his back straightening as he blinks in surprise at the question. He's not entirely sure whether or not he should be insulted by this line of enquiry.]
It's just-- I've heard there are several princes of Hell--er, Hells? If there are multiple princes are there multiple Hells? Or is it each layer of Hell has a prince?
[He shakes his head realizing he was getting distracted.] Plus I heard there was Lucifer himself running around before. If movies are to be believe it's just a good idea that I know exactly what I'm agreeing to.
As you say. [Oswald can appreciate caution, but that is certainly something Oswald will make note of as something to be aware of in the future. He extends his hand once more, taking hold of Tim's with a slightly firmer, more affirming shake than the one offered at greeting.]
And we have a deal! And without a claw, hoof or fang in sight!
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[It's a noise that both acknowledges Tim's position without confirming they're of a similar mindset. After all, one of Oswald's closer crew members had been a vampire (before he was sent home), he still employs a half-demon, and his Dominant is some kind of illusion mage. He doesn't necessarily get the supernatural elements, but he has no problem with it.
Pouring two fingers of scotch into the glass, Oswald places the glass down in front of Tim before spreading his hands out upon the bar to prop himself up.]
Is fending off non-human's the primary or secondary need of this arms request?
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[Not answering right away, Tim takes another sip. Trying to disguise his need to think the question over. Would it mostly still be for defence if he had a weapon he knew could kill a supernatural creature?] Honestly? I'm mostly looking for something that might get them to at least pause and reconsider attacking me. That I have more than just my words telling them to back off and leave me alone. Having teeth to go with the bark can go a long way compared to being nothing but gums.
And calling the guards when they're already trying to beat me just takes too long. [A corner of his lips turn up into a small, unamused smirk. What would Hawke say? If he heard Tim was arming himself so he didn't have to call on the corrupted guards as much? He has a feeling the man wouldn't be any happier with him.] I'd rather not get the city involved with things when I don't have to anyway.
My hope would be all I would need to do is flash it to get anything coming after me to back off and if not? [He casually shrugs. Looking unconcerned with what he's about to say.] Then what happens when they ignore my warning and I have to shoot wouldn't really be my fault at that point, now would it? [Is that the answer Oswald wants to hear? He certainly hopes so.]
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He listens to Tim's answer, nodding slowly more in the sense that he understands and follows rather than agrees with the sentiments, though his nods are a little more purposeful at the sentiment of having teeth to go with the bark. Oswald can relate to that.]
Well, I must be upfront and say I don't have anything quite like that to hand and it sounds like the sort of thing that would take a fair while to source, assuming that such a weapon exists at all. Honestly it sounds like a bit of a lost artefact more than a weapon if you're after something. Maybe you need to start to collect yourself a little anti-supernatural toolkit like a vampire slayer.
[He reaches across to collect his own glass, swirling the remaining wine lightly.]
Laying hands on weapons here in general is no easy feat. The last specific request I had for a rifle took almost a month to source and effectively launder. If you're after something even more specialised, it'll take longer and more resources to research. It'd cost you more than just a pretty penny too, I would say.
[He lifts the glass to take a small sip.]
And if you want something quick, it won't be specific and, again, won't come cheap, I'm afraid.
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What about something smaller and more common? Like a handgun? That should at least scare off any undesirables without powers who think my wallet is worth taking while I'm walking home at night.
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[Tim may be a tactful sort of British fellow, but Oswald is proud of all he has achieved, both in Gotham and here. In fact, it's the fine teaching that Gotham has given him that has allowed Oswald to achieve all he has in Duplicity.]
But yes, a handgun is possible. Here--[He flips his notebook open and takes up his pen, drawing three overlapping circles and writing in each (minus the unicorn).]
Which two are most important to you in this particular instance, Tim?
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[And Oswald slaps the notebook closed abruptly before there can be any additional deliberation.]
With more time, we can also source you something more specific. Say, if you have a preferred model in mind. That matters to some people. But if you're simply after a good quality handgun, I'm sure we can manage that.
Additionally, payment--[He shifts a little where he stands, though not from any kind of discomfort and more likely from a bit of excitement.] Cash is always acceptable, but if you have more unique offerings then that can also be negotiated and, in certain cases, help expedite the process.
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[He leans in slight, a slow, sly smile on his face.]
After wall, what is a publisher if not a discriminator of knowledge. And knowledge, to some, is a valuable currency indeed.
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Cash is fine.
I did misfire. Derp.
<3
[It's almost a shame; money is always nice, but leverage is Oswald's preferred currency in this city.]
And for your own awareness, I will additionally deny all hand in equipping you should you run into trouble with the SIN guards or LIES. Remember that.
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Or, at the very least, where would I buy another one from if they took one away from me if I did that? Bad business all around.
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What kind of friend indeed.
[He rolls his shoulders as if physically shaking off some unpleasant memories as he tries to relax his jaw a little more again.]
And I couldn't agree more. Especially if this is the start of a good business relationship.
[And here, he extends his hand again.]
So then... Do we have a deal, Tim?
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Now, please don't take this the wrong way, but-- ah, you are human, right? This isn't some trick and I'm about to shake my life and soul away, right? Because just to be clear - I just want to buy a gun with money. Physical money.
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That-- I'm sorry, what?
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[He shakes his head realizing he was getting distracted.] Plus I heard there was Lucifer himself running around before. If movies are to be believe it's just a good idea that I know exactly what I'm agreeing to.
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I'm the King of Gotham, but unless Gotham has suddenly become synonymous with hell, I don't think you need to concern yourself with that.
I can assure you, regardless of being called The Penguin, I am very much and indisputably human.
[Even if he has a few very not humans in his employment.]
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And we have a deal! And without a claw, hoof or fang in sight!
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In any case, when your item is ready, my staff will know to expect you once I've been in contact.
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