2020-02-13 - Library Chat

It was cold, flurrying even, not quite dreary but certainly not sunny. Kip had settled in to one of the lounge chairs in the seating/reading area of the library and was currently browsing through a book that shed some light on the history of Gray Harbor. There were a few other books stacked on the little round table in the center of the chairs related to history of the PNW and also a DIY book related to surveillance technology

Having found himself something to read, Rick has made his way into the seating area, looking to find himself a chair to drop himself into. He pauses as he looks at the books at Kip's table, especially the one about surveillance technology. "Interesting choice of books," he offers, words kept quiet.

Kip looks a little startled when she's spoken to. Her gaze lifting to the man and a bit of a smile offered. "I like to read interesting things." Her Russian accent is rather thick. Looking towards his book, "And what sort of things do you read?"

Rick raises an eyebrow as he hears the Russian accent, before he holds out the book he's reading, which is actually in Russian. In English, it's called 'Night Watch' by Sergei Lukyanenko. When he speaks, it's in Russian, although it's clear that he hasn't practiced it too well. "I have read the book in English, but I thought I should read it in Russian as well, to make sure my language skill is still in order," he explains.

Kip's own brow raised, clearly not expecting to run in to anyone speaking Russian in this town. Her smile brightened, responding in Russian, "That was a great book. Your Russian does not sound too terrible." Shifting to sit up a bit more in her seat. "How long have you been studying?"

"Thank you," Rick replies, still in Russian. "I learned the language while I was a little boy. My mother's family spoke it, so I learned it to be able to speak with them," he explains. Looking to one of the other seats, he adds, "May I sit here?"

"Of course," Kip motioned to the seat. It felt so much better to speak in her native tongue, so she was happy to challenge the man on his skills. After all, it was learning experience for him right? "So you are half Russian?" A brow quirked briefly, "Have you ever been?"

"She was born in the States, but both her parents came from Russia," Rick replies, before he shakes his head a bit. "I have never been there. It would be nice to go there at some point, though." He offers her a brief smile. "Maybe if I survive my line of work, I will be able to go there."

"You should, for all the bad rep it gets - it is a beautiful country." Kip smiled, though looked curious then. "What is it that you do for work?"

"Law enforcement," Rick replies, with a bit of a smile, even if there's something distant in his expression for a few moments. "Aside from a few years when I drifted across the continent doing odd jobs, it's been my job. First back in New York, then here." A brief pause, before he adds, "What's your line of work, if I may ask?"

Kip made a thoughtful noise at that, looking down at her book as if to remember what page she was on and then closed it. The book resting in her lap as she refocused on the man. "Do you enjoy your job?" Curious when she noticed the distant look. "Me? I'm a paranormal investigator. For now at least." Giving a little shake of her head. "What is your name? Mine is Kapitsa. Kip for short."

"I enjoy it most of the time. Every now and then, it sucks, when people you care about gets hurt or even killed," Rick replies, before he smiles as he hears what kind of work Kip has. "Should be plenty of things to investigate, then," he offers, with a brief grin. After a few moments, he smiles. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kip. I'm Rick. Rick Carlson."

Kip transitioned back to English now when she spoke, "That would be rather stressful and unfortunate." She agreed, a brief sympathetic look passing over her features. "Not a line of work I believe I could handle." She chuckled softly then. "So I have been informed. We will see. I will primarily be working in Seattle. Here is more of a...side exploration. It is nice to meet you too Rick. Have you lived here long?"

Rick smiles, "Not that long. A year and a half or so since I first arrived in town. Don't ask me why I decided to stop here, and then later stay, but I did. Maybe because it's far from back home."

"Far from home? I take it you do not like your home much then?" Kip asked, relaxing back in her seat." I have briefly passed through a few times over the years when I happen to be doing something in the area. But I wanted to examine it a little more up close and personal and this seemed like the...golden opportunity I think the phrase is? Do you like it here?"

"Home was good, before... stuff happened," Rick replies, before he shrugs a bit. "Both of my parents died, and a few other things happened, so I figured it was time to see more of the country. So I jumped onto my motorcycle and traveled around." He smiles at that last question. "I do."

"I am very sorry for your loss." Kip dipped her head for a short moment and then looked back up at him. "I think I might. Like it here. We will see how things go. I am renting a room at the moment but, if I decide to stay longer perhaps I'll look into a more permanent form of housing. " She mused. "I at least want to see how the spring and summer are."

"Thank you," Rick replies, a bit quietly, before he nods. "I think that, even though there can be some things happening that fits better into your line of investigation than mine, it's a rather nice place. And especially spring and summer."

Kip considered this for a moment before finally asking, "What is the strangest thing you've had happen to you?" Head tilting ever so slightly. "Here in town I mean."

"I think that would be some of those dream-like things. One moment I was walking to the kitchen, the next I was in some kind of very illogical place, with many people that I barely knew. I don't think I've ever gotten used to that." Rick looks a bit thoughtful as he offers that. "I think those are some of the strangest things."

"Dream-like. A man named...Thewlis. Mentioned those to me as well. I am certainly going to be staying on my toes, perhaps I will experience one." A beat of pause. "Not that they seem like something you necessarily want. But...it would widen my scope of knowledge some." She glanced to her watch briefly and then started to gather up her books. "I have a meeting soon so I have to go but, perhaps I will see you around Rick. You have a good day."

Rick nods as he hears that. "Stay along here long enough, and I'm fairly sure it'll happen," he replies. before he smiles. "Of course. You as well. And thank you for letting me practice my language skill. I hope we will meet again."