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'...Hmm. I'm not very familiar with your human firearms, Hale. But, I would say I'm fascinated with some of these more 'modern' weapons.'
[HALE] "Modern?"
'I like the sleek ones... you know, the small ones that fire fast.'
[HALE] "So, submachine guns then."
'Ah, yes. I think they're neat. But, I think I really like the long ones you humans use for hunting. Rifles, you call them. There's something to the aesthetic that just-' I snapped my fingers; '-clicks with me.'
[HALE] "Mm. I assume you must have seen many of them in your early life from what you'd told me before. Yes, hunting rifles are important to us, even today. Too many animals like deer start popping up, it'll cause problems and for more than just us humans. You've got to respect the rifle that puts dinner on plates."
He sucked the next puff from his smoking pipe, setting down the disassembled model of a pistol on his desk with the pipe. Hale turned and went near to the locker that sat near the corner of his room, opening it up to reveal what I assume was a personal assortment of his own firearms. He reached inside and pulled out a rifle that had no scope, one that had been made from pristine wood. It was smooth, and had artistic touches done to the grips. He hefted it up in both hands to display it.
[HALE] "My own personal one, had it since youth. Took it with me on every hunting trip I've been on. This gun has broken more than once. I've fixed it up every time. It loads three-oh-three rounds. I've never used a scope on it once."
'Prefer the iron sights?'
[HALE] "It's more keen that way."
He came over and held the gun out, offering it to me. I took it gently and held it, looking it over.
[HALE] "Now it's yours."
'Ah-' I looked up at him; 'Mine?'
[HALE] "Yes. You seem like you'd really like it. Consider it a gift from me."
'Oh... I don't know what to say.'
[HALE] "Hmhm. All I know is guns. All I've really considered precious are guns. You've given me quite a lot more than I dreamed of ever before, Muna. I'm just repaying the boon however I can. If all I know are guns... then you can have mine, my own prized ones. Think of it like a symbol of our promise to each other, to do what's right for this world, eh?"
'Hm. Words are best, but the gun can be good too.'
[HALE] "Come, why don't I show you have to shoot it at the firing range?"
'I'd like that.'
Together, we went off back down into the Bunker and headed to the range. Hale showed me how this bolt action rifle worked, and we fired it together for a little while. My aim was impeccable. I could even say firing the gun was fun. Although, I couldn't experience it the same way a mortal does, recoil meant nothing to my shoulder.
I appreciated the gift. I decided I'd keep it in my abode and display it among the other items surrounding my meditation spot.
