[ It really says something about his exposure to Root that he doesn't automatically assume the her in this case is Maria. And he isn't going to flinch and accidentally reveal what Maria told him, just in case this is a fishing expedition in any way -- not to mention, it's rude to share someone's secrets in any case. ]
Are you asking what I know about God? Let's assume nothing.
Whatever Ms. Maria may have told me, I will not be sharing it with others.
[ Well, he's told John something, but that almost doesn't count. They both care for her, which means sharing personal information is a measure of protection. She still reads as close to being a number for them both, someone they'd unequivocally be trying to protect, and in that regard they never withhold information from one another. ]
If you wish to speak about it, feel free, but I will not be disclosing a friend's secrets.
She told me that she told you something of import, but it seems like perhaps, she didn't.
[ Was that just to get him to appreciate and try to get along with Harold? He makes a noise in the back of his throat since it seems like she really does like him. His head tilts to the side as he weighs what matters more to him -- how irritating he finds the man or how Maria (and technically, Heather) feel about him.
Unfortunately, as his eye twitches uncomfortably, his feelings are out of the equation. ]
[ Ah, now that's the kind of conversation he knows how to have. Harold turns on a dime from vaguely annoyed and smarmy to absolutely composed. This is the Harold Finch who runs complex multi-agent operations simultaneously. Sometimes they end up with allies who used to be enemies and vice-versa, and he's not opposed to the idea. Personal feelings need not apply. ]
And to Ms. Mason? Yes, I agree. I can call on more resources than you might expect, so please do notify me if you are aware of anything.
Yes, and Heather, as well. I'd rather she remain safe above all else.
[ Vincent tugs on his clothes as he adjusts his attire. The desire to be angry or spiteful has faded since the most important thing is established. At the very least, he can make sure the man will keep his mouth shut. He points his finger to the side and flicks his finger upward. That's enough. ]
Understand, I expect the same. [ A sigh. ] I intend to acquire enough points in order to ensure Heather will not suffer any detriment should she die. Just in case you're working toward the same goal, or perhaps, you've already acquired that for her?
[ That's an interesting comment, but one Harold doesn't contest or pry into. On a basic level he agrees simply due to Heather's age. ]
I can agree to notifying you if I'm aware of any threats to them.
[ That's a concession for Harold, who normally refuses to make explicit promises about what information he will and won't share. Hearing Vincent is already banking points to protect Heather from the consequences of a potential death softens him considerably, too. ]
Not for her specifically, but in general I've stockpiled enough points to cover the cost, and I would be more than willing to use them on her behalf. Or Ms. Maria's.
[ Maria losing one of the few memories she has seems uniquely horrifying. ]
[ Interlacing his fingers, he decides to give some information that he has found out about those points and what he has already done for Maria. ]
I already gave Maria the means to avoid punishment from death. Truth be told, I can't imagine harm coming to Heather, but I realize that was short-sighted of me. [ He shrugs his shoulders. ] You need to give them the item beforehand.
I attempted to return something that a person lost from their death, but ... they can't give it back if it's already been lost. So, it has to already be in their possession. [ He tips his head. ] I felt it wise for you to know that in case that change anything for you or yours.
[ There's some time before the next response comes. ]
Apologies for the delay; I was confirming with Aurora.
She said a physical object is not necessary, but it does have to be assigned in advance or immediately after the moment of death. Thank you for telling me -- I'll make adjustments to my planning accordingly.
[ In a variety of ways, not all of which he'll disclose to Vincent. He'll collaborate on protecting Maria and Heather, but no further. ]
[ He hates that he had to confirm it? Does he seriously expect Harold to take what he's saying on trust when he'd also just unapologetically admitted to it taking him months to get around to reaching out? ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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He makes a sound in the back of his throat since he knows how he sounds and pauses. ]
Sorry. What do you know about her?
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Are you asking what I know about God? Let's assume nothing.
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[ He lets out a long sigh. ]
Do you understand how irritating that you're being? To someone who is worried about the same person that you are?
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Ms. Maria is doing wonderfully here.
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[ Is he using his own death to win something? Probably. Why not? ]
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Whatever Ms. Maria may have told me, I will not be sharing it with others.
[ Well, he's told John something, but that almost doesn't count. They both care for her, which means sharing personal information is a measure of protection. She still reads as close to being a number for them both, someone they'd unequivocally be trying to protect, and in that regard they never withhold information from one another. ]
If you wish to speak about it, feel free, but I will not be disclosing a friend's secrets.
1/2
[ Was that just to get him to appreciate and try to get along with Harold? He makes a noise in the back of his throat since it seems like she really does like him. His head tilts to the side as he weighs what matters more to him -- how irritating he finds the man or how Maria (and technically, Heather) feel about him.
Unfortunately, as his eye twitches uncomfortably, his feelings are out of the equation. ]
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I will work with you should anything happen that'll cause harm to Maria. Fair?
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And to Ms. Mason? Yes, I agree. I can call on more resources than you might expect, so please do notify me if you are aware of anything.
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[ Vincent tugs on his clothes as he adjusts his attire. The desire to be angry or spiteful has faded since the most important thing is established. At the very least, he can make sure the man will keep his mouth shut. He points his finger to the side and flicks his finger upward. That's enough. ]
Understand, I expect the same. [ A sigh. ] I intend to acquire enough points in order to ensure Heather will not suffer any detriment should she die. Just in case you're working toward the same goal, or perhaps, you've already acquired that for her?
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I can agree to notifying you if I'm aware of any threats to them.
[ That's a concession for Harold, who normally refuses to make explicit promises about what information he will and won't share. Hearing Vincent is already banking points to protect Heather from the consequences of a potential death softens him considerably, too. ]
Not for her specifically, but in general I've stockpiled enough points to cover the cost, and I would be more than willing to use them on her behalf. Or Ms. Maria's.
[ Maria losing one of the few memories she has seems uniquely horrifying. ]
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[ Interlacing his fingers, he decides to give some information that he has found out about those points and what he has already done for Maria. ]
I already gave Maria the means to avoid punishment from death. Truth be told, I can't imagine harm coming to Heather, but I realize that was short-sighted of me. [ He shrugs his shoulders. ] You need to give them the item beforehand.
I attempted to return something that a person lost from their death, but ... they can't give it back if it's already been lost. So, it has to already be in their possession. [ He tips his head. ] I felt it wise for you to know that in case that change anything for you or yours.
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Apologies for the delay; I was confirming with Aurora.
She said a physical object is not necessary, but it does have to be assigned in advance or immediately after the moment of death. Thank you for telling me -- I'll make adjustments to my planning accordingly.
[ In a variety of ways, not all of which he'll disclose to Vincent. He'll collaborate on protecting Maria and Heather, but no further. ]
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[ He's already waving his hand as he accepts that he is the one who used the word "item." But either way, it's nice to be told that he is right. ]
Yes, well -- [ He snaps his fingers. ] Thank you, what?
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... Are you expecting something further from me?