Work Text:
(It’s nearing the evening time in the Wild West area. Larry and Lawrie are outside of Barley’s Bar, talking about security measures)
Lawrie: And remember! If even something remotely fishy is seen, you must call me in immediately! Do I make myself clear?
Larry: Yes, Lawrie, you’ve made yourself clear a few times. Can I just go in?
Lawrie: Only if you promise to call if things get tough.
Larry: I promise. Now can I please go inside?
Lawrie: I suppose. But be careful, okay?
Larry: I will! Thanks again for letting me do this, big bro.
Lawrie: Of course, deputy.
(Lawrie takes off to the store across the dirt path from the bar, while Larry heads inside Barley’s establishment. The whole place is dimly lit by yellow lamps and candles on the tables. All sorts of brawlers and tourists are milling around, enjoying the scene. Larry scans the area quickly, and upon not picking up any sort of danger, moves to the bar counter to sit down, finding a seat soon after)
(Barley walks around to greet Larry, a chipper-looking as ever)
Barley: Hello, Officer Larry! Can I interest you in a drink?
Larry: Ah, greetings, Barley. Nothing for me right now. Just doing surveillance of the area. Have you noticed anything fishy going on around here?
Barley: No, nothing “fishy” around here. Well, unless you count that odd girl Willow over there. (gestures to where Willow is sitting and talking with Lily and Angelo)
Larry: I am familiar with Willow. She has a bit of a trouble streak among some of the other brawlers. May need to keep an eye on her.
Barley: Don’t concern yourself with too much of her endeavours, Officer. It’s all in good fun.
Larry: That’s what she wants you to believe, Barley. Once people like that know your guard is down, that’s when they strike. At least, that’s what Lawrie always says.
Barley: Well, as long as you two treat everyone fairly and safely, you may believe what you wish.
(The door of the bar opens again, and Grom steps in, looking tired from a day of security work. He walks up to the bar and sits down next to Larry)
Grom: One usual please, bartender robot. I need to forget today.
Barley: Of course, Grom. Coming right up.
(Larry looks the guard over a little, scanning him and analyzing him for danger signs)
Grom: If you are going to scan me at least buy me drink first, ticket robot.
Larry: Oh, I’m sorry, sir. I keep forgetting not everyone likes scans.
Grom: Is no big deal. (Barley sets down a drink coaster in front, then sets down a red-tinted drink on it) Thank you, bartender robot. (He takes a sip, a little startled by the sudden influx of flavor)
Larry: Can I ask something weird, sir?
(Grom sets his drink down, clicking his tongue once)
Grom: Ask away.
Larry: Your uniform tells me that you work as a security personnel for the castle somewhere far from here. Is it especially hard to work a guard shift over there?
Grom: It is certainly not cake walk, so to speak.
Larry: So, difficult. Yeah, my job is too, sometimes.
Grom: Robots do not get tired, though.
Larry: Not in the usual sense. More of the my-brother-is-a-power-abusing-control-freak way. The amount of people he tries to shock on a daily basis would make your head spin.
Grom: Ah. Must be difficult.
Larry: I can usually persuade him to be gentle, you don't have to worry. (He looks over at Grom again, scanning his appearance) Can I ask another question?
Grom: Of course.
Larry: Why do you always wear your security hood?
Grom: A few reasons. Disguises panic attacks, looks cool, and most importantly…(removes the hood, revealing Moe clinging to his head)...protects pet mouse from harm.
Larry: Aww, he's so cute! Can I hold him?
Grom: He's a little shy. (Extends his hand, letting Moe climb on to it) His name is Moe. He is best security assistant. Very sweet.
Larry: That's so cute! Hold on a second, I'll order something for him.
Grom: Not needed. Plus, bar robot doesn't like animals inside.
Larry: Well, I could see that with Nita's bear, but a little mouse should be fine. I'm sure I could persuade him.
Grom: Well for now-
Colt: Hey, watch it!
Bull: You watch it!
(Both security guards look over to see Bull and Colt arguing. They both seem halfway drunk)
Bull: You wanna fight, sheriff? I'd like to see you actually shoot anything with those guns of yers!
Colt: Don't you DARE test me, criminal…*hic* You don't know me!
Barley: Oh, not this again. Gentlemen! Please take this outside.
Grom: I will handle altercation, bar robot. (GSets Moe on the table, then gets up from his chair, walking over to the arguers)
Bull: What do you want, scared cat? Gonna give us a talking to? Hahaha!
(Grom punches Bull in the face, knocking him out)
Grom: Go to sleep. You are too drunk to talk. (Looks over at Colt, who is visibly scared and shaking with fear) And you. (Flicks Colt’s forehead) Do not start things with bull man. Will get you more trouble than you need.
(Colt nods in acknowledgement, at which point he walks back to the bar and sits back down)
Grom: Sorry you had to see that, ticket robot.
Larry: No worries, I've seen worse.
Barley: Thank you, Grom. Could I get you anything else?
Grom: (looks down at Moe, who's wandering around aimlessly. He strokes his with two of his fingers) Anything with cheese in it. For Moe.
Barley: Coming right up. (Walks away to prepare something for Moe)
Larry: Can I ask you one more thing?
Grom: As long as it is last question.
Larry: If what my brother tells me is to be believed, you are scared of children. Like, deathly afraid of them. So how can you be able to just punch a guy like Bull in the face?
Grom: Grown men do not scare me. Some are just idiotic enough to punch. Like bull man.
Larry: I see. You know, you're a very interesting person, sir. A great mediator, too. May give my brother Lawrie a run for his money.
Grom: Thank you, ticket robot. And please, just call me Grom.
Larry: Ah, of course. (Wrist panel beeps, signaling a message from Lawrie) Oh, whoops. I gotta take this. It's from my brother. It was nice to meet you though, Grom.
Grom: Of course, ticket robot. Tell angry robot I said hi.
Larry: I will! Oh, and please, just call me Larry.
Grom: Will do.