[In stark contrast to Fern's sullenness, Varian is delighted. The alchemist coos excitedly as Fern hands over the Forbidden Knowledge. He flicks through the notebooks, occasionally exclaiming little things like "semiconductor electronics", "proton bombardment" and "X-rays". ]

Fern, these are amazing!!! I'm gonna love reading all of these.

[He might not be able to go to the library itself, but the hard-got contraband is a very welcome replacement. He drops the notebooks to take hold of Fern's hand, giving it a squeeze. ]

I really appreciate it. I know all this isn't really your...thing.