[ As Barry withdraws his hand, his eyebrows raise and his expression lights up probably as much as it's possible for it to -- the look of someone happy to share his "expertise" on what is definitely a very narrow, specific subject. ]

Not much of an advantage, r-really, see, I even keep a bag packed-- [ He indicates the messenger bag he's holding under his arm. ] For example, normally I keep about four or five packages of pens in here so I'll be ready for anything, but i-it's just my luck something would finally happen when I'm down to one without any spares. Isn't that crazy?

B-but I don't know what they'd want with me, or us, I've never met any to ask that I can remember... so I couldn't tell you for sure if aliens are behind this one or not. I'll be taking notes, though -- if I learn anything, I'll let you know.

[ He nods his head assertively. ]