Reconciliation

In this Our World story, James and Ellie come to terms with each other's differences, then James gets a new job.

This is a transcript from Discord.

## Story

```
Somewhere in Central City, a great conflict rages. Not a conflict of guns and swords, but rather of words. It takes place... in a couple's therapy office.

James:
"...So yeah. The alcoholism and the whole 'assassination and rampant murder' thing are the main problems."

Ellie:
"This is all covered by patient confidentiality, right?"

Dr. Reason:
"Absolutely."
(Not like I would be stupid enough to try and go behind these guys...!)

James:
"Now I'm not drinking anymore, but she doesn't want to stop the killing thing for some reason." *He gives Ellie an accusatory glance.*

Ellie:
"It's literally my day job!"

James:
"WHAT ABOUT THE PEDIATRIC WARD?"

Ellie:
"That's my hobby. To help relax."

James:
"You perform major surgery to RELAX?"

Ellie:
"Hey, some people have whiskey, some people have scalpels and antiseptic. We all have our ways of coping!"

Dr. Reason:
"That is entirely understandable. And it doesn't hurt that your hobby also helps people, so long as you're taking it seriously. But, I would ask: How does killing people, for any reason, make you feel?"

Ellie:
*Shrugs.*
"I mean, if I do a good job of it I'm satisfied. Otherwise? Not really anything. There was this one time I botched it... aimed for the eye and just nicked him on the carotid instead. Gave him enough time to call for help. That was embarrassing."

Dr. Reason:
*Purses his lips, thinking.*
*Trying to hold back nausea.*
"And when you're doing surgery?"

Ellie:
"Pretty good, you know? Love seeing the kids smile when you fix 'em up. And the parents? Well, they're always good as well... when they're not panicking."

Dr. Reason:
"And you don't want to do that more? If one thing makes you happy... wouldn't you want to do that?"

Ellie:
"Well, no, it's not that I don't want to do it more. But, again, it's a hobby. I make more, and I take more pride in the assassination business. Besides, it's not like the people I'm hired to take out are great folks themselves."

James:
"So you can just give them summary executions? Besides, neither are your contractors! You kill one murderer for the sake of another!"

Dr. Reason:
"I think what James is trying to say, is: What makes it okay to kill others, and save others? How do you feel comfortable being judge and executioner, so to speak?"

Ellie:
"It's just another job. They're alive, then they're not. It is what it is."

Dr. Reason:
*Looks at James.* "Correct me if I'm wrong, but... That doesn't make sense to you, right?"

James:
"NO! Absolutely not! It's just not right, and that's not the woman I married."

Ellie:
"Why is it so hard for you to reconcile the idea that I'm good in your line of work with the image of me as the 'sweet and kind doctor'? Why can't I be both?"

James:
"It's not my line of work! I'm a bounty hunter. I take in prisoners, I don't go out looking to kill people!"

Dr. Reason:
"So... It sounds like you two have unreasonable expectations of each other. Clearly, since you two were married, both of you have changed... In some ways, what some would call 'better' and in others, what some would call 'worse'. But that is not what's important here."

Ellie:
*Sighs and nods.*

James:
*Takes a little longer to calm down, but composes himself.*
"Then what do you want us to do?"

Dr. Reason:
"Well. Remind me how long it's been since the two of you last saw each other?"

James:
*Checks his watch.*

Ellie:
"6 months, 3 days, 22 hours before we started talking again."

James:
*Looks over toward her.*

Ellie:
"What? I keep track of things. Keeps my mind on track. ...Also I may have missed you."

Dr. Reason:
*Is internally shocked that this is going so well.*
"Well... What I would *suggest*--though you certainly don't have to--is that the two of you get to know each other. The new you. Yous? Twos? Both of you. So, maybe a date. Maybe a dinner. But! Most importantly, if you do: Zero expectations. Remember: You've both changed. You're both new people."

James:
*They share a look.*

Ellie:
"Well... It has been a while since we went anywhere nice."

James:
"Yeah. Wait, after all the exploding stuff in the last couple years... Where is nice these days anyways?"

Dr. Reason:
"I mean, Buccino's is always good. But it'll be a wait, I'm sure."

Ellie:
"We can get a reservation. I'm paying."

James:
"Oh come on, I'm not that broke!"

Ellie:
"James, you live in a south side apartment the size of my closet."

James:
"...Touché."

Dr. Reason:
*Glances at the little clock on his desk.* "Well! That about wraps up our time for today."

Ellie:
"Thank you Doctor."

And with that, they exit the office, the first battle of many resolved! Weeks later, on a GLACIA desk on the opposite side of the city, a job application is finally noticed for the first time...

Fifticinco:
"...Mondil? That rings familiar... Oh, I see... A fighter pilot... He fought in the Attack on Central City... Oh yeah. I remember now. He was the guy who couldn't keep his mouth shut in front of Flame."
"..."
"Well, we've already hired a war criminal. What's one more insubordinate?"

Several days and a few awkward phone calls later...

James:
*Stumbles into the interview, wearing his nicest (and only) flight jacket and gear, pistol having been confiscated at the door leaving a void where it ought to be.*
"I'LL WANT THAT BACK LATER!"

Inigo:
"**JAMES MONDIL. FIGURES I WOULD GET TO INTERVIEW YOU.**"

James:
*Snaps to attention, stolen pistol forgotten.* "General! Flight Lieutenant Mondil reporting!"

Inigo:
"**I HAVE NO IDEA HOW YOU GOT YOUR APPLICATION IN, BUT HERE WE ARE... TAKE A SEAT.**"

James:
"Yes, sir!" *James switches to a parade rest awkwardly, movements clearly a little forgotten, before sitting.*

Bridgette:
"Inigo, may I do the talking?"

James:
"My hearing would appreciate that, ma'am."

Inigo:
*Crosses his arms.* "**IF YOU INSIST.**"

Bridgette:
"So, Lieutenant. Why did you apply for a position with us?"

James:
"Well, Ma'am, I was a specialist. Piloting fighter jets and operating as an infantry officer aren't exactly skills easily applied in the civilian sector, and bounty hunting's not been too profitable. I figured I'd be able to use what I know best here."

Bridgette:
"I understand. Most of us who fought in the war have found it hard fitting in anywhere else. But, the Air Navy has been looking for some new pilots..."

James:
"About that, ma'am... I've been shot down one time too many. Seen a lot of friends pulverized. I'd rather use my knowledge of logistics, maybe work a POG job. I know it's not glorious, but I've done enough fighting for my time."

Bridgette:
"Ah, I see. Well, no worries! There are definitely positions open for that."

James:
"Wonderful."

Bridgette:
"Now. Why *should* we hire you?"

James:
"Ma'am, I hope I don't sound too proud saying this but I'd like to think my record speaks for itself. I've got knowledge and experience, and I'll do the best I can with what I have on hand. I can't promise perfection, but I can promise results."

Inigo:
"**AS LONG AS YOU DO YOUR JOB, YOU'RE BETTER THAN HALF OF THE INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT.**"

Bridgette:
"Well. Pending a completely necessary 15-step background check, you're as good as hired. Welcome to GLACIA, James."

James:
"Thank you, Ma'am. Sir." *He stands, salutes, and does a neat-ish turn to leave.*

Inigo:
*As James exits, Inigo remarks:* "**I GIVE HIM TWO WEEKS.**"

Bridgette:
*Just facepalms.*

James:
(Well. Some people never change.)

And so, somehow, James Mondil has achieved (hopefully) employment! We sure do hope this job works out well and nothing goes wrong!

```

## Characters

*In order of appearance:*

* James Mondil
* Ellie Mondil
* Ryan Reason
* Giovanni Fifticinco
* Inigo Mogotsi
* Bridgette Livegood

## Participants

* Theo Emerson
* Mortimer
* Captainclay55