Handling Conflict

//Your phone lights up// You wake up to a new day. It's a fresh day that brings a fresh job. [[Freshen up]] [[Sleep for a little while more]]

You get out of bed, still in your comfortable pajamas. You brush your teeth, wash your face and look into the mirror. You keep looking. "Today is going to be great! I finally get to practice what I studied." You have time until you leave for work. What do you do until then? [[Brush up concepts]] [[Read your job description]]

You sleep for sometime more. Soon, you are in a lively dream. A new job, a new position! Everyone is cheering for you. Finally, they get an amazing supervisor. You were made for this! "Raj, you are amazing. We couldn't do this without you." "Raj, you are the best HR Supervisor we've had in years!" "Raj, are you single by any chance?" They worship you already. How lovely. But now, it's time to get up. [[Freshen up]]

You open up your phone and go through your notes. //When you notice conflict, there are five ways of resolving it// - Avoiding (sidestep and let the conflict take place) - Accommodating (satisfy the person's concerns at your own expense) - Compromising (find an acceptable settlement that partially satisfies both people's concerns) - Competing (satisfy your concerns at the expense of others) - Collaborating (try to find a win-win situation that satisfies both people's concerns) You should take your time and go over these before you attend your job. You might not get the time later. You can also go over your job description just in case. [[I'm good to go]] [[Read your job description]]

//The following guidelines explain the role of an HR Handler// "Congratulations on landing the job. We are more than delighted to have you as part of the family. Just like any other family, there are good days and then there are days with conflict. Imagine kids that fight over something trivial. But in this case, that 'trivial' thing might cost us valuable time. And, that is why we need a Handler! That's where you come in. We hope you're up-to-date with your concepts and ready to be in a work environment that requires supervision and a clean mental-state at all times. All the best!" Before you leave for work, you still have time to brush up your concepts one last time. [[I'm good to go]] [[Brush up concepts]]

Okay, it's time to leave. You dress up in your clean, black suit. Your tie's on point and your glasses make you look like the calmest, smartest person that there is. "I think I am ready for the job", you say to yourself. You leave for the location and twenty minutes later, find yourself standing in front of a tall, evil-looking corporate building. Suddenly, your black suit makes you feel like the sidekick to a prestigious villain in a Hollywood movie. [[Proceed to the office]]

You press the button and the elevator takes you up. 2... 6... 9... 14... 23... "wow, this building has a lot of floors." 42... 53... 71... 90. //DING// The elevator door opens up to a huge floor with extremely white and shiny tiles. The room has nothing in it. Not even a window. You step out and look around, only to find disturbing silence. [["Hello?"]]

Your voice echoes. Suddenly, the elevator doors behind you shut with a //BANG// You turn around, and the doors seem sealed. "This... is weird." It is, isn't it? You turn around to have another look at the space around you. Your jaw drops as you see - out of nowhere, appears a slender-framed lady with short, dark hair. "You must be the new Handler, Raj?" [[Nod your head]] [[Say nothing]]

You nod your head with confidence. This is all a game of confidence, and you know it. The lady smiles at you. You now notice she's holding a notepad. She goes over what appears to be a series of sketches and scribbles. Even though they're all doodles, they seem to be well-organized. "Okay, Raj. I'm going to be your Head here. I'll be noticing how you resolve conflict in and around the building, based on which we will decide whether to keep you or not." The lady looks at you with a serious face, and a posture that intimidates you. "I understand. Please know that I am well-prepared and -" "Yes, we will see about that." She cuts you off with a smile and walks towards you. "Okay, off you go now." She taps on your shoulder twice and removes your glasses. //SWEESH// For the next five seconds, everything in front of you seems like a blur. The white space seems to grow color within it. You get a sense that things are emerging - cubicles, tables, chairs, water coolers... people. You're uneasy and curious. And, all of a sudden, your glasses are back on. [[I'm the Handler now!]]

You stay silent. The lady gives you an expression of hint - as if expecting you to speak. "Not much for words, are we?" You now notice she's holding a notepad. She goes over what appears to be a series of sketches and scribbles. Even though they're all doodles, they seem to be well-organized. "Okay, Raj. I'm going to be your Head here. I'll be noticing how you resolve conflict in and around the building, based on which we will decide whether to keep you or not." The lady looks at you with a serious face, and a posture that intimidates you. "I understand. Please know that I am well-prepared and -" "Yes, we will see about that." She cuts you off with a smile and walks towards you. "Okay, off you go now." She taps on your shoulder twice and removes your glasses. //SWEESH// For the next five seconds, everything in front of you seems like a blur. The white space seems to grow color within it. You get a sense that things are emerging - cubicles, tables, chairs, water coolers... people. You're uneasy and curious. And, all of a sudden, your glasses are back on. [[I'm the Handler now!]]

Now, you see it. A stressfully crowded office. People typing their lives away. Screams of agony, swearing and throwing of tantrums all around you. As you observe this environment, you see a large man - the size of a small Elephant, pick up the monitor from his desk and smash it on the ground. //BANG// There's no effect. There's no silence around him. Everything is going as it was - no one cares. "I am so sick... I am so tired...I wanted a better monitor!" You notice the man growing agitated. He looks at you. "You! You in the suit. What the heck is this? I asked for a new monitor!" Alright Handler, how do you handle this? //Given the situation, it seems like you have two options. There happens to be a monitor at your own office...// [[Accommodate]] [[Compromise]]

You try to calm the man down. "Hey... hey. It must be a stressful day, right? I get it, man. How about we do this - you see that office? That's mine. I don't need the monitor for now, how about you use it?" You see his expression calming down. He looks around, as if asking someone if it's the right thing to do. "Ah, crap. You know what. Okay. Yeah, I need a monitor right now. Thanks. Handlers aren't all fake and evil, are they?" He gives a short grunty-laugh, pats your shoulder and moves to your office. You realise that Handlers seem to have a reputation. Going along this path - you might be able to 'fix' that repuation. For now, you don't have access to your monitor. Good luck at registering all the data you collect! Suddenly, you seem to notice the office space calming down. The whites are a little whiter. [[Move ahead]]

The man seems agitated, angry even. Looking at you for help. "Hey... must be a tough day, right? I might have an idea." You tell him. He puts his hands on his waist, waiting for your solution. "How about we share my monitor? I know I can't go on without registering data... but I can certainly share it with you." He takes a moment to consider the option. He seems hesitant. "Sharing a desktop... with a Handler... ugh, alright. Seems like the only good option right now." He moves to your office and continues his work. Alright, seems like you managed to resolve that. He's not entirely happy but not throwing things around either. One problem at a time, you tell yourself. The office space seems to look and feel the same. [[Move forward]]

You want to register your last conflict but cannot, because you gave up your monitor. But, we do this for people around us, don't we? The office is by no means calm. You see someone typing so rigorously; they harldy look at their monitor. You notice two individuals shouting at each other. You head their way - as fast as you can. "Oh, really?! I was the one who ordered the food. Why should I even //consider// giving you anything? It's MY hard-earned money!" The man shouts at the woman. In between them is a fresh, delicious-smelling sandwich... waiting to be eaten. Or shared. Or thrown away. "Oh, come on. You and I both know that the office regulations ask us to //share// food, no matter who orders it. Be nice for once." The man looks seriously offended. "Did you just ask me to be nice? Do you not notice how things are for people here? You should feel grateful that I even let you look at the sandwich. You know what, you don't get to do that either." The woman puts her hands on her head. She seems as ridiculed as you are. The man reaches out for the sandwich. Handler, how do you handle this? [[Avoid the situation]] [[Compromise somehow]] [[Accommodate somehow]]

You register the last conflict onto your monitor. Feels good to stick to your work ethic, doesn't it? The office is by no means calm. You see someone typing so rigorously; they harldy look at their monitor. You notice two individuals shouting at each other. You head their way - as fast as you can. "Oh, really?! I was the one who ordered the food. Why should I even //consider// giving you anything? It's MY hard-earned money!" The man shouts at the woman. In between them is a fresh, delicious-smelling sandwich... waiting to be eaten. Or shared. Or thrown away. "Oh, come on. You and I both know that the office regulations ask us to //share// food, no matter who orders it. Be nice for once." The man looks seriously offended. "Did you just ask me to be nice? Do you not notice how things are for people here? You should feel grateful that I even let you look at the sandwich. You know what, you don't get to do that either." The woman puts her hands on her head. She seems as ridiculed as you are. The man reaches out for the sandwich. Handler, how do you handle this? [[Avoid this situation]] [[Compromise on it somehow]] [[Accommodate it somehow]]

They look to you as if you're going to help them. You're a handler after all, right? But here's man who by no means is willing to share a sandwich. And, he did pay for it. The woman, even though not happy with the situation, doesn't seem too assertive. Maybe she'll get herself a sandwich. This is not worth your time, so you move on. The office seems the same, with people keeping their sanity intanct (somehow) and the brutality of workload taking over otherwise calm-selves. [[Let's keep moving]]

"Guys! There's no need to fight." Suddenly, everything goes quiet. It's almost as if they respect your opinion. "Handler, tell us what to do?" the woman asks. You look at the sandwich. Then, the man. Then, the woman. Then, the sandwich again. "Sir, I know you paid for the sandwich. And, by all means - it's yours to keep. But, you seem like a smart man - don't you think if we share the food, everyone gets to keep up their energy and get through work faster? So, you go home soon!" The man wants to protest, but he doesn't. He sees your point. The woman looks at her feet and smiles. "Fine. Whatever. ONLY THIS TIME. I am not -" "Yeah, yeah, just this once." The woman agrees. They both cut the sandwich evenly and have the sandwich. Hardly satisfied, but whatever keeps them going. You seem to feel satisfied though. No more arguing. Time to move ahead. [[onto the next one]]

"Hey... calm down now. There's no need to argue." They seem to have calmed down, for now. They look at you - with hope in their eyes. "Handler, I am NOT giving my sandwich. Or, even sharing." The man exclaims. The woman seems a little upset. Hunger only adds to the pain. "I've got this. I am ordering another sandwich, so you both can have one. Is that okay?" They nod their heads eagerly. You place the order, smile at the and move ahead. Great. First, the monitor. Now, this. You notice your suit is changing it's color. You look... brighter. So does the office space. You feel agitated, tired but needed. Making people happy is fun. It's worthwhile, right? Right... [[Moving on]]

"Guys! There's no need to fight." Suddenly, everything goes quiet. It's almost as if they respect your opinion. "Handler, tell us what to do?" the woman asks. You look at the sandwich. Then, the man. Then, the woman. Then, the sandwich again. "Sir, I know you paid for the sandwich. And, by all means - it's yours to keep. But, you seem like a smart man - don't you think if we share the food, everyone gets to keep up their energy and get through work faster? So, you go home soon!" The man wants to protest, but he doesn't. He sees your point. The woman looks at her feet and smiles. "Fine. Whatever. ONLY THIS TIME. I am not -" "Yeah, yeah, just this once." The woman agrees. They both cut the sandwich evenly and have the sandwich. Hardly satisfied, but whatever keeps them going. It's almost as if you're getting good at this. Compromising, you know. It's like everyone gets to be happy, but not really. Let's see how long this lasts. You seem to feel satisfied though. No more arguing. Time to move ahead. [[Get going..]]

You feel good at the sense of resolving the last conflict with no one being completely dissatisfied. Too bad you don't have your monitor to register this. As you walk past the crowd, you notice a door opening in front of you - out of which appears a man dressed in black. With an interesting tie, and a pair of glasses to make him look smarter. You two look at each other with a sense of uncertainty, excitement and familiarity. "You're a Handler?" He asks you. "Well, I am. You too?" You reply. He nods. You do too. You raise your hand, he does too. You tilt your head, he does too. //wow, this is weird// You both say the same things at the same time. But, before you could say anything - he does the smarter thing. "Next conflict's mine!" He exclaims. It hits you - you need to manage as many conflicts as you can before the day ends. And now, he's calling dibs. Handler, how do we handle this? [[Accommodate this somehow]] [[Compete against him]] [[Collaborate with him]]

You feel a sense of safety. You don't have a monitor to register the last conflict, but at least you didn't fall short of another. As you walk past the crowd, you notice a door opening in front of you - out of which appears a man dressed in black. With an interesting tie, and a pair of glasses to make him look smarter. You two look at each other with a sense of uncertainty, excitement and familiarity. "You're a Handler?" He asks you. "Well, I am. You too?" You reply. He nods. You do too. You raise your hand, he does too. You tilt your head, he does too. //wow, this is weird// You both say the same things at the same time. But, before you could say anything - he does the smarter thing. "Next conflict's mine!" He exclaims. It hits you - you need to manage as many conflicts as you can before the day ends. And now, he's calling dibs. Handler, how do we handle this? [[Accommodate this]] [[Compete]] [[Collaborate]]

Hmm. It's like you're giving yourself away... little by little. At the cost of what? Other's happiness? Well, that's not the worst thing in the world. As you walk past the crowd, you notice a door opening in front of you - out of which appears a man dressed in black. With an interesting tie, and a pair of glasses to make him look smarter. You two look at each other with a sense of uncertainty, excitement and familiarity. "You're a Handler?" He asks you. "Well, I am. You too?" You reply. He nods. You do too. You raise your hand, he does too. You tilt your head, he does too. //wow, this is weird// You both say the same things at the same time. But, before you could say anything - he does the smarter thing. "Next conflict's mine!" He exclaims. It hits you - you need to manage as many conflicts as you can before the day ends. And now, he's calling dibs. Handler, how do we handle this? [[Accommodate this..]] [[Compete against him..]] [[Collaborate with him..]]

He seems upfront about this. The black suit... the tie... those glasses, everything intimidates you. Conflict might not even be your thing, it's best to let him have his way. "You know what... go ahead. I don't want to create a scene, I don't want to cause any trouble." You try to be the bigger man. He looks confused. "Seriously? Just like that? "Yep. Just like that. I mean, what's the point? If I fight you in order to resolve yet another conflict, I am just giving into chaos. I don't want that." You lift your head up and walk past him, through those doors. Deep down, you feel a little defeated. As if you didn't stay true to your purpose. Still, you feel you did your best. Whatever felt true to your heart. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["What's the meaning of this?"]]

Oh no, you can't let him have this. You feel like you've come far - even though you faced just two conflicts before this. "Oh, like hell I am letting you have this?!" You show dominance. He looks surprised. "I just saw you walk past those people... and suddenly, all of this matters to you?" He blatantly asks. "Yes, yes it does. I //am// the Handler, no one else. Sure, you can have your own conflicts but not on my watch." He seems taken aback. You clench your fist and hold your head high. "Alright... okay, sure. I don't want any trouble. Just... stop scaring me, dude." It seems things are clearer now. Everyone knows their place. Especially the //other// handler. You nod at him, making your way past the doors. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["Want to tell me what's going on?]]

This doesn't really need to be a conflict. It seems like both of you are here to serve a similar purpose. You look into his eyes, smile and say - "Hey, how about we both register our conflicts together? Or we can even take turns doing it." He seems interested in the idea. "Huh, yeah sounds good. You have a monitor to register that?" And then, it hits you. "Ah... crap. Nope." "No issues, we can share!" This seems to be going forward smoothly. You both shake hands on it, then make way for each other. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["You need to tell me what's happening"]]

Oh no, you can't let him have this. You feel like you've come far - even though you faced just two conflicts before this. "Oh, like hell I am letting you have this?!" You show dominance. He looks surprised. "I just saw you trying to sort out with those people. Now you want this all to yourself?" He blatantly asks. "Yes, yes it does. I //am// the Handler, no one else. Sure, you can have your own conflicts but not on my watch." He seems taken aback. You clench your fist and hold your head high. "Alright... okay, sure. I don't want any trouble. Just... stop scaring me, dude." It seems things are clearer now. Everyone knows their place. Especially the //other// handler. You nod at him, making your way past the doors. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["Please tell me what's going on."]]

Oh no, you can't let him have this. You feel like you've come far - even though you faced just two conflicts before this. "Oh, like hell I am letting you have this?!" You show dominance. He looks surprised. "I just saw you deal with those people... and suddenly, all of this matters just to you?" He blatantly asks. "Yes, yes it does. I //am// the Handler, no one else. Sure, you can have your own conflicts but not on my watch." He seems taken aback. You clench your fist and hold your head high. "Alright... okay, sure. I don't want any trouble. Just... stop scaring me, dude." It seems things are clearer now. Everyone knows their place. Especially the //other// handler. You nod at him, making your way past the doors. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["What is going on?"]]

He seems upfront about this. The black suit... the tie... those glasses, everything intimidates you. Conflict might not even be your thing, it's best to let him have his way. "You know what... go ahead. I don't want to create a scene, I don't want to cause any trouble." You try to be the bigger man. He looks confused. "Seriously? Just like that? Hah, well you do look like you accept defeat easily." "Yep. Just like that. I mean, what's the point? If I fight you in order to resolve yet another conflict, I am just giving into chaos. I don't want that." You lift your head up and walk past him, through those doors. Deep down, you feel a little defeated. As if you didn't stay true to your purpose. Still, you feel you did your best. Whatever felt true to your heart. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["Care to explain anything?"]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you betrayed your duty, in a way. Adds to the pain, doesn't it?" You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to not do much about the situation, so it protects your mental health. I appreciate that. But next time, try staying true to your duty, not just self." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you betrayed your duty, in a way. Adds to the pain, doesn't it?" You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to fight for your own right. I respect that. But keep in mind that next time when you come across someone your own 'status', consider both sides of the conflict of interest." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you betrayed your duty, in a way. Adds to the pain, doesn't it?" You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, I respect your decision to collaborate. But, without your monitor you couldn't register much, could you? It's a good thing he was prepared. Or rather, //you// were prepared in a different dimension. Next time, keep important things close to you before you collaborate with others." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

Good thing you can register your conflict, even though you didn't do much about it. Being here counts... right? As you walk past the crowd, you notice a door opening in front of you - out of which appears a man dressed in black. With an interesting tie, and a pair of glasses to make him look smarter. You two look at each other with a sense of uncertainty, excitement and familiarity. "You're a Handler?" He asks you. "Well, I am. You too?" You reply. He nods. You do too. You raise your hand, he does too. You tilt your head, he does too. //wow, this is weird// You both say the same things at the same time. But, before you could say anything - he does the smarter thing. "Next conflict's mine!" He exclaims. It hits you - you need to manage as many conflicts as you can before the day ends. And now, he's calling dibs. Handler, how do we handle this? [[Accommodate the situation]] [[Compete against]] [[Collaborate peacefully]]

You feel good at the sense of resolving the last conflict with no one being completely dissatisfied. Even better you can register it on your monitor. As you walk past the crowd, you notice a door opening in front of you - out of which appears a man dressed in black. With an interesting tie, and a pair of glasses to make him look smarter. You two look at each other with a sense of uncertainty, excitement and familiarity. "You're a Handler?" He asks you. "Well, I am. You too?" You reply. He nods. You do too. You raise your hand, he does too. You tilt your head, he does too. //wow, this is weird// You both say the same things at the same time. But, before you could say anything - he does the smarter thing. "Next conflict's mine!" He exclaims. It hits you - you need to manage as many conflicts as you can before the day ends. And now, he's calling dibs. Handler, how do we handle this? [[Acommodate his request]] [[Compete against his request]] [[Try and collaborate]]

Hmm. It's like you're giving yourself away... little by little. At the cost of what? Other's happiness? Well, that's not the worst thing in the world. At least you have your monitor to track all this. As you walk past the crowd, you notice a door opening in front of you - out of which appears a man dressed in black. With an interesting tie, and a pair of glasses to make him look smarter. You two look at each other with a sense of uncertainty, excitement and familiarity. "You're a Handler?" He asks you. "Well, I am. You too?" You reply. He nods. You do too. You raise your hand, he does too. You tilt your head, he does too. //wow, this is weird// You both say the same things at the same time. But, before you could say anything - he does the smarter thing. "Next conflict's mine!" He exclaims. It hits you - you need to manage as many conflicts as you can before the day ends. And now, he's calling dibs. Handler, how do we handle this? [[Accommodate as much as you can]] [[Compete against this]] [[Collaborate on an idea]]

He seems upfront about this. The black suit... the tie... those glasses, everything intimidates you. Conflict might not even be your thing, it's best to let him have his way. "You know what... go ahead. I don't want to create a scene, I don't want to cause any trouble." You try to be the bigger man. He looks confused. "Seriously? Just like that? I saw you walk past those people... now this?" "Yep. Just like that. I mean, what's the point? If I fight you in order to resolve yet another conflict, I am just giving into chaos. I don't want that." You lift your head up and walk past him, through those doors. Deep down, you feel a little defeated. However, your monitor can help you deal with things better next time in a more logical sense? As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["Please tell me what's happening!"]]

Oh no, you can't let him have this. You feel like you've come far - even though you faced just two conflicts before this. "Oh, like hell I am letting you have this?!" You show dominance. He looks surprised. "I just saw you walk past those people... and suddenly, all of this matters to you?" He blatantly asks. "Yes, yes it does. I //am// the Handler, no one else. Sure, you can have your own conflicts but not on my watch." He seems taken aback. You clench your fist and hold your head high. "Alright... okay, sure. I don't want any trouble. Just... stop scaring me, dude." It seems things are clearer now. Everyone knows their place. Especially the //other// handler. You nod at him, making your way past the doors. Wait till you register this on the monitor! As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["I need some explanation."]]

This doesn't really need to be a conflict. It seems like both of you are here to serve a similar purpose. You look into his eyes, smile and say - "Hey, how about we both register our conflicts together? Or we can even take turns doing it." He seems interested in the idea. "Huh, yeah sounds good. You have a monitor to register that?" You smile. "Yep!" "Sounds good." This seems to be going forward smoothly. You both shake hands on it, then make way for each other. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["I would appreciate some clarity."]]

He seems upfront about this. The black suit... the tie... those glasses, everything intimidates you. Conflict might not even be your thing, it's best to let him have his way. "You know what... go ahead. I don't want to create a scene, I don't want to cause any trouble." You try to be the bigger man. He looks confused. "Seriously? Just like that? I saw you settle things back there... now this?" "Yep. Just like that. I mean, what's the point? If I fight you in order to resolve yet another conflict, I am just giving into chaos. I don't want that." You lift your head up and walk past him, through those doors. Deep down, you feel a little defeated. However, your monitor can help you deal with things better next time in a more logical sense? As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["Care to explain all this?"]]

Oh no, you can't let him have this. You feel like you've come far - even though you faced just two conflicts before this. "Oh, like hell I am letting you have this?!" You show dominance. He looks surprised. "I just saw you settle things with those people...and now all of this matters just to you?" He blatantly asks. "Yes, yes it does. I //am// the Handler, no one else. Sure, you can have your own conflicts but not on my watch." He seems taken aback. You clench your fist and hold your head high. "Alright... okay, sure. I don't want any trouble. Just... stop scaring me, dude." It seems things are clearer now. Everyone knows their place. Especially the //other// handler. You nod at him, making your way past the doors. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["Seriously, what's going on?"]]

This doesn't really need to be a conflict. It seems like both of you are here to serve a similar purpose. You look into his eyes, smile and say - "Hey, how about we both register our conflicts together? Or we can even take turns doing it." He seems interested in the idea. "Huh, yeah sounds good. You have a monitor to register that?" You smile. "Yep!" "Sounds good." This seems to be going forward smoothly. You both shake hands on it, then make way for each other. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["What is happening?"]]

He seems upfront about this. The black suit... the tie... those glasses, everything intimidates you. Conflict might not even be your thing, it's best to let him have his way. "You know what... go ahead. I don't want to create a scene, I don't want to cause any trouble." You try to be the bigger man. He looks confused. "Seriously? Just like that? I saw you walk past those people... now this?" "Yep. Just like that. I mean, what's the point? If I fight you in order to resolve yet another conflict, I am just giving into chaos. I don't want that." You lift your head up and walk past him, through those doors. Deep down, you feel a little defeated. However, your monitor can help you deal with things better next time in a more logical sense? As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["Mind filling me on some details?"]]

This doesn't really need to be a conflict. It seems like both of you are here to serve a similar purpose. You look into his eyes, smile and say - "Hey, how about we both register our conflicts together? Or we can even take turns doing it." He seems interested in the idea. "Huh, yeah sounds good. You have a monitor to register that?" You smile. "Yep!" "Sounds good." This seems to be going forward smoothly. You both shake hands on it, then make way for each other. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["What just happened?"]]

Oh no, you can't let him have this. You feel like you've come far - even though you faced just two conflicts before this. "Oh, like hell I am letting you have this?!" You show dominance. He looks surprised. "I just saw you walk past those people...and now all of this matters just to you?" He blatantly asks. "Yes, yes it does. I //am// the Handler, no one else. Sure, you can have your own conflicts but not on my watch." He seems taken aback. You clench your fist and hold your head high. "Alright... okay, sure. I don't want any trouble. Just... stop scaring me, dude." It seems things are clearer now. Everyone knows their place. Especially the //other// handler. You nod at him, making your way past the doors. As you walk through those doors, you sense a familiar disturbance. //SWEESH// "Ah.. this again." Back to the overtly white-lit room without windows or even a soul to it. You see the lady again, with her notepad. You walk up to her... [["What...is...going on?!"]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you helped them make peace over it by letting them have equal parts of it. That's diplomatic, and essential to resolving conflict." You place your hands on your lap, nodding in confidence. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to not do much about the situation, so it protects your mental health. I appreciate that. But next time, try staying true to your duty, not just self." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you helped them make peace over it by letting them have equal parts of it. That's diplomatic, and essential to resolving conflict." You place your hands on your lap, nodding in confidence. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to fight for your own right. I respect that. But keep in mind that next time when you come across someone your own 'status', consider both sides of the conflict of interest." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you helped them make peace over it by letting them have equal parts of it. That's diplomatic, and essential to resolving conflict." You place your hands on your lap, nodding in confidence. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, I respect your decision to collaborate. But, without your monitor you couldn't register much, could you? It's a good thing he was prepared. Or rather, //you// were prepared in a different dimension. Next time, keep important things close to you before you collaborate with others." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you gave up your own money to help them out. As much as I admire your act, I must say you sacrificed more than you should." You place your hands on your lap, reflecting on her words. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to not do much about the situation, so it protects your mental health. I appreciate that. But next time, try staying true to your duty, not just self." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you gave up your own money to help them out. As much as I admire your act, I must say you sacrificed more than you should." You place your hands on your lap, reflecting on her words. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to fight for your own right. I respect that. But keep in mind that next time when you come across someone your own 'status', consider both sides of the conflict of interest." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you gave up your own monitor to help that man. I encourage that, but keep in mind what's at cost when you help others. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you gave up your own money to help them out. As much as I admire your act, I must say you sacrificed more than you should." You place your hands on your lap, reflecting on her words. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, I respect your decision to collaborate. But, without your monitor you couldn't register much, could you? It's a good thing he was prepared. Or rather, //you// were prepared in a different dimension. Next time, keep important things close to you before you collaborate with others." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you betrayed your duty, in a way. Not fair, is it?" You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to not do much about the situation, so it protects your mental health. I appreciate that. But next time, try staying true to your duty, not just self." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you betrayed your duty, in a way. Not fair, is it?" You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to fight for your own right. I respect that. But keep in mind that next time when you come across someone your own 'status', consider both sides of the conflict of interest." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you betrayed your duty, in a way. Not fair, is it?" You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, I respect your decision to collaborate. With your monitor, you could keep track of all your conflict resolutions. Beautiful teamwork. I'm sure the other //you// was pleased as well. Let's see how this unfolds next time, though." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you made the smart choice of diving the food equally so everyone gets what the wants... partially. At least that's better than nothing. Diplomatic, I like it." You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to not do much about the situation, so it protects your mental health. I appreciate that. But next time, try staying true to your duty, not just self." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you made the smart choice of diving the food equally so everyone gets what the wants... partially. At least that's better than nothing. Diplomatic, I like it." You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to fight for your own right. I respect that. But keep in mind that next time when you come across someone your own 'status', consider both sides of the conflict of interest." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you made the smart choice of diving the food equally so everyone gets what the wants... partially. At least that's better than nothing. Diplomatic, I like it." You place your hands on your lap, shaking your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, I respect your decision to collaborate. With your monitor, you could keep track of all your conflict resolutions. Beautiful teamwork. I'm sure the other //you// was pleased as well. Let's see how this unfolds next time, though." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you paid for another sandwich in order to keep them happy. I encourage your intent, but would have appreciated an effort that helps them come to a resolution rather than a quick-fix. I hope you understand." You place your hands on your lap, nodding your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to not do much about the situation, so it protects your mental health. I appreciate that. But next time, try staying true to your duty, not just self." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you paid for another sandwich in order to keep them happy. I encourage your intent, but would have appreciated an effort that helps them come to a resolution rather than a quick-fix. I hope you understand." You place your hands on your lap, nodding your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, you chose to fight for your own right. I respect that. But keep in mind that next time when you come across someone your own 'status', consider both sides of the conflict of interest." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

She looks at you, hands behind her back. "Oh, don't look so confused now. We did send you a memo, didn't we?" You take a step back. "Uhm, I got a Job Description, nothing else." Raising her eyebrows, she lets out a sigh. And suddenly, there's a chair behind you. "You might want to sit down for this." You're all ears. "So, Raj. I admire how you shared your monitor with that man. That was the smarter choice to make. Always make a decision that favors your goal without completely dissolving someone else's request. When you walked past those people arguing over a sandwich... you paid for another sandwich in order to keep them happy. I encourage your intent, but would have appreciated an effort that helps them come to a resolution rather than a quick-fix. I hope you understand." You place your hands on your lap, nodding your head. She continues, "When you met the other Handler. Well, that was just you - in a similar timeline but different dimension. He too was going through these conflicts, eventually meeting you." You take a moment to think. "I did get a sense of conflicting outcomes from that meeting. Interesting." "Well, I respect your decision to collaborate. With your monitor, you could keep track of all your conflict resolutions. Beautiful teamwork. I'm sure the other //you// was pleased as well. Let's see how this unfolds next time, though." You look at her in confusion. "Next time?" She smiles. She takes out her phone and taps a button. [[You Phone Buzzes]]

↶

↷

Your phone lights up
You wake up to a new day. It's a fresh day that brings a fresh job.

Freshen up

Sleep for a little while more