'They're wrong, we aren't, they're bastards, we're the good guys, we gotta fight, fight, fight for what's right, right, right, ' and on and on. I list...ened a lot, I said 'I see your point, ' all that shit, it's what mediation is. But here? I mean, they can think together but they just won't?" You seemed to accept that rather rapidly," he pointed out."I wasn't getting anywhere, and I wasn't going to," she said. "All I was doing was getting her even more worked up. That's another one I've seen. At seven days to the minute, almost, I had the ring back on my finger and was stepping through the portal.Again there was the flash of light and I found myself in the white room. The door opened quicker this time. Elaine was once again sitting in her chair waiting for me. I walked over and sat down in the open chair, putting the booklets and paperwork on the table as I did so."So you took my advice and really studied before coming back. I am glad. So did you pick a Caretaker?"I didn't want to. She was sad and hurt, and the more she talked about it, she was pissed off! I told her to go back and collect herself, and I would cover for her.She came out about 20 minutes later, looking a little calmer. We worked our shift, and I tried to console her during the slow times. I liked her as a friend, and I hated seeing her upset. After work, she thanked me for covering for her and talking to her about the situation.She asked if I was in a hurry to get home, and I said no. She asked if we could. "Dammit, that sank all of my arguments right there. Cindy knew that I couldn't win an argument with her, so the question wuz settled. The men thanked me fer takin' the job an' asked me ta come by the tavern that evenin' after supper to discuss how I'd go 'bout the job of defendin' Henryville.After they left, I said ta Cindy, "Ya know I didn't want that there job. Why'd ya stick me with it?" Cuz I know ya would do a good job, that's why! I don't want some half-wit messin' with defendin' me an'.