My Co-Worker is an Elf Girl?! (#thewattys2024)

Chapter 35: It's All Starting to Make Sense Now, Maybe

CITY OF ÛR CENTRAL BOOKING VISITOR'S CENTER - EVENING

In 1883, two Australian shepherds were startled by the sound of a gunshot. Worried for the safety of their flock, they scanned the horizons for any signs of poachers.

Nope, nothing. Nothing but green farmland, clear skies, and all of the world's deadliest wildlife as far as the eye can see.

Little did they know, the gunshot wasn't fired in any vicinity of their ranch, or the same country for that matter.

The shot came from over 2,000 miles away. Across the entire Pacific Ocean.

From Indonesia.

In that Southeast Asian country, an entire island exploded with the force of four times the power of "Tsar Bomba," the most powerful nuclear detonation in world history.

The volcanic eruption of Krakatoa was heard from thousands of miles away. It killed 36,000 people and permanently lowered the Earth's temperature by 0.6 degrees Celsius. Scientists say the explosion was 310 dB, possibly the loudest sound in recorded history.

Samara's scream just now was probably a few decibels short of that.

The entire visitor's center turns in unison to glare at Sam. She shrinks into her seat.

SAMARA
Sorry everyone!

Sam turns back towards Remy, trying to convey the most enthusiasm she can muster in a whisper.

SAMARA
You're kidding me! You are related to THE Lady Fairlight?!

Remy rubs the inside of her pointy, elf ears.

REMY
Ow! You hurt my hearing!

The pain in the elf girl's eardrums subsides.

REMY
Yes, I have a much more famous sister who has accomplished so much more in her time in The Middle Realms—more than I ever could.

Samara's eyes sparkle.

SAMARA
That is. So. Cool. But that now begs the question. Which came first, "Shotgun Reincarnation" or The Middle Realms?

REMY
What do you mean?

SAMARA
Like, if you popped from a world based on Hokien's books? Or if the books were based on your world?

Samara makes a brief pause.

SAMARA
Or maybe I've finally snapped, and you're just a figment of my imagination...

Remy looks away and rubs her chin.

REMY
No, I don't think I'm a figment of your imagination. Do you know what you should do? You should call Hokien to find out!

SAMARA
Yeah, we can look into that. After you get out and finish our-

The elf girl cuts off Samara before she could finish speaking with an explosive declaration.

REMY
While you're at it, look him straight in the eye, ask him to give us both jobs, and drop any upcoming lawsuits right now!

Remy's shouting catches Samara off guard.

SAMARA
Wait, what?

REMY
We will do away with any of this contest crap! Our gumption will wow him, and he will HAVE to give us jobs! That's how it works in the human world!

Samara pauses to take in everything Remy has said. Having lived in the human world her entire life, Sam has a few thoughts on her friend's statements.

SAMARA
No... it doesn't...?

REMY
Yes, it does! Do not underestimate the power of connections to get you where you need to be! I have not been able to find the head of the company in person these past few days, but it is still not too late!

The pieces are starting to come together for Sam.

SAMARA
Was that... your plan the entire time?! Is that why you've been trespassing?

REMY
Sam, please do us one thing. Can you locate Hokien's whereabouts or get his contact information? I still have my one prison phone call.

Remy leans towards Sam. Her face is almost pressed against the bulletproof glass.

REMY
I intend to end this entire silly thing tonight. I have an idea of how to do it.

To be continued...

If you enjoyed reading the chapter, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!