INBOX—

[admonish]

	"You’ve reached Michael, either I’m otherwise engaged or simply missed the call. Leave a message and I will get back to you shortly. Thank you." TEXT • AUDIO • VIDEO • ACTION • OVERFLOW
	CODE CREDIT

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[faithfulservant]

....The thief. When I transferred and was an inspector I've gotten to know the Mayor had respected him and saw him as a friend... Only to realize it was the same thief that had escaped parole and had disappeared for many years. I felt betrayed when I realized who he was and conflicted.

[As he spoke he wrung his hands and was unable to look at Michael. He only wrung his hands to keep them from trembling. And from time to time his voice trembled and he would pause to regain control.]

He admitted who he was and managed to escape. We met again later in the barricades the boys had built. They found out who I was and planned to kill me, but they let him take me instead. As a reward for helping them. He made the illusion of killing me, but in reality he let me free.

Something I still struggle with. Most would have taken that opportunity to have kill me if given that chance. And he had every right too. I've only seen the worst of man kind having been born and raised in a prison. And I know what a prison can do to a man.

[admonish]

He could have used that friendship to exact his revenge and didn’t. The fact that you felt conflicted is quite telling. If I may, feeling such conflict does not make you a weak man. In fact, I would be willing to argue it makes you the best man for the task. It means, Inspector, unlike many, you cannot be bought.

[ When he notices Javert’s unease, he seems to disappear from his previous spot, appearing in front of him to gently grasp him by the elbow of one arm while tilting his chin up with his free hand. The smile he gives him is understanding, as he tries to lend him some of his strength. ]

In your darkest hour, you were in need of hope. He works in mysterious ways, as the humans often say. When you need it most, He will be there to guide you out of the dark. It takes nothing away from your thief, he sounds like an incredible man. Vengeance is easy to carry out, but I think a true mark of strength is the ability to forgive.

What you needed then wasn’t a punishment, but to see that not everything in the world is terrible. There are beautiful aspects of life and you are no longer in a prison. You can continue to live in the prison of your mind, or you can use this opportunity, as I am, to learn.

Live, Javert, as he intended you to. [ The first time he has used his name without his title, and he speaks it with all the warmth of an old friend. ]

[faithfulservant]

[There are tears in his eyes that he was trying to hide. He wasn't one to cry and it was a long time since he had.

It was strange to openly discuss this with someone he could trust and not be judged. He didn't think he could do this back at home. It's why he chose the route he did.]

I chose to drown myself in the river Seine. I couldn't understand who to believe and trust. Everything was became so muddled. I couldn't trust if anything I had done was correct.

The law or religion was unable to prepare me to deal with someone like the thief.

[admonish]

[ A sin, but he did not call him here today to pick apart his choices in life. He needs guidance, not yet another person adding to his grief. ]

You were failed by society, as many are. As you said, the prison is all you knew, so it stands to reason that you took pride in your work and duties. Your tears are quite telling.

[ Carefully, he reaches up to brush his tears away, producing a handkerchief from his pocket to give to him. ]

I believe that if even one person spoke up, you would not have done that. I told you that I would not judge you, and I meant it. I have.. been in your shoes before. Fighting valiantly for what I believed in no matter the cost, until the cost became too much. Even here, I find doubt creeping in.

[ For an instant, his expression becomes solemn. ]

It wasn’t a thief who shattered my house made of glass, but my brother. The only thing that kept me going was remembering that I had a job to do that, no matter how much it hurt, had to be maintained. My best advice to you would be not to fall back on your old ways, but to pay it forward. The thief saved you for a purpose, Inspector, and I believe you will find it here.

All you have to do is be willing to find it and know that, when you find yourself slipping again, this door will always be open to you — no matter the time of day. You may have felt alone before, but you are not alone here.

[faithfulservant]

[Javert took the handkerchief and used it to dry away the tears and to compose himself. He knew his death was a sin and didn't want pity for it. It's also why he was okay with what ever punishment he was given. He wasn't expecting the acceptance and guidance that Michael was providing.

While he couldn't understand family, he was able to understand the grief of having to do one's job no matter the circumstance. And how it would be to play favoritism or make excuses. It's what brought him here today...

He gave a solemn nod to show he understood, unsure if he was able to speak right now.]

Do you often wonder if you made the right decisions? Not just with your brother... but past experiences?

[admonish]

Often. But if I second guess one thing, I would have to look back at every decision I ever made. I remind myself that what I’ve done, I’ve done for Heaven, and it eases most of my guilt.

Moreover, I can’t afford to doubt, because they look to me for guidance. Some would call it a thankless task, as there will always be those that disagree with me, but I still judge without bias.

[ Carefully, he attempts to lead Javert back to his seat, worried he might suffer another emotional episode. If he is seated, he will not have to worry about him succumbing to anxiety. Humans, he’s noticed, are capable of working themselves into such a frenzy that they lose consciousness. The Inspector doesn’t seem to be cut from that cloth, but it doesn’t hurt to err on the side of caution. ]

I’ve been alive for a very long time, since the beginning, it would be arrogant of me to say every decision of mine was flawless. How does one learn if they are incapable of making mistakes?

[faithfulservant]

Those are the same reasons why I try to not doubt or show empathy. I worried that if I were to show it, people would abuse it and use it against me. And he proceeded to show me grace each time. I just attacked back, the only thing I knew to do.

I often wondered what would have happened if I had gotten him a pardon how things would have been. During the time I had worked with him, he had shown to me he deserved it. I don't even know if he would have taken it.

[It was rare for Javert to show such feelings especially out in the open. He hated showing how he weak he was for such a display already. He allowed Michael to steer him back to his seat. Yet, hearing that mistakes could be made calmed him a little. He still felt guilty.]

[admonish]

Not showing it makes monsters of men, Inspector. It blackens the heart. Even if some would hate you for it, you should always look out for your fellow man. You know that best of all now.

Sometimes, the only thing a person needs is that forgiveness, or for someone to tell them that despite what is going on in their lives, it isn’t their fault. They deserve to be saved. Treat others as you would want to be treated, no one can expect to be treated kindly when they are actively adding to someone’s pain. Respect is earned and it’s invaluable.

[ He rests a hand against his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, before taking his seat behind the desk again. ]

People arrive here every day, perhaps you’ll be able to tell him those words yourself. I can give you all of the advice in the world, but only you can help yourself heal. It may sound strange, but have you thought of writing him a letter? Putting a pen to paper, and finally getting those words out, may be helpful.

[faithfulservant]

[Javert frowned and hung his head in shame, knowing that what the other said was true. He was too hard on people and he knew it, but then he didn't know what else to do either as he was never shown. Not till recent. Everything he had done was mostly on his own. He had very little guidance in life.

The idea that Valjean could arrive here frightened him. He couldn't help but flinch a bit at the mention of that prospect.]

I'm terrible with words....I've always been a person of action.

[He hated doing paper work for that reason. He also didn't like to read as it took a long time for him to do so. Often he ended up falling asleep when he did try to read.]

Will I be punished for my sins? [As if being in this world wasn't enough.]

[admonish]

What about dictating them? As it stands, I have an unfortunate amount of free time here. When you find the words, come to my office again and I’ll write them down. All I ask you to do is sign them, so he will know who the envelope is from.

It would save a lot of time for you to deliver a letter that was written ahead of time, and you won’t have to worry about stumbling over your words. At the same time, make sure they are yours, not words you think I may want to hear.

[ Men often try to gain favor when it comes to judgement and, though he doesn’t think Javert will do that, he has to say it. ]

Here? No. When you leave this place? It’s possible, I won’t lie to you about that. Everyone is judged eventually, whether they want to be or not. Worrying about it does nothing to change it. My advice is, as I said before, not to fall back into familiar habits. You’ve been given a chance that not many men get, Inspector.

The chance to be a better man, the one you could have been if you weren’t failed. Take it, and use it wisely.

[faithfulservant]

I...suppose I can try...this letter.

[While he wasn't too keen on the idea, he did understand the approach to it and what Michael was implying. It was just something new and too personal for him. Ink and paper were also just expensive. He tried to use both sparingly as possible.

He gave a nod in answer toward the second explanation. He wasn't sure what to say and really believed at this point only action could show he was trying. But he also didn't want to be fake either. He wanted to be still true to himself. He frowned at the realization.]

How can I still remain true to myself?