almond

I'm not jealous that she made a choice...

The name Brynley gave Jessica more trouble than it ever helped. We could all see that.

So I'm not jealous of her wealth either. I know she carries a much bigger burden than I do.

But that's exactly why I don't get it. How come Jessica was able to make that choice?

A silence falls between the two of them.

After some time, the brown-haired Vulpo looks up at the nightfall and breathes a sigh.

So, if you'd gone after Jessica with us after you got that order, would you have pointed your gun at her?

I wouldn't.

What if you were ordered to?

I...

I still wouldn't.

Why not?

Because—

I don't want to hurt her.

So, don't you think you've already made a choice too?

But, how's that—

How is it <i>not</i>?

None of us are from a big, famous family like hers.

When someone important makes a decision, it affects a lot of people, but for grunts like us, it doesn't have to matter to anyone but ourselves.

Is that really enough?

Why wouldn't it be?

Let's take a step back. Admitting that you just don't want to be a coward... would honestly be more honest than the truth.

But isn't it important to tell the truth?

Sometimes, what's more important to the truth is being remembered.

Right.

I'm just gonna throw this out there, so you just listen.

You know that place called Rhodes Island, where Liskarm and I are dispatched—

The missions there are tough, but they offer some pretty nice benefits, and the people there are all pretty kind.

If some little pistachio thinks there's no room in Blacksteel for her to grow...

Then a change in soil isn't such a bad idea.

...Yeah.

Thanks, Franka.

Everyone always says that you're the lady to talk to about this sort of thing. And they're right.

Wait, hold up, <i>what</i> exactly are they saying about me?

They all told me that Franka's got a foul mouth, but she'll help you solve your troubles.

Which numbskulls are out there ruining my street cred?!

Mamá, why are we... back in the room again?

Are you really interested in that equipment?

Mhm.

Then why didn't you just ask?

Ask... ask?

Right, I don't like it when you play with these parts, and I definitely don't want to see you end up like Grandma, holed up in the garage all day long.

But you should've asked.

I was worried you'd say no...

Right, I could say no, but maybe I wouldn't have. There could be a different outcome, another choice.

But if you never try, you'll never have another choice.

You see that table? That's your workbench from now on. Take out everything you've been hiding under your bed.

Now!

Come in.

Boss.

Do you need me for something?

I'm sure you know that my last mission was in Davistown, right...?

I'm aware. What's up?

About that, I wrote up a mission report as per protocol.

Since when did we have a protocol like that?

Well, we do...

Mission report... Oh, now I remember. Yeah, I guess you're right.

That was a big mission, with plenty of twists and turns. Good work getting a report out of all that.

No, it’s nothing.

So I trust this will fill in a lot of blanks about the incident.

The man on the other side of the desk quickly reads through her report as she watches.

There's a sigh.

That's not what she expected.

This isn't what you should be writing reports on, Laura.

We're in charge of technology. There shouldn't be anything in here unrelated to our engineering work.

I understand that, but I saw so much more than that while carrying out my mission.

I can't pretend I didn't.

*sigh*

Whatever. No one's going to read this anyway, so it'll do.

He flips to the last page of the report and briskly signs his name.

You still have a long career ahead of you.

You really need to learn to sort out what you've seen and what you haven't.

Sorry, Chief, I'm just an engineer. I'm not too good at that sort of thing.

Which is why I have a request.

Go on.

I want to apply for the next round of exchange projects and be dispatched to Rhodes Island.

*cough* Let's continue, then.

W-Wait. I'm not ready yet. Let me get myself together first...

Okay, okay. Let's go.

Hm... So what's the story behind that puppet you carry on your waist?

The puppet on my waist... What? Is that really an interview question?

Of course it. It's right here in the <i>Big Book of Interview Questions</i> Franka gave me. 'Every now and then, interviewees should be asked questions about the accessories they're wearing.'

Alright then... My mother made me this, and I've been carrying it around ever since. Is that good enough?

Shorter than the expected answer length, but it shouldn't be a problem.

Besides, you've already been through so many terrifying tests before this.

Didn't Franka tell you? As long as you pass the tests, the interview's just a formality and an excuse to chat. The way I see it, there's nothing to prep for.

Oh, no no no. If I'm doing something, I've gotta do it <i>right</i>! I'm not taking any chances. Quick, next question!

Ooh, this question seems pretty reliable...

Laura! Let's hang out!

Oh, are you studying for your Rhodes Island interview?

Looks like you've made up your mind.

What'd you expect? Shh, we'll talk later. Let me finish this question first.

Laura, what are your thoughts on your future?

My future?

My... future...

Mamá, do we really need to go?

It's too dangerous here, mija. We can't stay anymore. I don't want to see you grow up in a warzone.

I don't want this either, but...

A lot of times, we don't get to decide our own fate. I... I don't have a choice.

Choice... I don't get it. What's a choice...?