jesca2

It's fine, let it all out. So how's the fence coming along, Miles?

Made the mother and child a luxury suite with plenty of straw. The mom eats well, the kid eats well.

Can I go and see the little guy?

After dinner. It's already on the table. You're gonna tell us all about your heroic exploits today.

I heard you swung right into the crowd on a rope and stopped the entire brawl.

I-I learned all that when I was a mercenary. It just felt like the best course of action...

Well, the way I heard it, you sat there crying while they were going at each other's throats, and it freaked them out so much they dropped everything to cheer you up.

No wonder your eyes were so red. So that's your secret weapon.

I-I'm sorry, I couldn't control my emotions.

They kept arguing over whether to buy fowlbeasts or burdenbeasts, and I didn't even know what to say... I could barely understand what they were talking about.

Maybe I could have stopped them sooner if I did.

It's not like you've ever had the chance to learn this stuff. You're overthinking it. Next time there's something like that, just...

Just what?

Easy. Take out your gun and shoot it into the sky. That'll get their attention, I guarantee it.

Ain't that what you used to do in the restaurant back in the day, Woody?

Who else would I be talking about?

Well, it don't matter how you do it, as long as it gets the job done.

What did you tell those people, anyway? They paid for the damages and dispersed without a word of complaint.

I told 'em they had a choice: behave themselves and stay in camp, or get out and fend for themselves in the wilderness.

I-Isn't that a little extreme?

Little ruckuses like that can get real messy if you get bogged down in the details. Woody has the right of it. Cut straight to the heart of the matter.

I see... I've never dealt with a situation like that.

Maybe I should try Woody's method.

But remember, you're not me. Don't go overthinking this.

...Yeah, I don't have half the experience that you do.

That's not what I— Never mind.

Alright, no long faces at the dinner table. Help me set the table, Jessica.

Okay... one, two, three, four, five... there's one set too many.

Helena, I put the extra set back.

That can't be right, I was sure I counted it out. There are five of us, so...

(Turns to the side)

Helena, I...

Old habits die hard, don't they...? Let's eat.

Come on, stand up little guy...

Woody is taking the herd out to the wilds next month. You won't be able to keep up like this.

Jessica? It's getting dark. You should come back.

Coming.

That's what you said last time, and I didn't see you back until sunrise.

Is Helena asleep? I didn't realize... I thought she just made a mistake. I shouldn't have reminded her.

Still bothered by what happened at the dinner table?

She's been so kind to me ever since I arrived. But I was inconsiderate of her feelings...

I should know just how much of a blow the loss of Mr. Leone was to everyone... Better than anyone.

Just come in. She's fine. It's not your fault.

Are you really going next month, Woody?

Yeah, the seasons wait for no one.

But there's so much I still need to learn...

It's just for two months. Everyone's here to help.

But I didn't even notice the feelings of those close to me... How am I supposed to take care of the entire camp?

If that's what you're worried about, I'll teach you more before leaving. But get ready, 'cause you'll have even more responsibilities going forward.

That's fine with me... But you're already so busy every day.

At my age, losing a few hours of sleep ain't no big deal.

Woody...

If you have something to say, say it.

You say you don't sleep much... but I didn't expect you to be up so early.

Well, here's the bad news: you'll have to be up at the same time once I'm gone. Make the rounds, turn off the lights, maintenance check... You'll have your hands full with all the little things going on at camp.

Can I... really manage?

Depends on how well you do this month. You haven't touched that gun of yours since you quit the mercenary life. Not rusty, are you?

I... practice in the forest every day.

Fighting out here is very different from what you're used to at Blacksteel. Your old methods won't work, and you won't have access to the same equipment and support.

How do <i>you</i> do it, then?

Look ahead.

It's dark... I can't see anything.

Look closer.

That's...

She squints, trying to see into the dark swamp.

Suddenly, she sees a little glint.

...Glass.

Some ampule bottles I got from a wandering doctor. See if you can hit them.

I...

She raises her gun, struggling to zero-in on the ephemeral speck of light.

Phew...

Good. Now the one further away.

Alright...

Gunshots, then the sound of breaking glass. Soon, there is only one last speck of light in the distance, almost impossible to see.

The girl holds her breath and prepares to fire the last shot.

Jessica...

Hm?

Are you really worried that you won't be able to do your job properly?

If there's something you want to say, Woody, just say it.

I can't say this for 100% certain, but looking at you these past few days, I get the feeling that what you're really worried about is that you won't fit in.

What do you mean?

This is a very different environment from what you're used to. It's normal to have growing pains.

For the past few months, you've been trying to act like an experienced Pioneer around the others in camp, and like an old friend around us old folks.

But it's only been half a year since you came. Half a year since you met us.

Am I not expected to grow up quickly and fit in?

Growing up means becoming a better person, not a different one.

Life ain't a jigsaw puzzle. Fitting in ain't about filling the gap someone else left behind.

I don't think that's fair to me. You've seen everything I've accomplished so far.

...Then hit the last bottle.

Woody... You shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Let's finish the exercise first.

Woody...

Alright... We'll do it your way.

She once again takes aim at the bottle, but her shots keep missing.

Suddenly, her pupil contracts, capturing the tiny speck of reflection from the bottle.

You missed.

It was just one miss. I'll hit it next time.

Deep down, you know I'm right. The targets were set up to match your skill level. You should've been able to hit all of them.

But you didn't.

Are you saying your words distracted me?