Jessica the Liberated: Insignia

Operator Record Insignia
She's far sturdier than people imagine. Unlock conditions Raise Jessica the Liberated to Elite 2 Level 1. Have at least 50% Trust with Jessica (the Liberated).

Characters
Helena Jessica Miles Woodrow Anxious Man Angry Man/ Embarrassed Man Angry Woman/ Embarrassed Woman Onlookers
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5

“

There is much that Jessica needs to learn on the frontier.

”

<Background 1>
Jessica	It's stuck. I can feel its leg...
Woodrow	Pull it out.
Jessica	Won't it hurt the mother?
Woodrow	They're stronger than you think.
Jessica	Alright, I'm pulling!
Woodrow	Pull!
Jessica	I wiped its nose and mouth clean. It can breathe now, but it's too weak to stand up and drink from the mother. What should we do?
Woodrow	Wait.
Jessica	Ah, okay... ...No, it's still not standing up.
Woodrow	Well, it was born about half a month early, due to today's accident. Carry it back. We'll have to feed it by hand for a while.
Jessica	What if... it never stands up?
Woodrow	Don't make any assumptions about its fate, Jessica. Like I said, they're stronger than you think.
Jessica	......
Anxious Man	Mr. Woodrow! We need you back at camp!
Woodrow	What is it?
Anxious Man	Th-There's a fight!
Woodrow	You go first, Jessica, I need to get the burdenbeasts back into the corral.
Anxious Man	Jessica? But things are pretty chaotic right now. I'm not sure if she—
Jessica	Yeah, I'm not sure if I—
Woodrow	It'll be fine. Go. I'll be there right after I take care of these guys.
Jessica	But what if—
Woodrow	Just go and see what's going on. You'll need to learn to deal with this stuff on your own sooner or later.
<Background 2>
Onlookers	Do it! Give 'em the ol' one-two!
Onlookers	Man, that kick must've hurt.
Jessica	Excuse me, gentlemen, please disperse.
Anxious Man	B-Be careful, Jessica. These guys ain't the type to look before throwing a punch.
Jessica	No need to worry about me. So what happened? Why are they fighting?
Anxious Man	I-I'm not sure.
Jessica	What do I do now...? Leave it to me, I'll take care of this.
Jessica	(The crowd's too thick for me to go in directly...) Maybe I can get in from above.
The girl quickly assesses her surroundings. Vehicles and low wooden houses, scattered fencing and scaffolds, and a tall water tower directly in the middle of the camp. She quickly plots an unobstructed route through the scattered buildings. She unwinds a rope from one of the tents, climbs one of the scaffolds, and uses the rope to swing to the central water tower. From there, she has a complete view of the chaotic scene on the ground.
Jessica	Looks like the brawl began with those two at the center. The rest simply went with the flow. So if I stop them, the others should settle down too.
She leaps down and lands in the center of the crowd, lithely dodging an incoming punch before grabbing the attacker's arm and wrestling him to the ground. Pinning her opponent, she takes a deep breath and shouts—
Jessica	All of you, stop this immediately!
<Background fades out and in>
Jessica	Let's sit down and talk it out. We should be helping each other out here on the frontier, not picking fights. We need to learn to accept our differences.
Angry Woman	Hmph...
Angry Man	Tch...
Jessica	Ahem... So how did you two start fighting in the first place? You even dragged the rest of the camp into it. Talk to me. Maybe I can help mediate.
Angry Woman	Oh, you'll hear me out then?
Jessica	Of course.
Angry Woman	It all started two months ago...
Jessica	(Two months... Their grudge goes back that far? I should have noticed sooner.)
Angry Woman	We were at the market together, discussing whether to keep fowlbeasts or burdenbeasts once we're married.
Jessica	Wait... you're getting married?
Angry Man	Darn tootin'! If we don't do it now, the baby will have to be born next winter.
Jessica	So... you were fighting over whether to get fowlbeasts or burdenbeasts?
Angry Man & Woman	Yeah!
Jessica	...Is that really worth coming to blows over?
Angry Man & Woman	Of course!
Jessica	I'm sorry, I'm still confused... Can you go into more detail? (Maybe it's more complicated than that... I should hear them out.)
Angry Woman	A few fowlbeasts won't make us any money! We should be raising burdenbeasts!
Angry Man	And I'm supposed to just leave you alone at camp while I take them out into the wilds to go grazing?!
Angry Woman	You think I can't take care of myself?!
Jessica	No need to stand up, ma'am. Use your words.
Angry Man	Who'd worry about a woman who can take out a grown man with a single punch?!
Jessica	Sir, you should sit down too...
Onlookers	Stop arguing and settle this the old-fashioned way! Fight! Fight! Fight!
Jessica	Just calm down, everyone... Er, what am I supposed to do here?
Angry Woman	You're just afraid I'll cheat on you, aren't you?!
Angry Man	Where the hell did that come from?!
Jessica	Folks, please, just sit down... (Don't fight anymore, please...)
[The woman angrily gets up.]
Angry Woman	Then what are you on about?!
Jessica	(Oh dear...)
Angry Man	Obviously it's because...
Jessica	Er...
Seeing the fire in the couple's eyes, Jessica nervously clenches her fist and readies herself for the coming storm.
Angry Man	Because... Because I'd miss you every second I'm away!
Jessica	Huh?
[Woodrow claps.]
Woodrow	Well, well, now ain't that touching. But while we're all being honest, there's another score that needs settling: the damages to the camp. What do you think, Jessica?
Jessica	I... I just want to cry right now.
Woodrow	Jessica?
Jessica	They were only fighting because they didn't want to be apart... What am I supposed to do about that? I just... I just... Wah...
Embarrassed Man	Hey now, girl, no need to cry... What do we do, honey?
Embarrassed Woman	Look, we're not fighting anymore. Wipe those tears, okay?
Embarrassed Man	See? We're holding hands!
Jessica	S-Seeing you two make up just makes me want to cry even more...
<Background 3>
Jessica	*Sob*...
Woodrow	Here, a towel... Wipe your face.
Jessica	Sorry, Woody... All I could do was cry...
Woodrow	Just take it nice and easy. There's still plenty you got left to learn.
[Miles enters the tent.]
Miles	I come in, and the first thing I see is Jessica crying. Go easy on the kid, no need to use harsh language.
Jessica	I'm okay, Miles... That's not why... I-It's because...
Woodrow	It's fine, let it all out. So how's the fence coming along, Miles?
Miles	Made the mother and child a luxury suite with plenty of straw. The mom eats well, the kid eats well.
Jessica	Can I go and see the little guy?
Miles	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.
Jessica	I-I learned all that when I was a mercenary. It just felt like the best course of action...
[Helena enters the tent.]
Helena	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.
Miles	No wonder your eyes were so red. So that's your secret weapon.
Jessica	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.
Miles	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...
Jessica	Just what?
Helena	Easy. Take out your gun and shoot it into the sky. That'll get their attention, I guarantee it.
Miles	Ain't that what you used to do in the restaurant back in the day, Woody?
Helena	Who else would I be talking about?
Woodrow	Well, it don't matter how you do it, as long as it gets the job done.
Jessica	What did you tell those people, anyway? They paid for the damages and dispersed without a word of complaint.
Woodrow	I told 'em they had a choice: behave themselves and stay in camp, or get out and fend for themselves in the wilderness.
Jessica	I-Isn't that a little extreme?
Miles	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.
Jessica	I see... I've never dealt with a situation like that. Maybe I should try Woody's method.
Woodrow	But remember, you're not me. Don't go overthinking this.
Jessica	...Yeah, I don't have half the experience that you do.
Woodrow	That's not what I— Never mind.
Helena	Alright, no long faces at the dinner table. Help me set the table, Jessica.
Jessica	Okay... one, two, three, four, five... there's one set too many. Helena, I put the extra set back.
Helena	That can't be right, I was sure I counted it out. There are five of us, so...
Woodrow	......
Miles	(Turns to the side)
Jessica	Helena, I...
Helena	...... Old habits die hard, don't they...? Let's eat.
<Background 4>
Jessica	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.
Woodrow	Jessica? It's getting dark. You should come back.
Jessica	Coming.
[Woodrow comes outside.]
Woodrow	That's what you said last time, and I didn't see you back until sunrise.
Jessica	Is Helena asleep? I didn't realize... I thought she just made a mistake. I shouldn't have reminded her.
Woodrow	Still bothered by what happened at the dinner table?
Jessica	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.
Woodrow	Just come in. She's fine. It's not your fault.
Jessica	Are you really going next month, Woody?
Woodrow	Yeah, the seasons wait for no one.
Jessica	But there's so much I still need to learn...
Woodrow	It's just for two months. Everyone's here to help.
Jessica	But I didn't even notice the feelings of those close to me... How am I supposed to take care of the entire camp?
Woodrow	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.
Jessica	That's fine with me... But you're already so busy every day.
Woodrow	At my age, losing a few hours of sleep ain't no big deal.
<Background 5>
[The wind and fowlbeast calls can be heard as Jessica and Woodrow are walking through the woods.]
Jessica	Woody...
Woodrow	If you have something to say, say it.
Jessica	You say you don't sleep much... but I didn't expect you to be up so early.
Woodrow	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.
Jessica	Can I... really manage?
Woodrow	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?
Jessica	I... practice in the forest every day.
Woodrow	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.
Jessica	How do you do it, then?
Woodrow	Look ahead.
Jessica	It's dark... I can't see anything.
Woodrow	Look closer.
Jessica	That's...
She squints, trying to see into the dark swamp. Suddenly, she sees a little glint.
Jessica	...Glass.
Woodrow	Some ampule bottles I got from a wandering doctor. See if you can hit them.
Jessica	I...
She raises her gun, struggling to zero-in on the ephemeral speck of light.
[Jessica hits the bottle with a gunshot.]
Jessica	Phew...
Woodrow	Good. Now the one further away.
Jessica	Alright...
[Jessica shoots at the bottles multiple times.]
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.
Woodrow	Jessica...
Jessica	Hm?
Woodrow	Are you really worried that you won't be able to do your job properly?
Jessica	If there's something you want to say, Woody, just say it.
Woodrow	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.
Jessica	What do you mean?
Woodrow	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.
Jessica	Am I not expected to grow up quickly and fit in?
Woodrow	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.
Jessica	I don't think that's fair to me. You've seen everything I've accomplished so far.
Woodrow	...Then hit the last bottle.
Jessica	Woody... You shouldn't jump to conclusions.
Woodrow	Let's finish the exercise first.
Jessica	Woody... Alright... We'll do it your way.
[Jessica repeatedly shoots at the bottle.]
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.
[Jessica shoots again.]
Woodrow	...... You missed.
Jessica	It was just one miss. I'll hit it next time.
Woodrow	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.
Jessica	Are you saying your words distracted me?
Woodrow	Do you deny it?
Jessica	......
Woodrow	I'm worried, Jessica. Is your stubborn refusal to face your discomfort a sign of strength, or are you just embarrassed to admit that coming out to the frontier was a mistake? Maybe you ain't really prepared to live out here. Maybe you just didn't want to stay at Blacksteel.
Jessica	I... I...
The old man takes out a coin and tosses it into the air. It lands on the back of his hand, and he covers it with his other hand.
Jessica	What are you doing?
Woodrow	Couldn't make up my mind. My heart wants you to stay, but my mind tells me you should go back to your family. So I'll leave the decision to fate. Heads or tails?
Jessica	And if I guess right?
Woodrow	Then you can stay. But if you guess wrong, I'll have someone take you home.
Jessica	This is ridiculous. You have no right to make that decision for me.
Woodrow	It ain't me. It's the coin.}} {{sc|Jessica|...It makes no difference, Woody.
Woodrow	Make a choice. You know me. I say something, I mean it.
Jessica	No... I... ...... Alright... You're right, Woody. I felt frustrated. I admit it. I wasn't ready. Life on the frontier is strange and unfamiliar. Caring for burdenbeasts, fixing fences, raising foals... it's all new to me. All the skills I learned at Blacksteel mean nothing here.
Woodrow	Do you regret it, Jessica?
Jessica	No. I don't regret it, and I'm not leaving, whether that coin comes up heads or tails. No one is ever completely ready. The only thing I can do is tell myself not to be afraid, whatever comes. I made a choice, and I intend to take responsibility. If I choose to stay, I'll stay. I won't let a stupid coin make my decision for me. And I...
Woodrow	What is it?
Jessica	I want to stay with you guys.
Woodrow	Just because your grandpa left you doesn't mean you have to find someone else to fill the void.
Jessica	I'm sorry...
Woodrow	...... Jessica, you bonehead.
Jessica	Woody...
Woodrow	This is no stupid coin.
The old man raises his arm, revealing the object on the back of his hand. It is flat, round and solid, with a star etched in the center, gleaming in the morning light. In Columbia, Pioneers give it to someone worthy of trust. Someone who will protect the camp from trouble and threats.
Jessica	Th-This is your sheriff badge.
Woodrow	It's yours now. You think you're not ready. I think you are.
Jessica	What...?
Woodrow	The only preparation you need to face the future is to not be afraid of it. C'mere. I'll pin it on for you.
Jessica	...Am I really ready to wear this?
Woodrow	Of course. You're willing to cry for a stranger. That means you're willing to fight for 'em. I knew it the moment I saw you.
Jessica	...I promise. I'll take care of everyone while you're away. I mean it.
[Jessica and Woodrow turn around.]
She touches the badge on her chest, then suddenly hears a bellowing from the forest. The duo turn around and look towards the sound. A herd of burdenbeasts emerges from the forest. At the rear is a tiny foal, its steps unsteady yet determined.