Scenario:Ilsa - Fledgling's Flight

Fledgling's Flight

Ilsa travels to serve as a witness for her cadet Jenna's wedding, ensuring their Society background remains hidden from the civilian groom, Lharmeda. When Lharmeda's witness fails to show, Ilsa detects Jenna's unease and probes her about the situation.

---

Taking leave from the ship for a few days, Ilsa travels to the island where her cadet's wedding is to be held.

Erune Woman: Once again, er... Ms. Ilsa... Thank you for agreeing to act as legal witness on my behalf.

Ilsa: Please, drop the formalities and hold your head high. There's no reason for the woman of the hour to be hiding in her shell, is there?

Ilsa: Congratulations on your wedding, Jenna.

Jenna: ...!
Th-thank you so much!

Jenna's Fiance: Let me express my gratitude as well. I've heard so much about you from Jenna here—

Jenna's Fiance: Oh, my apologies! This is our first time meeting, isn't it? I should introduce myself properly...

Lharmeda: My name is Lharmeda, and I run a restaurant here in town. Most people call me Lhars.

Lharmeda: I'd be honored if you would as well.

Ilsa: Will do. I look forward to working with you until the big day, Lhars.

Lharmeda: Likewise!

Ilsa exchanges a firm handshake with Lharmeda, whose courteous demeanor belies his imposing physique.

Ilsa: So you've heard about me from Jenna, eh? Surely there must've been more interesting topics to discuss.

Jenna: Ahaha... Well, unless we're talking about my old coworkers, our conversations usually drift to meal planning or grocery shopping.

Ilsa: To think that clumsy, muscle-brained girl is now a cook... Amazing how people can change.

Lharmeda: Actually, I'm still a bit hesitant to let her loose in the kitchen, so she mostly sticks to serving.

Lharmeda: Right after we got engaged, I had her assist with the cooking a few times, and let me tell you...

Jenna: H-hey! She doesn't need to know about that!

Ilsa: Haha. Still as clumsy as ever, it seems. But having everyone in the right roles to support each other is important for running any organization.

Lharmeda: Absolutely. Jenna's been an enormous help with the heavy lifting, for instance.

Jenna: I owe it all to your training, Ms. Ilsa!

Lharmeda: Thank you, Ilsa! For that, and for serving as a witness for our wedding, no less.

Ilsa: Helping out a former colleague is no trouble at all.

Ilsa: (So her fiance really is an ordinary civilian. Even so, she's chosen well for herself.)

Ilsa: (With someone like him by her side, she'll finally be able to leave the battlefield and enjoy a peaceful life ahead.)

Ilsa: Well, let's get down to business, shall we? Regarding the ceremony tomorrow, will I be in charge of coordinating everyone?

Lharmeda: Er, about that...

Jenna: We actually asked someone to act as witness for the groom too, but he hasn't shown up yet.

Lharmeda: Who knows what's keeping him...

Ilsa: I took off a few days from the crew I'm with, so I have some spare time on hand.

Ilsa: If you tell me what he's like, I can help look for him. I'm pretty good at tracking people down.

Lharmeda: Well, he's a mutual friend of ours—

Lharmeda: Wait, no! That's out of the question!

Lharmeda: You've already taken the trouble to come all the way out to this remote island. We couldn't possibly impose on you any further.

Lharmeda: I'll go search for him myself. You two wait here!

With this, Lharmeda hurries out of the cafe.

Jenna: Sorry, he can be a bit hasty sometimes...

Ilsa: Not to worry. And by the way, you don't have to force yourself to call me "Ms." if it's awkward.

Jenna: If I'm not careful, your real title might slip out instead. So please bear with it for today, Sergeant.

Ilsa: Heh, all right.
Oh, that reminds me—these are for you, from Pupper and Hellcat.

Ilsa: I wish I didn't have to hand them over in secret, but I wouldn't want this to blow our cover and make all our hard work for nothing.

Ilsa hands Jenna two beautifully wrapped packages.

Jenna: What! From Zeta and Bea? I can't believe they even remember me.

Ilsa: Comrades aren't so easily forgotten.

Ilsa: Now then, I never did get an answer out of Lhars. What kind of person is his witness?

Ilsa: Since we'll be partnering up for such an important role tomorrow, I'd like to know a little about him.

Jenna: Well, erm... He's the one who brought Lharmeda and me together in the first place.

Jenna: Let's see... If I had to describe him, I'd say he's... perceptive and considerate.

Ilsa: ...

Ilsa: So what's the problem?

Jenna: Huh?

Ilsa: How many years do you think I've been observing you? When you fidget with your hands while talking, it means you're hiding something.

Jenna: I can't get anything past you, can I, Sergeant?

Ilsa gives a small smile and looks at Jenna expectantly, as though inviting her to continue.

Fledgling's Flight: Scene 2

Jenna reveals that Lharmeda's witness had feelings for her, but she rejected him to conceal her ties to the Society after he grew suspicious of her work. Though Ilsa reassures her that she made the right decision, Jenna abruptly vanishes on her wedding day.

---

Jenna: So about Lhars's friend... It's kind of a long story. Is that all right?

Ilsa: Sure, I don't mind. But if that's the case, let's order another round of coffee first.

After the pair receive their refills, they settle back into their seats across from each other.

Jenna: Come to think of it, I guess I never told you how Lhars and I first met.

Jenna: You remember when I was reassigned to the rear guard, don't you, Sergeant?

Ilsa: Yes, like it was yesterday.

Ilsa: If I'd left a loose cannon like you on the front lines, you'd have blown both friend and foe to smithereens. That's why I had you pulled back.

Jenna: Up until then, I'd always thought I was meant for head-on conflict, where I could just charge in with brute strength.

Jenna: But while visiting different units on my support duties, I learned there are people out there stronger than I am—not just Zeta or Bea, but even ordinary soldiers.

Jenna: I came to see that what someone like me really needed was the ability to faithfully carry out a commander's orders.

Jenna: From then on, I dedicated myself to supply work, making sure everyone had what they needed to survive and make it back safely.

Jenna: As part of that, I thought it'd be nice to provide tasty rations that people could carry with them. And that's what brought me to this island.

Ilsa: Food is crucial for morale during expeditions. Thanks to your efforts, those gluttons really perked up.

Jenna: I'm so glad to hear that! I actually got some tips on preserved foods from Lhars.

Jenna: The meal I had at his restaurant when I first came here was just so delicious...

Ilsa: So you asked about preserved foods that could be mass-produced... Did he not suspect you were after military rations?

Jenna: Apparently Lhars thought I was some kind of camping gear developer.

Jenna: Oh, by the way, my official story now is that I worked in distribution planning for outdoor goods!

Ilsa: That's important to know. If you hadn't mentioned it, I might've let something slip at the ceremony tomorrow.

Jenna: I-I'm so sorry!

Ilsa: Don't worry about it. Go on.

Jenna: So anyway, I started frequenting Lhars's restaurant more and more.

Jenna: That's where I met his coworker and friend—the one who'll be serving as witness for the groom.

Jenna: Well, because Lhars is so serious by nature, and I wasn't really much for socializing...

Jenna: For the longest time, our relationship stayed strictly professional.

Ilsa: You said his friend is the one who brought you two together, right?

Jenna: Yes. He invited me to meals with Lhars, and the three of us even went to Alohas as a group.

Ilsa: Aha...

Ilsa: So he used Lhars as an excuse to spend time with you. But in the end, you chose Lhars.

Jenna: Y-you're as sharp as ever, Sergeant...

Ilsa: It's not exactly rocket science. Might as well add romance to that list of things you're clumsy at.

Jenna: I can't argue with that. But there's still more to the issue...

Jenna: It seems he figured out what my real job was.

Ilsa: Oh?

Jenna: I obviously haven't told him anything about the Society or the Foe, and I don't think he's been digging around.

Jenna: A friend in the Society also helped me verify that he doesn't have any ties to the enemy.

Jenna: But he told me that if I'm involved in any dangerous work, he'd help any way he could.

Ilsa: Perceptive and considerate. An apt description indeed.

Ilsa: And yet you chose not to lean on him.

Jenna: That's right. I couldn't drag an ordinary civilian into the Society's battles.

Jenna: But... I ended up rejecting him a bit forcefully.

Jenna: I apologized later for being so harsh and told him it was all a big misunderstanding—that my job was perfectly normal.

Jenna: Still, ever since then, things have been really awkward between us whenever we talk.

Ilsa: I see. From his point of view, it must have felt like he was getting hit with rejection after rejection.

Ilsa: And to make matters worse, now you're marrying the guy he basically set you up with. That's got to sting.

Jenna: Sergeant, I...

Ilsa: There's no reason to doubt any of your decisions. That includes picking Lhars.

Ilsa: Most conflicts between people resolve themselves with time.

Ilsa: Sooner or later, he'll find someone else.

Ilsa: So just focus on your own happiness right now.

Jenna: Sergeant...

Lharmeda: I'm sorry... I searched high and low, but he was nowhere to be found.

Lharmeda: Where in the skies did he wander off to?

Ilsa: Maybe he had some urgent business to attend to. If he can't make it, I'm fine with handling the proceedings tomorrow on my own.

Ilsa: On that note, could you walk me through the ceremony?

Lharmeda: O-of course! Ahem. So to start with, it's going to be held at my restaurant...

Thus, the three carefully review the plans for the following day's events.

Thanks to Ilsa's seasoned expertise, the schedule is soon finalized.

Before they know it, the day of the wedding has arrived.

Society Member 1: Man, hard to believe Jenna's actually tying the knot.

Society Member 2: Who would've thought that loose cannon would ever settle down? We gotta make sure we give her a proper send-off today.

Society Member 1: But are the two of us seriously gonna be providing the entertainment? And with Sergeant Ilsa watching?

Society Member 1: I'll need a miracle to survive this...

???: Pathetic. I don't remember training cowards who'd let fear leave them wide open.

Society Member 2: Eep! Sergea—

Society Member 1: ...

Ilsa: For the duration of today, you are outdoor gear developers. Think of me as your senior colleague and team leader.

Ilsa: Jenna's husband-to-be is a civilian who knows nothing about the Society. Make absolutely sure that doesn't change.

Ilsa: No one embarrasses the bride! Defend her secrets and keep this celebration on track at all costs!

Society Member 2: Oh, um, right! Copy that!

Ilsa: You don't copy a damn thing! For the last time, this is a covert op! Have you already forgotten the characters you're supposed to be playing?

Society Member 1: S-so sorry, Serg—er, ma'am!

Ilsa: I suggest you drill these orders into your head before the wedding starts. And don't screw up the entertainment.

Society Member 2: Y-yes, ma'am...

Ilsa: Now, I need to prepare for the ceremony. I'll check in with you later.

Ilsa: (This is the third wedding I've been asked to oversee. And yet, I still feel those last-minute nerves kicking in.)

Ilsa: (I can't let Jenna and Lhars see me rattled. This is their first wedding, after all.)

Ilsa: (Keep it together, Ilsa. Don't flinch, don't falter, and give them your absolute best—)

Lharmeda: I-Ilsa! Ilsaaa!

Ilsa: What's wrong?

Lharmeda: It's Jenna... She's gone!

Ilsa: What!

Fledgling's Flight: Scene 3

Realizing Jenna has been abducted, Ilsa races to catch the culprit—the lovestruck friend. While acknowledging he acted out of concern, Ilsa condemns him for robbing Jenna of her hard-earned peace, rescues the bride, and ensures the ceremony is carried out without incident.

---

Having learned from Lharmeda that Jenna is missing in action, Ilsa makes her way to the dressing room.

Lharmeda: A-as you can see, it's completely deserted. Could this be, you know... those pre-wedding jitters or something?

Lharmeda: I read all about it in a bridal magazine! Oh no, what should we do!

Ilsa: Calm down. There's no way that clumsy, brazen hothead would get cold feet and run off.

Ilsa: (The room doesn't show signs of a struggle, and her dress is still here...)

Ilsa: (Hm? What's that?)

Ilsa approaches the vanity to find a half-finished drink in a paper cup.

Ilsa: (Tea. But Jenna's more of a coffee drinker. Someone must've offered this to her.)

Ilsa: (There's a faint odor. A drug, most likely. She must've been abducted while unconscious.)

Ilsa: Lhars, does this place have a back entrance?

Lharmeda: Y-yes, of course. It's used for deliveries and for the staff to come and go.

Ilsa: All right. I'll bring Jenna back. You wait here at the venue.

Lharmeda: What! No, I should come with you—

Ilsa: If the bride and groom both go missing, everyone will know there's an emergency.

Ilsa: In order to keep the guests calm, it's important for them to see you looking unfazed.

Ilsa: I know it's a lot to ask, but I need you to try to behave as you normally would.

Ilsa: I'll go fetch Jenna. That way, as soon as we're back, we can start the ceremony like nothing happened, right?

Lharmeda: A-all right... Understood.

Ilsa: Let me give you an ace up your sleeve. My mag—er, magnificent coworkers are what you might call entertainment professionals.

Ilsa: I'll brief them on the situation. If things get dicey, use them to stall as needed.

Lharmeda: Th-thank you very much!

Ilsa: Oh, and one more thing. Before you head out there, eat something salty or spicy—even if it's just a bite.

Ilsa: Think of it as a little spell to keep your mind sharp. I'll have Jenna back before the magic wears off.

With a single firm pat on Lharmeda's shoulder, Ilsa strides out of the dressing room.

Society Member 1: Hey, about this whole performance thing... Do you think we're really up for it?

Society Member 2: Beats me. But we gotta pull it off somehow. If we can just get through one act, then—

Ilsa: Plan Beta-2. Rescue target: Jenna. Acting commander: Lhars.

Society Members: Jenna's been captured?

After issuing curt orders to the pair, Ilsa quickly takes her leave.

Society Member 1: B-Beta-2? "Engage and hold position"...

Society Member 1: Wait, don't tell me she wants us to buy time with our performance!

Society Member 2: Until she gets back? But we're talking about whoever managed to abduct Jenna! Is she seriously going after them alone?

Society Member 1: Either way, orders are orders. And besides, there's something about the sergeant right now...

The two fall silent, watching Ilsa's retreating figure.

Ilsa: (The kidnapper may use cheap tricks, but he's hardly anything special. Definitely not on par with the Foe, that's for sure.)

Ilsa: (I doubt he's ever pulled anything like this before. As a complete amateur, his range of operations would probably be—)

Ilsa: (No, it doesn't matter where he runs. I'll catch him by the neck and make him pay dearly!)

Ilsa: ...!

Society Members: ...!

Society Member 1: I-I've never seen her like this before!

Society Member 2: Yeah. She's basically silent, and there's this mechanical air around her. Almost like—

Society Member 1: An automagod. No, even scarier than that...

At the edge of the island's airship dock, a man stands alone next to a cart loaded with a large wooden crate.

???: All right, I managed to get a ticket for the next ferry. Now I can—

Ilsa: I'm going to need to inspect the contents of that cargo.

???: ...!
Who're you, barging in out of nowhere?

Ilsa: Lharmeda and Jenna—those names should tell you everything you need to know.

Lharmeda's Friend: H-how did you already—

Lharmeda's Friend: ...!
You're one of Jenna's "coworkers," aren't you!

Ilsa: More or less.

Lharmeda's Friend: Then stay out of this! If you're in the same business as her, you must know how brutal her job really is!

Ilsa: ...

Lharmeda's Friend: I saw them myself back in Alohas—the scars all over Jenna's body.

Lharmeda's Friend: And when she dozed off on the airship, she kept mumbling in her sleep that she didn't want to die...

Lharmeda's Friend: But whenever I broached the subject, Jenna would just brush it off, saying it was nothing! Like hell it was!

Lharmeda's Friend: That clueless chef has no idea how much she's suffering! And yet... And yet, she still—

Ilsa: Are you done with your little speech?

Lharmeda's Friend: Huh?

Ilsa: For what it's worth, I'll acknowledge—reluctantly—that you were genuinely worried about Jenna and trying to help her.

Ilsa: But that by no means justifies you ignoring her wishes and taking her by force.

Lharmeda's Friend: M-maybe not... But it's your shady line of work that's the real problem here!

Lharmeda's Friend: Any job you have to keep secret from your friends and fiance can't possibly be decent!

Ilsa: You're right. It wasn't decent. But it was necessary.

Lharmeda's Friend: Necessary for what!

Ilsa: To keep them alive. Someone had to pick up the pieces of the lives they threw away.

Lharmeda's Friend: What're you even talking about? Throwing away their lives... to live?

Ilsa: They'd all lost everything—no, had everything taken from them, again and again.

Ilsa: People like that can only dream of one thing—killing their enemies.

Ilsa: Was there anything I could offer them? No, not a damn thing.

Ilsa: All I could do was push their bodies and minds to the brink, hoping the pain would let them forget about their pasts, if even for an instant.

Ilsa: I had no choice but to bet on the chance that, with enough time, they might somehow find a way to change.

Ilsa: But in the end, all I ever did was take from them too. Nothing decent about me either.

Lharmeda's Friend: ...

Ilsa: Tell me something. When you gave Jenna that cup of tea, what kind of expression was she wearing?

Ilsa: I'll bet she looked relieved, didn't she? Relaxed—maybe even smiling?

Lharmeda's Friend: ...!

Ilsa: For people like her, it's almost unheard of for someone who disappeared to actually come back. She must've been overjoyed.

Ilsa: Believing she'd finally made it to a place where she didn't have to worry about a knife in her back, she didn't even notice the strange smell coming from the tea.

Ilsa: What a truly cruel thing you've done.

Ilsa: After gritting her teeth to endure the hell I put her through, she finally carved out a new life for herself.

Ilsa: This was supposed to be a day of celebration—a fresh start with her new family after a lifetime of loss. And yet you...

Ilsa: How could you...

Lharmeda's Friend: N-no... I...

Muttering incoherently, the man collapses to the ground.

Ilsa stares at his unconscious figure, his eyes rolled back in his head.

Ilsa: ...
Looks like I'll be taking over as the sole emcee.

Ilsa: Now then, it's time for the bride's wardrobe change. Out of this damned crate and into her wedding dress...

Jenna: Hwah!

Ilsa: How are you feeling, Jenna?

Jenna: Huh? Umm, the last thing I remember is... someone giving me a drink...

Ilsa: Don't worry, I already repaid your friend for the tea. He's probably off enjoying a nice airship trip right about now.

Jenna: ...!
Oh no, I've caused you so much trouble—

Ilsa: Heh, don't worry about it. I'm content knowing I could lend a hand to ordinary civilians.

Ilsa: Now, hurry and get dressed. A couple of ex-Society idiots telling third-rate jokes can only stall for so long.

Jenna: Y-yes, ma'am! I'll get ready right away!

Jenna: Um, Sergeant? May I ask for one last favor?

Ilsa: What is it?

Jenna: Could you... help me get changed? I'm not sure I can manage it alone right now...

Ilsa: I'd be happy to.

Ilsa: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. The bride and groom will now make their entrance.

Ilsa: Let's give them a big round of applause.

Following Ilsa's announcement, Lharmeda and Jenna emerge into the venue, prompting a swell of cheers.

The guests continue to shower the couple with heartfelt congratulations as they make their way down the petal-strewn aisle.

Society Member 1: Lharmeda! Thanks for laughing at our jokes!

Society Member 2: Jenna! We wish you all the happiness in the world!

Ilsa: (Sounds like their comedy routine bombed... but I suppose I'll give them credit, just for today.)

Ilsa: (Wonder how long it'll be before I see off the next fledgling?)

Ilsa: (Good grief. Guess I'll be stuck in this sergeant position for a while longer yet...)

With a warm gaze, Ilsa watches her cadets amidst the joyful celebration, her mind already drifting to weddings yet to come.