I say we extend.
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Isaac did not wake up well, when he did. Unbeknownst to him, though, it was going to get better.
The reason he did not get up well was because his sleep was fitful, cold, and there'd been one moment he awoke with a start. His dreams had been the kind of disturbing imagery you'd expect: He was opening fire on Hill 58 and gunning down the cavalry that they'd all been around to see and hear shriek its last. In the middle of it all, he thought he'd heard a faint howl and that's where his eyes shot open. He thought he'd heard something, and thought he'd felt something. It was impossible to determine whether anything he'd heard was not a part of his dream, because nothing else seemed to present itself as evidence. As for what he felt, it was like someone jostled him slightly, and as Isaac checked, he discovered that that was exactly what had happened. Britta had been asleep next to him and for whatever reason - cold, nightmares, etc. - she had sought another and wound up leaning against it. No objections, he tried to go back to sleep, found maybe a bit more time of what he assumed was sleep, and then they were all told to get up. The passage of time was truly a mystery to one who is asleep, and so Isaac felt groggy, muggy, and dead.
Things would improve, later on. For now, though, he picked himself up and so did Britta. The silver-haired gunner seemed distracted, as well, and the reason was that her dreams hadn't been any better than Isaac's. Hers...was that she was pinned down in that room without Isaac, Ines, or Gwyn...and that it was the armored car that was doing the pinning. It didn't look to Isaac that now was the time for talking. Neither of them were in any great mental condition, you see, and they needed all the mental strength they had for machine gun overwatch. So, that was what they focused on. Now, you'd probably say that everyone should check their weapon for any sort of problems before heading out, but the two Gunners knew that their weapons were practically new. The only REAL concern was ammo count. Yes, you hope you find the enemy having some ammo for you to use once they're dead, but the truth is that Isaac and Britta's steady stream of kills did not leave them with much in the way of recup'd ammo. There hadn't been all that many Gunners on the streets here. Not unlike the machine guns on Hill 58. Now, fortunately, the point of a Gunner was that they filled you up with ammo so that you don't run into such problems easily. It's just that these two had the most people dead of all the people in the 15th. That still drank a fair chunk of their respective supplies. It would've been pretty bad if they'd wasted much ammo on the armored car.
It was very foggy outside... It reminded Isaac of the most temperate climates of Edinburgh. No city of his area was safe, and even the farm suffered from it, a bit. The fog was always thick in Hadleigh, and when he went into town, you ran the risk of running right into someone. Into...into... Isaac's eyes widened in realization. When he was a kid, he'd gotten lost in the fog and separated from his parents, and instead bumped into Mila Wagner! THAT was where he'd seen her! She was a wealthy socialite in Hadleigh, though at the time, Isaac had just thought of her as a stuck-up kid. It was a foggy day, he'd gottan lost, they bumped into each other, she got indignant on him, he shouted back, and it was after an argument about their given lifestyles and why theirs was the best...that Isaac's parents found him and that they could go home now.
Damn, and I didn't even attempt to make up with her. At least I know WHY she seemed so familiar now.
People began to pay more attention to the day once Jean basically called to attention and explained the plan for the day, which was to keep moving - carefully and quietly - under the concealment of the fog. It was a good idea, of course, but then it also meant their own visibility was going to be shit. Jean...probably shouldn't have mentioned the idea of the machine gun car deciding to take a 'liking' to them, as in a liking to use them all for target practice. Starting the day with 'We have to keep moving and keep ahead of the enemy' is fine, but don't add 'By the way, we might get hit by that armored monstrosity again'. That's what you call a morale no-no. Everybody knows that it could be lurking with intent. They didn't need it in their faces like that.
So! They moved out into the spooky foggy day. Visibility was, of course, very poor...which is why they had to be quiet. With thick enough fog, this was what the enemy would be looking for. Why did Isaac know? Because he was trained for this. There's alot of machine gun drills revolving around finding the best opportunities to spray an area with gunfire. In this particular case, he had been blindfolded and put in a constructed tower, then asked to determine the alligiance from sound along. Footsteps said nothing. Unless your man was sneaking around and the area was controlled strictly by your side, you couldn't tell if a man walking around was disreputable and kill-worthy or not. Even still, you get people who would fire anyway, and who wants to be at the business end of THAT? So, they tell you to be quiet anyway, just in case of trigger-happy fools, AND because it's your chatter that gives you away. Your accent and mode of speech is as damning as a fingerprint. You will marvel at how an Imperial soldier - Nay, any soldier at all - can tell the difference between an Imperial and some farmer from Hadleigh in Edinburgh. Or at least, he'll know it's not an Imperial territory dialect and shoot. They were spared this as they moved along and found indicators of something called a White Heart. Isaac had no idea. He turned to Britta, and the Gunner lady had a good answer for him.
"White Heart?"
"Could be a hospital."
Now, you ask if Isaac, Britta, Reyna, and everyone else noticed Jean's change in general action, and we will say 'Yes' to the two Gunners noticing. Not that Isaac disapproved, per se, of him wanting to look ahead for the safety of others, but his talk with Jean had revealed much, and he had been giving off the kind of talk a suicidal man might have. Asserting yourself is fine, but throwing yourself into something was definitely unhealthy. Isaac kind of hoped that nothing bad was going to happen to him as a result of this turn-of-a-new-leaf. There was...something up ahead, presumably whatever White Heart was. Whatever Jean was hearing from the fog, Everyone else would pick it up a bit fainter, but...that was people, wasn't it?
This was where someone called out, and Jean was approached by a man. They seemed to talk and...wasn't that an Imperial soldier with a bunch of medals? What's going on here? A man that decorated doesn't get that way by openly talking to a high-strung Jean with a rifle. When no promise of violence occurred from either men or anyone out in the fog, Jean lowered his weapon. After that, Gwyn and Luke decided 'The hell with it' and approached. Isaac wanted to, as well, but let's be perfectly honest here: You want him watching your back - and Britta his - instead of sauntering on up to give off the old 'What's all this, then?'. There's no question of it. It was his job, and he had to either be prepared to fire at a moment's notice, or wait for some indication that things were more relieving.
"Thoughts, Britta?"
"If it's a hospital, it's sounding awfully jovial. Wish this fog would clear up. I can't see it clearly."
After a further lack of gunfire or maybe even a sudden stabbing by the man talking to Jean, it became apparent that - for some reason - there wasn't going to be any battle here. Okay...and that left what, then? Well, in Isaac's case, enough was enough. Time to approach the place and see what the hell was going on. Isaac's vision became Jean's as he was able to see the building and...it was an inn! It was a most substantial inn. And yes, they were going IN the inn. Jean appeared to be taking the gracious invitation of...the Green Fox.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The full story of the White Heart Inn became apparent once they'd walked in. Neutral inn, open to everyone and demanding that everyone behave...within reason. Obviously, this place was for the purpose of removing one's frustrations, and that comes in many forms. Now, Isaac and Britta had come in after Ines had finished talking to...someone. Didn't catch who that was. No big deal, though, because after she apparently turned to the bartender and asked for one of what was being served here, those two walked in as the person had their back turn, and then suddenly saw more people in the same uniform and had to get some more. As a result, the two Gunners walked in...and were automatically handed two drinks. They were also informed of {A} beds (though Isaac had heard mention of that by Jean outside) and {B} baths. Holy shit, this place was truly a weighstation of paradise or something. Food, drink, the ability to get clean, and the ability to get rest. He looked at Britta, who had perked up at hearing these things. With a shared gesture of 'Bottoms up', the two tipped their bottles up and began to drink the house brew.
Time passed, and Isaac had used it on various conversations among Feds and Imperials alike, trying to explain situations and learn things. For instance, he had attempted to - while he was still relatively sober - gain information about the armored cars from a very inebriated Imperial soldier.
"How the hell did you get those machine gun cars?"
"We built them of course!"
"No, I mean how'd you get them here and nobody in all the Federation around here knew that?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you!"
"I don't believe it NOW, and I've seen one of these things!"
...then explain his circumstances to Fed and Imps alike while getting a bit gabby from having a few drinks...
"Look, I get it, alright? You all think you need to trade bullets, but you've got it all wrong. You need to trade money to get what you want. I don't need this war. You guys started it. You're the ones who decided that a simple bloody farmer - a man who makes you the FOOD you put on the table - should be off fighting your war. I was just minding my own business. It isn't fair that I have to deal with this when other people have got to eat. I raise cows and wolves and shit, dammit! What? No, not actually raising shit."
...and then, finally, comparing rotten COs.
"Oh, you think you have it bad? I've only been in this outfit two battles and I hate it, and I hate my commanding officer, of course. Now, I'm not going to name 'im because he'll literally kill people over this, but I have to... I have to... Hold on, I got this."
He stood up near the bar and got people's attention with a combination of knocking on the bar counter and going "Hey!". He then spoke in a manner that was surprisingly solemn and meaningful...which was thoroughly unsuitable for what he was about to say.
"I would like to propose a toast. Out there somewhere, far and away from the ensuing violence...probably...is a man with no morality, no sense of decency at all. He'll have you shot for desertion. He'll have you shot for insubbordination. He'll have you shot if you even call him the wrong name. ...fortunately, he's not HERE."
He'd checked. Isaac now raised his drink.
"To the ultimate asshole, Captain Grumpus."
Isaac snerked and drank his drink. He hoped that Middleton got wind of this, but with no context or details to give it clarity. I mean, look at some of the Imperials and the Feds who all raised their glasses. They don't even know who he's talking about! They just did it to be funny and they'd probably spread rumors or something! At least, he hoped they did, 'cause that would be funny as hell.
Meanwhile, Britta had had a couple of drinks, and then eyed a nice bottle of scotch that the bartender had. She asked to use it, fully intending to have a private word with Isaac. He'd wanted to speak to her about something before and...so did she, actually. Now was as good a time as any. After convincing the 'tender to say yes, she got two glasses and strode over to him.
"Isaac, do you think I could borrow you for a while?"
"It is possible, but I know for a fact that my legs have gone a bit stumbly."
"I can handle it. Follow me, or stumble and let me give you a hand."
"Alrighty. Lead the way."
They would be taking a room for this.
The reason he did not get up well was because his sleep was fitful, cold, and there'd been one moment he awoke with a start. His dreams had been the kind of disturbing imagery you'd expect: He was opening fire on Hill 58 and gunning down the cavalry that they'd all been around to see and hear shriek its last. In the middle of it all, he thought he'd heard a faint howl and that's where his eyes shot open. He thought he'd heard something, and thought he'd felt something. It was impossible to determine whether anything he'd heard was not a part of his dream, because nothing else seemed to present itself as evidence. As for what he felt, it was like someone jostled him slightly, and as Isaac checked, he discovered that that was exactly what had happened. Britta had been asleep next to him and for whatever reason - cold, nightmares, etc. - she had sought another and wound up leaning against it. No objections, he tried to go back to sleep, found maybe a bit more time of what he assumed was sleep, and then they were all told to get up. The passage of time was truly a mystery to one who is asleep, and so Isaac felt groggy, muggy, and dead.
Things would improve, later on. For now, though, he picked himself up and so did Britta. The silver-haired gunner seemed distracted, as well, and the reason was that her dreams hadn't been any better than Isaac's. Hers...was that she was pinned down in that room without Isaac, Ines, or Gwyn...and that it was the armored car that was doing the pinning. It didn't look to Isaac that now was the time for talking. Neither of them were in any great mental condition, you see, and they needed all the mental strength they had for machine gun overwatch. So, that was what they focused on. Now, you'd probably say that everyone should check their weapon for any sort of problems before heading out, but the two Gunners knew that their weapons were practically new. The only REAL concern was ammo count. Yes, you hope you find the enemy having some ammo for you to use once they're dead, but the truth is that Isaac and Britta's steady stream of kills did not leave them with much in the way of recup'd ammo. There hadn't been all that many Gunners on the streets here. Not unlike the machine guns on Hill 58. Now, fortunately, the point of a Gunner was that they filled you up with ammo so that you don't run into such problems easily. It's just that these two had the most people dead of all the people in the 15th. That still drank a fair chunk of their respective supplies. It would've been pretty bad if they'd wasted much ammo on the armored car.
It was very foggy outside... It reminded Isaac of the most temperate climates of Edinburgh. No city of his area was safe, and even the farm suffered from it, a bit. The fog was always thick in Hadleigh, and when he went into town, you ran the risk of running right into someone. Into...into... Isaac's eyes widened in realization. When he was a kid, he'd gotten lost in the fog and separated from his parents, and instead bumped into Mila Wagner! THAT was where he'd seen her! She was a wealthy socialite in Hadleigh, though at the time, Isaac had just thought of her as a stuck-up kid. It was a foggy day, he'd gottan lost, they bumped into each other, she got indignant on him, he shouted back, and it was after an argument about their given lifestyles and why theirs was the best...that Isaac's parents found him and that they could go home now.
Damn, and I didn't even attempt to make up with her. At least I know WHY she seemed so familiar now.
People began to pay more attention to the day once Jean basically called to attention and explained the plan for the day, which was to keep moving - carefully and quietly - under the concealment of the fog. It was a good idea, of course, but then it also meant their own visibility was going to be shit. Jean...probably shouldn't have mentioned the idea of the machine gun car deciding to take a 'liking' to them, as in a liking to use them all for target practice. Starting the day with 'We have to keep moving and keep ahead of the enemy' is fine, but don't add 'By the way, we might get hit by that armored monstrosity again'. That's what you call a morale no-no. Everybody knows that it could be lurking with intent. They didn't need it in their faces like that.
So! They moved out into the spooky foggy day. Visibility was, of course, very poor...which is why they had to be quiet. With thick enough fog, this was what the enemy would be looking for. Why did Isaac know? Because he was trained for this. There's alot of machine gun drills revolving around finding the best opportunities to spray an area with gunfire. In this particular case, he had been blindfolded and put in a constructed tower, then asked to determine the alligiance from sound along. Footsteps said nothing. Unless your man was sneaking around and the area was controlled strictly by your side, you couldn't tell if a man walking around was disreputable and kill-worthy or not. Even still, you get people who would fire anyway, and who wants to be at the business end of THAT? So, they tell you to be quiet anyway, just in case of trigger-happy fools, AND because it's your chatter that gives you away. Your accent and mode of speech is as damning as a fingerprint. You will marvel at how an Imperial soldier - Nay, any soldier at all - can tell the difference between an Imperial and some farmer from Hadleigh in Edinburgh. Or at least, he'll know it's not an Imperial territory dialect and shoot. They were spared this as they moved along and found indicators of something called a White Heart. Isaac had no idea. He turned to Britta, and the Gunner lady had a good answer for him.
"White Heart?"
"Could be a hospital."
Now, you ask if Isaac, Britta, Reyna, and everyone else noticed Jean's change in general action, and we will say 'Yes' to the two Gunners noticing. Not that Isaac disapproved, per se, of him wanting to look ahead for the safety of others, but his talk with Jean had revealed much, and he had been giving off the kind of talk a suicidal man might have. Asserting yourself is fine, but throwing yourself into something was definitely unhealthy. Isaac kind of hoped that nothing bad was going to happen to him as a result of this turn-of-a-new-leaf. There was...something up ahead, presumably whatever White Heart was. Whatever Jean was hearing from the fog, Everyone else would pick it up a bit fainter, but...that was people, wasn't it?
This was where someone called out, and Jean was approached by a man. They seemed to talk and...wasn't that an Imperial soldier with a bunch of medals? What's going on here? A man that decorated doesn't get that way by openly talking to a high-strung Jean with a rifle. When no promise of violence occurred from either men or anyone out in the fog, Jean lowered his weapon. After that, Gwyn and Luke decided 'The hell with it' and approached. Isaac wanted to, as well, but let's be perfectly honest here: You want him watching your back - and Britta his - instead of sauntering on up to give off the old 'What's all this, then?'. There's no question of it. It was his job, and he had to either be prepared to fire at a moment's notice, or wait for some indication that things were more relieving.
"Thoughts, Britta?"
"If it's a hospital, it's sounding awfully jovial. Wish this fog would clear up. I can't see it clearly."
After a further lack of gunfire or maybe even a sudden stabbing by the man talking to Jean, it became apparent that - for some reason - there wasn't going to be any battle here. Okay...and that left what, then? Well, in Isaac's case, enough was enough. Time to approach the place and see what the hell was going on. Isaac's vision became Jean's as he was able to see the building and...it was an inn! It was a most substantial inn. And yes, they were going IN the inn. Jean appeared to be taking the gracious invitation of...the Green Fox.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The full story of the White Heart Inn became apparent once they'd walked in. Neutral inn, open to everyone and demanding that everyone behave...within reason. Obviously, this place was for the purpose of removing one's frustrations, and that comes in many forms. Now, Isaac and Britta had come in after Ines had finished talking to...someone. Didn't catch who that was. No big deal, though, because after she apparently turned to the bartender and asked for one of what was being served here, those two walked in as the person had their back turn, and then suddenly saw more people in the same uniform and had to get some more. As a result, the two Gunners walked in...and were automatically handed two drinks. They were also informed of {A} beds (though Isaac had heard mention of that by Jean outside) and {B} baths. Holy shit, this place was truly a weighstation of paradise or something. Food, drink, the ability to get clean, and the ability to get rest. He looked at Britta, who had perked up at hearing these things. With a shared gesture of 'Bottoms up', the two tipped their bottles up and began to drink the house brew.
Time passed, and Isaac had used it on various conversations among Feds and Imperials alike, trying to explain situations and learn things. For instance, he had attempted to - while he was still relatively sober - gain information about the armored cars from a very inebriated Imperial soldier.
"How the hell did you get those machine gun cars?"
"We built them of course!"
"No, I mean how'd you get them here and nobody in all the Federation around here knew that?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you!"
"I don't believe it NOW, and I've seen one of these things!"
...then explain his circumstances to Fed and Imps alike while getting a bit gabby from having a few drinks...
"Look, I get it, alright? You all think you need to trade bullets, but you've got it all wrong. You need to trade money to get what you want. I don't need this war. You guys started it. You're the ones who decided that a simple bloody farmer - a man who makes you the FOOD you put on the table - should be off fighting your war. I was just minding my own business. It isn't fair that I have to deal with this when other people have got to eat. I raise cows and wolves and shit, dammit! What? No, not actually raising shit."
...and then, finally, comparing rotten COs.
"Oh, you think you have it bad? I've only been in this outfit two battles and I hate it, and I hate my commanding officer, of course. Now, I'm not going to name 'im because he'll literally kill people over this, but I have to... I have to... Hold on, I got this."
He stood up near the bar and got people's attention with a combination of knocking on the bar counter and going "Hey!". He then spoke in a manner that was surprisingly solemn and meaningful...which was thoroughly unsuitable for what he was about to say.
"I would like to propose a toast. Out there somewhere, far and away from the ensuing violence...probably...is a man with no morality, no sense of decency at all. He'll have you shot for desertion. He'll have you shot for insubbordination. He'll have you shot if you even call him the wrong name. ...fortunately, he's not HERE."
He'd checked. Isaac now raised his drink.
"To the ultimate asshole, Captain Grumpus."
Isaac snerked and drank his drink. He hoped that Middleton got wind of this, but with no context or details to give it clarity. I mean, look at some of the Imperials and the Feds who all raised their glasses. They don't even know who he's talking about! They just did it to be funny and they'd probably spread rumors or something! At least, he hoped they did, 'cause that would be funny as hell.
Meanwhile, Britta had had a couple of drinks, and then eyed a nice bottle of scotch that the bartender had. She asked to use it, fully intending to have a private word with Isaac. He'd wanted to speak to her about something before and...so did she, actually. Now was as good a time as any. After convincing the 'tender to say yes, she got two glasses and strode over to him.
"Isaac, do you think I could borrow you for a while?"
"It is possible, but I know for a fact that my legs have gone a bit stumbly."
"I can handle it. Follow me, or stumble and let me give you a hand."
"Alrighty. Lead the way."
They would be taking a room for this.
This is going to require ALOT of updating from the me part...
ISAAC BLACK
Britta Hagen
If it's any consolation to Lucia, the soldier who shot Michael was probably dead, unless he or she was in that monstrous armored machine gun car. Many of the soldiers out there had been gunned down by Isaac and Britta, and those who hadn't made it into buildings...where it was in all likelyhood that Ines, Jean, or anybody else who found such a soldier ended their lives. It would've been ironic if Jean was the very one who killed the one who injured Michael, in fact, or even Franz... It wouldn't sit well if Franz had helped out the one who shot the short sapper, but let's leave that for later. The truth of things was that despite the shock and terror of the attack, they had managed to acquit themselves well, back there, once again shedding human lives at the cost of their sanity. And while some were still in one piece, others were hurting badly.
All he could do was attempt to balance it all, somehow, because the people he worked with cracked themselves to pieces.
His own attempts to talk to Jean were an attempt to reach him, saying 'I'm here and I want to help, hell or high water.'. Nevermind if it was right or smart, for now. It needed to be done. There were already enough times, thus far, that Isaac wanted to take the brunt of Jean's pressures off of him, to soak up some of the pain and leave him just a little more secure in his mind. Isaac's anger towards his situation staved off thoughts of despair, but the thought of others not coping in that kind of perseverence made him feel bad. He should ask Britta about this later, though, as a thought about all this struck him. Well, if she was still up. Anyway, to Jean's predicament, which the Lance-Corporal remained jokingly asleep until the silence was broken.
Broken silence, broken spirits. Jean had tossed over a picture of a young lady in uniform, one that he identified as his sister, deceased. She was a casualty of the war during a fight on the Raloth River, and this among other things was on Jean's fragile mind. And we don't say that to give off the impression that the Corporal was losing his mind, but he was a caring sort, and his cup runneth over with blood and bad memories. He was drowning in 'em. He started to tell him the whole story, or enough of this particular one out of the jumble that may be laying at his feet, taking back the photo. Olivia was gone, and the rest of his family were, as well, and all because of goddamn race hatred. He was angry at Luke for his stupid big mouth and at himself for being just as pissed off that he had one. He had no one left in his life, except for maybe what he had here. And then he made a comment about two in particular that he...well...he didn't exactly say, but in his state...it wouldn't be hard for Isaac to piece together a few things, especially because of the poetry from before.
He isn't just pulling them towards him because he's good. He's in desperate need of their comfort.
Isaac let Jean pour out, just listening for the moment and not interrupting. He had stopped pretending to be asleep after he'd looked upon the photo of Olivia, and had just been looking his way, watching him carefully. The young Corporal wasn't thinking of suicide, but you know that someone who says 'I have nothing to live for!' isn't exactly thinking much for the long life he has ahead of him. That broken, terrified soldier...we back at the beginning of this, before the charge... Good god, to look back at him now... Was he even alive still, or did he buy it on the very day they all went out onto Hill 58? As Isaac was wondering this, Jean started ordering him to go, to leave him be. Dammit, not now, Jean! It's not to say that he had to respect the chain of command, because Jean wasn't really ordering him like a Middleton. He was pleading for him to go, and while Isaac didn't want to...it was a little hard to ignore what he was asking right now. Having already pushed, the Lance had only one recourse if he wanted to keep Jean's friendship and mutual understanding.
"Alright, alright... You win."
He got up to his feet, and then paused.
"I'm gonna process this, for now, but there's one thing you're mistaken about. You DO have friends. Or at least, I am."
He was resonating with everyone, right? That was another word for being friendly, understanding, even caring. It fit well enough. Isaac stepped away from Jean now. He found Britta not yet asleep yet and got down nearby after making sure everyone seemed at least comfortable.
"Well?"
"Everyone is intact, mostly. Lucia is worried about Michael, but I think he'll be okay. Ines looked like she'd been watching me, watching Jean..."
"And how is Jean?"
"Not good, but I think you guessed that as much as I did. I've done what I can, though, hopefully do more later when he can stand it. What about you? What's keeping you up?"
"Franz... He said he was okay, but you know there are people who say they're okay when they're really not?"
Isaac thought about it, and then nodded at her.
"It seems like he's got too much to think about, as well. Maybe it isn't the same impact as Jean, but it's not nothing, despite him insisting so."
"You'd have to be crazy to say there's nothing wrong with you."
"Anything wrong with you?"
"Yup."
"Wanna tell me about it?"
"Later. Been meaning to ask, but...actually tired now. Gonna go to sleep for real now."
He wasn't kidding, either. People like Jean were emotionally draining, to themselves and to others. They were good people hurt bad. It was inevitable. Britta watched Isaac close his eyes and drift off to sleep. She looked around to see if anyone was having any immediate troubles, then turned back to the Lance-Corporal for a moment.
Something he'd been meaning to ask... Yeah, me too.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
RIKES
Dull. Dull, dull, dull...and wet. Smelled wet. Hated the wet. The outside smelled of damp, of wet things putrifying, and he didn't like it. Only reason it wafted in was because of the window open in the upper room for the lookout, but the lookout wasn't looking out because it was so rainy out. The lookout would just get his stuff wet if he did more than look around the immediate area. The downstairs remained warm enough, but the smell of it made him groan. A sympathetic pat on the head answered his call, though, so it wasn't all bad. He remained on the carpet, not too far from the seated others, who did things at low light with the windows blocked so the light couldn't get out.
Time passed.
He dozed.
Then...noise.
Something different, a sound drew his ears up, his body taut as he stood up and growled low in warning. The others got to their feet and the one upstairs hissed down "It's ours!". He was then asked to settle down and he did. Apparently not an enemy, then. The door was unlocked after someone on the outside knock-knock...knock...knock-knock-knocked. The door was opened, briefly, and a wet man came in.
"What're you doing? You know we're in a heavily-contested area, spying on enemy movements. You could blow our cover!"
"I know, I know, but this was too important. Things may or may not change drastically, because of it."
"Well, let's have it."
"Major Willis is dead."
The room fell quiet, felt grim. He didn't know why, exactly. He didn't understand the explanation that followed. It was somehow important to them, and that meant that the wet man was no longer unwelcome, but rather the news he brought. All he knew was that something bad had happened, something important was lost. Maybe that's all that needed to be said.
The thing about calling her by name was about what she was comfortable with...and also sort of a humbling thing. Kate didn't think of herself as important, even though she had knowledge and precision operation in Titan-killing down to a T. She didn't have her mother's talent, exactly, and she didn't want to take over for her, just yet, because the real Dr. Bellows had been, in her eyes, irreplaceable. She had been there too. In fact, she was there for the sudden initial blast that was the Colossal Titan's very first kick. And...you know how that was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The gate had exploded. Several people were instantly killed while others were injured. Everything was in disarray, panic was in the streets already. Among some of that rubble was a brown-haired woman with a pair of broken glasses who'd been hit by a number of rocks while thrown by the shockwave and was lying near a torn-up shop, adbent-mindedly running her head through some calculations to distract herself from the pain. She was still doing such when her teenaged daughter found her.
"...so we must conclude that the ratio of the force indicated by the blast was equal to the mass of a leg several times larger than a creature that size needs to stand up, even though..."
"Mom!"
"Ah... There's my little protege'. How are you, my dear?"
"Mom, we have to go. It isn't safe!"
"I'm broken, sweetheart... Couldn't move if my life depended on it."
"Then, lemme take you somewhere they can fix you!"
The woman narrowed her view and her casually-delirious tone vanished.
"Katherine, you know there isn't time, and that I'd probably die on the way. Leave me now and save yourself."
"But...I..."
"I know, I know, but they're coming...and I won't let them take me."
The Colossal Titan having moved its foot, the entryway was now free for Titans to filter in. Myra Bellows touched Katherine's cheek with a smile.
"You are the best years of my life. Now, go."
She went...and rather weirdly, the last thing she heard from her mother was of her blowing a raspberry at one...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Her time trying to engage with others outside of the friends she had was hard, and she had withdrawn into herself for a while, to the point where it might've seemed like she relapsed. This wasn't much worse than others around her, of course. Eren had lost his parents, which were Mikasa's surrogate family, as well. Armin had also lost everything. Really, was there anyone who hadn't lost nearly if not completely all when this tragedy started? Still, it all made authority a bit scary to Kate, taking time to eventually work it all out in her head, especially when her Aunt discovered her. That all rather-neatly landed her in their current situation, where Kate could just about manage to get a seemingly-cold-but-perhaps-not-really Lieutenant warm up a little.
"I'd...rather call you Sara, than Lieutenant Reinhardt, myself. Don't worry, though. I won't be like Aunt Hange..."
So, she won't be overly-dramatic or eliminating personal space without consent? Thank goodness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The gate had exploded. Several people were instantly killed while others were injured. Everything was in disarray, panic was in the streets already. Among some of that rubble was a brown-haired woman with a pair of broken glasses who'd been hit by a number of rocks while thrown by the shockwave and was lying near a torn-up shop, adbent-mindedly running her head through some calculations to distract herself from the pain. She was still doing such when her teenaged daughter found her.
"...so we must conclude that the ratio of the force indicated by the blast was equal to the mass of a leg several times larger than a creature that size needs to stand up, even though..."
"Mom!"
"Ah... There's my little protege'. How are you, my dear?"
"Mom, we have to go. It isn't safe!"
"I'm broken, sweetheart... Couldn't move if my life depended on it."
"Then, lemme take you somewhere they can fix you!"
The woman narrowed her view and her casually-delirious tone vanished.
"Katherine, you know there isn't time, and that I'd probably die on the way. Leave me now and save yourself."
"But...I..."
"I know, I know, but they're coming...and I won't let them take me."
The Colossal Titan having moved its foot, the entryway was now free for Titans to filter in. Myra Bellows touched Katherine's cheek with a smile.
"You are the best years of my life. Now, go."
She went...and rather weirdly, the last thing she heard from her mother was of her blowing a raspberry at one...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Her time trying to engage with others outside of the friends she had was hard, and she had withdrawn into herself for a while, to the point where it might've seemed like she relapsed. This wasn't much worse than others around her, of course. Eren had lost his parents, which were Mikasa's surrogate family, as well. Armin had also lost everything. Really, was there anyone who hadn't lost nearly if not completely all when this tragedy started? Still, it all made authority a bit scary to Kate, taking time to eventually work it all out in her head, especially when her Aunt discovered her. That all rather-neatly landed her in their current situation, where Kate could just about manage to get a seemingly-cold-but-perhaps-not-really Lieutenant warm up a little.
"I'd...rather call you Sara, than Lieutenant Reinhardt, myself. Don't worry, though. I won't be like Aunt Hange..."
So, she won't be overly-dramatic or eliminating personal space without consent? Thank goodness.
Yes, it did seem like she had come over to Sara with this thing because she would be in the know and would not give her hell over it. The Lieutenant - while she had been cold to people in the past - also seemed to have a certain soft side that Kate had been noticing. Eren could have ended up in alot of bad ways, but in her own way, she had shown that she cared for the plight of others as more than just doing the job or following orders. What is it they referred to this as? Going above and beyond the call of duty? Yes, that sounded right. Although, this was more like delving deeper into the heart of humanity, given the situation. In either case, it was a great quality to have, and definitely great to see it in a person like Sara Reinhardt.
In Kate's world of trying to make sense of the world and all the people in it, the people who behaved irrationally toward's Eren's plight seemed less and less human, and more like unthinking animals. The things they said back there... The MPs were a bunch of scared roaches, and it was deplorable. The first real victory, and they were prepared to waste it... Well, that was over now, and in light of that, Kate had indeed been getting a little more proactive with her work, her smile broadening as Sara remarked.
"I'll be demonstrating it at the base."
Plans were in motion, then. Now, while Kate was eating, she actually stopped when she heard Sara curse. She wasn't sure why it was she did that, at least not without noticing after a second that she was apparently rather tired. This seemed a good a time as any to broach a particular subject, something that'd been standing out to her that need not be, at least not with her. So, after a moment...
"You really don't have to be formal with me, you know. Everyone knows that I don't... I really don't think that way, about title and position and stuff. Makes me uncomfortable. Maybe one day I'll be Dr. Bellows...but right now I'm just Kate, or Katherine. Whichever works."
Because someone like Sara, who helped out a friend of hers, deserved to BE a friend, to be someone Kate cared about.
In Kate's world of trying to make sense of the world and all the people in it, the people who behaved irrationally toward's Eren's plight seemed less and less human, and more like unthinking animals. The things they said back there... The MPs were a bunch of scared roaches, and it was deplorable. The first real victory, and they were prepared to waste it... Well, that was over now, and in light of that, Kate had indeed been getting a little more proactive with her work, her smile broadening as Sara remarked.
"I'll be demonstrating it at the base."
Plans were in motion, then. Now, while Kate was eating, she actually stopped when she heard Sara curse. She wasn't sure why it was she did that, at least not without noticing after a second that she was apparently rather tired. This seemed a good a time as any to broach a particular subject, something that'd been standing out to her that need not be, at least not with her. So, after a moment...
"You really don't have to be formal with me, you know. Everyone knows that I don't... I really don't think that way, about title and position and stuff. Makes me uncomfortable. Maybe one day I'll be Dr. Bellows...but right now I'm just Kate, or Katherine. Whichever works."
Because someone like Sara, who helped out a friend of hers, deserved to BE a friend, to be someone Kate cared about.
With Eren's situation squared away and the young man himself out of harm's way, there was at least a brief moment of calm, at least until the morning. So, for instance, now...people were taking their evening meal. Speaking of Katherine, though, she hadn't shown up like everybody else, not at the same time. In fact, it would be around the time Sara was finishing her meal that the light-haired lass would hear a telltale rolling sound. It was a distinct sort of noise. It was big, heavy, and wood. It was almost like a log, you might say. It wasn't a bad guess to take, even. In fact, better than bad, it was good, because the real answer was a loaded wooden barrel
In fact, looking over at the source of the sound, one might say that it was a powder keg, except that it was labeled 'Beans'.
The propellor of this rolling container took a steady path to the kitchen to get her food, obtained the night's meal, and then actually headed over in Sara's direction to take a seat nearby, steadying the barrel with using some deft foot control before making use of the salt and pepper on her meal. Kate Bellows treated this odd action like it was nothing. Whether it was actually nothing or not would require some probing, if one was up to it, because instead of explaining this business, the Brunette spoke thusly while enjoying her meal.
"I know the Elites didn't really take to the Titan-Shredders, since it doesn't mesh with their overall technique, but copies will be in circulation by the expedition, and I think they will like the new weapon."
Or was that an explanation? Those probably weren't beans in that keg. It was probably exactly what you think it is in there, and that means that Kate was planning on firing something, blowing something up, or both. The smirk on the girl's face said she was definitely looking forward to this. Despite the length of the day and what they'd had to do, she still had the time and energy for mischief, it seemed.
In fact, looking over at the source of the sound, one might say that it was a powder keg, except that it was labeled 'Beans'.
The propellor of this rolling container took a steady path to the kitchen to get her food, obtained the night's meal, and then actually headed over in Sara's direction to take a seat nearby, steadying the barrel with using some deft foot control before making use of the salt and pepper on her meal. Kate Bellows treated this odd action like it was nothing. Whether it was actually nothing or not would require some probing, if one was up to it, because instead of explaining this business, the Brunette spoke thusly while enjoying her meal.
"I know the Elites didn't really take to the Titan-Shredders, since it doesn't mesh with their overall technique, but copies will be in circulation by the expedition, and I think they will like the new weapon."
Or was that an explanation? Those probably weren't beans in that keg. It was probably exactly what you think it is in there, and that means that Kate was planning on firing something, blowing something up, or both. The smirk on the girl's face said she was definitely looking forward to this. Despite the length of the day and what they'd had to do, she still had the time and energy for mischief, it seemed.
Okay, it was kind of obvious that Jean had suffered another Jean Moment, but he didn't wanna talk about it. For those of you at home, Isaac was starting to call every sort of circumstance that seemingly breaks or close-to-breaks his Darcsen friend a Jean Moment. It's a description fitting for any event that 'Jean wasn't ready to handle, but he had to do it anyway'. This was also something you could call a Lucia Moment, because the Asseni girl wasn't exactly in a different spot than Jean, at times, or even possibly 'Franz will flip his shit', but we won't be saying that one out-loud. Still, Jean didn't really want to talk about it. They'd attacked, something not-great happened, and now they were gone, leaving some hurt and shell-shocked. Michael was hurt. Was it about Michael? Isaac nodded at his thanks, not wanting to leave it at that, but Jean was practically giving him orders to leave it.
With that in mind, he walked off to 'prepare for departure', which is to say 'look around and make sure nobody is about to ambush them' while Britta was engaged in brief conversation with Franz. Yes, we're back to Franz, who also denied that anything was wrong, when it was plenty clear that something was off. It wasn't for lack of experience, as he claimed it, though. As for Britta...
"I'm alright, for the most part. It's just a bit exhausting, watching over everyone, making sure that nobody about to take us unawares. I don't smoke, sorry."
"I'll take one, just in case."
Isaac had seen the offered ciggy and just sort of yoinked it, in passing. Hey, it was freely given, and while he had never really gotten into the habit, his father always said that the occasional break from the healthy wasn't too bad. Britta, meanwhile, felt bad that Franz wasn't really comfortable talking about what was bothering him. Freya was pretty sure there was stuff up with the likes of Jean, Franz, Lucia...and all of this was basically first impressions, and she was right, of course. If a relative newcomer could pick it out, then it was pretty obvious, and yet Franz was sealed up tight. Damn...
After a short while, Jean gathered himself to speak to everybody. Jean was trying to find strength in this moment.
"Well, they DID say it wasn't gonna be easy to get there."
Specifically, the group they met here said that. Didn't they? Weren't they the ones who expressed how difficult it was...and then a new armored weapon killed the lot of them, if not a good chunk of them? As they all got into 'formation' to go - Isaac and Britta naturally positioned to protect the squad with rapid-fire 'Piss off!' - Isaac found himself thinking about that machine. It was kind of freaky, coming up with a device like that. It was secure from next to all the gunfire and perhaps even the grenades. Although, thinking about it...it couldn't do much if you were right next to it. Oh yeah, drive around, but how much room was there to maneuver in these streets, really? Realistically, you could only be there to do your thing or bugger off, unless you had someone there to keep people from crawling all over your armored self. That was where a crazy idea about jumping onto one of these things and using this prybar device he had was coming from in Isaac's head. He kind of had to think about it, because this wouldn't be the last of those they ever saw. They needed to have a plan when they saw one again, and that meant thinking in terms of 'even if we don't have explosives'.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Time passed.
They'd been in and out of buildings, hit by rain or sheltered by the still-intact parts of this massive city. They had been, as per the intent to preserve the squad, meticulous and cautious in their progress towards the target tunnels. Currently, they were out in the rain, which was not altogether pleasant. The only advantage it had was that the noise of it covered (sort of) the noise of their passing. Providing there wasn't some kind of huge splash involved, they were masked, it seemed. Isaac as feeling some of the strain of watching every shadow, and having to simultaneously be sure of whether or not it was an attacker...and having to check himself from making an unwarranted noise that could draw attention. We'll skip the play-by-play of that matter and just simply state 'Mostly no, but a couple times yes'.
Ahead lay a building that could be potential shelter from the weather, and in fact would suffice, as there was nobody inside. It was largely empty, though, and those that were hurt were taking the beds. Fair enough. Jean also announced that he would be taking first watch. That was not out of necessity. That was out of things just bugging the hell out of him, Isaac was sure. As tired as Isaac's own eyes were, he felt that this was kind of a bad idea. It left him uncertain on the matter. Someone had to keep watch when both Gunners were getting eye-strain. And make no mistake, Britta may not have wanted to show it, but she was fatigued in her fatigues, as well. As people were settling in now, he heard Luke call for a match for his cigarette. That actually made Isaac snort with amusement. He forgot to even ask for one, himself. Ah well. He didn't wanna try it on, just now, anyway. He was looking to make sure that everybody else was okay or at least intact, then looked back at Jean before he spoke to Britta.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"'I could sleep anywhere, even the floor'?"
"That too, but I'm not going down just yet."
"Isaac, you need it."
"So do you, but I won't rest easy without saying my peace, at least. Come one, you'd do this too."
"I'd pick a better time."
"If there was one. Just let me. Get some rest."
She did so, at a spot where she thought she could draw her weapon and shot someone coming in, if necessary. Some out-of-the-way spot like that... Isaac nonchalantly slumped down not far from the chair that Jean had not-quite-managed to get into. He just sort of got down on his back, eyes shut, and then after a moment of silence...
"I'm doing as you asked, but I'm talking in my sleep now. I don't actually hear you IN my sleep, so you can't order me silent."
This was all bullshit, of course, but Isaac continued.
"So, are you gonna talk about it, or do I have to talk about how I'm starting to see us in the charge at the end of my machine gun?"
With that in mind, he walked off to 'prepare for departure', which is to say 'look around and make sure nobody is about to ambush them' while Britta was engaged in brief conversation with Franz. Yes, we're back to Franz, who also denied that anything was wrong, when it was plenty clear that something was off. It wasn't for lack of experience, as he claimed it, though. As for Britta...
"I'm alright, for the most part. It's just a bit exhausting, watching over everyone, making sure that nobody about to take us unawares. I don't smoke, sorry."
"I'll take one, just in case."
Isaac had seen the offered ciggy and just sort of yoinked it, in passing. Hey, it was freely given, and while he had never really gotten into the habit, his father always said that the occasional break from the healthy wasn't too bad. Britta, meanwhile, felt bad that Franz wasn't really comfortable talking about what was bothering him. Freya was pretty sure there was stuff up with the likes of Jean, Franz, Lucia...and all of this was basically first impressions, and she was right, of course. If a relative newcomer could pick it out, then it was pretty obvious, and yet Franz was sealed up tight. Damn...
After a short while, Jean gathered himself to speak to everybody. Jean was trying to find strength in this moment.
"Well, they DID say it wasn't gonna be easy to get there."
Specifically, the group they met here said that. Didn't they? Weren't they the ones who expressed how difficult it was...and then a new armored weapon killed the lot of them, if not a good chunk of them? As they all got into 'formation' to go - Isaac and Britta naturally positioned to protect the squad with rapid-fire 'Piss off!' - Isaac found himself thinking about that machine. It was kind of freaky, coming up with a device like that. It was secure from next to all the gunfire and perhaps even the grenades. Although, thinking about it...it couldn't do much if you were right next to it. Oh yeah, drive around, but how much room was there to maneuver in these streets, really? Realistically, you could only be there to do your thing or bugger off, unless you had someone there to keep people from crawling all over your armored self. That was where a crazy idea about jumping onto one of these things and using this prybar device he had was coming from in Isaac's head. He kind of had to think about it, because this wouldn't be the last of those they ever saw. They needed to have a plan when they saw one again, and that meant thinking in terms of 'even if we don't have explosives'.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Time passed.
They'd been in and out of buildings, hit by rain or sheltered by the still-intact parts of this massive city. They had been, as per the intent to preserve the squad, meticulous and cautious in their progress towards the target tunnels. Currently, they were out in the rain, which was not altogether pleasant. The only advantage it had was that the noise of it covered (sort of) the noise of their passing. Providing there wasn't some kind of huge splash involved, they were masked, it seemed. Isaac as feeling some of the strain of watching every shadow, and having to simultaneously be sure of whether or not it was an attacker...and having to check himself from making an unwarranted noise that could draw attention. We'll skip the play-by-play of that matter and just simply state 'Mostly no, but a couple times yes'.
Ahead lay a building that could be potential shelter from the weather, and in fact would suffice, as there was nobody inside. It was largely empty, though, and those that were hurt were taking the beds. Fair enough. Jean also announced that he would be taking first watch. That was not out of necessity. That was out of things just bugging the hell out of him, Isaac was sure. As tired as Isaac's own eyes were, he felt that this was kind of a bad idea. It left him uncertain on the matter. Someone had to keep watch when both Gunners were getting eye-strain. And make no mistake, Britta may not have wanted to show it, but she was fatigued in her fatigues, as well. As people were settling in now, he heard Luke call for a match for his cigarette. That actually made Isaac snort with amusement. He forgot to even ask for one, himself. Ah well. He didn't wanna try it on, just now, anyway. He was looking to make sure that everybody else was okay or at least intact, then looked back at Jean before he spoke to Britta.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"'I could sleep anywhere, even the floor'?"
"That too, but I'm not going down just yet."
"Isaac, you need it."
"So do you, but I won't rest easy without saying my peace, at least. Come one, you'd do this too."
"I'd pick a better time."
"If there was one. Just let me. Get some rest."
She did so, at a spot where she thought she could draw her weapon and shot someone coming in, if necessary. Some out-of-the-way spot like that... Isaac nonchalantly slumped down not far from the chair that Jean had not-quite-managed to get into. He just sort of got down on his back, eyes shut, and then after a moment of silence...
"I'm doing as you asked, but I'm talking in my sleep now. I don't actually hear you IN my sleep, so you can't order me silent."
This was all bullshit, of course, but Isaac continued.
"So, are you gonna talk about it, or do I have to talk about how I'm starting to see us in the charge at the end of my machine gun?"
Indeed, that fateful excursion was due to be rife with potential madness, but before that happened, there were a few other things that had to go on. It begins with Eren asking "So, what happens now?", and...him getting an answer. Maybe not the answer he or anybody wanted to hear, exactly, but it was the one that was inevitable. In short, Hange answered.
"Naturally, with this expedition in mind, we can hardly go into this unprepared. We need to understand how your change works, what its limits are, how we can control or at least direct it, and I believe we're all on the same page on where that should take place?"
She looked to the two other Commanders, who of course were in the know. Erwin nodded, knowing that he had Eren in good if...perhaps overly-anxious hands. He knew Hange would not get too overzealous with this, of course. The only real concern he had was imparted with just a look in Levi and Sara's direction. It was a simple gesture, but the message was clear: 'Your best wisdom on this matter, at all times.' He was positive that certain unknowns were about to come to light, things that he had remained silent on for the good of all, and would remain so until one of the others - or perhaps just Sara herself - broke such a silence. He was going to be busy organizing the expedition itself, and he had a few thoughts on who to assign that would help...
"I must go and get things underway, so I'll leave you in their charge now."
And with that, Erwin left the room. No doubt, they'd be putting Eren back in his cell - probably for his own good - to await heading out to the location in question in the morning. At the moment, Kate was actively distracted before realizing after Erwin left...
"I forgot to ask him for help in getting some of that powder, 'cause I think the MPs aren't gonna just give it after we took Eren from them."
"I'm sure we could sneak away with something on the way out, especially if you need to test them out first."
Speaking of ups and downs, there appeared to be plans of explosive powder theft going on right under their noses here...
"Naturally, with this expedition in mind, we can hardly go into this unprepared. We need to understand how your change works, what its limits are, how we can control or at least direct it, and I believe we're all on the same page on where that should take place?"
She looked to the two other Commanders, who of course were in the know. Erwin nodded, knowing that he had Eren in good if...perhaps overly-anxious hands. He knew Hange would not get too overzealous with this, of course. The only real concern he had was imparted with just a look in Levi and Sara's direction. It was a simple gesture, but the message was clear: 'Your best wisdom on this matter, at all times.' He was positive that certain unknowns were about to come to light, things that he had remained silent on for the good of all, and would remain so until one of the others - or perhaps just Sara herself - broke such a silence. He was going to be busy organizing the expedition itself, and he had a few thoughts on who to assign that would help...
"I must go and get things underway, so I'll leave you in their charge now."
And with that, Erwin left the room. No doubt, they'd be putting Eren back in his cell - probably for his own good - to await heading out to the location in question in the morning. At the moment, Kate was actively distracted before realizing after Erwin left...
"I forgot to ask him for help in getting some of that powder, 'cause I think the MPs aren't gonna just give it after we took Eren from them."
"I'm sure we could sneak away with something on the way out, especially if you need to test them out first."
Speaking of ups and downs, there appeared to be plans of explosive powder theft going on right under their noses here...
Only a very exclusive few were aware that there was more than one Titan-Shifter in the room, and it was gonna stay that way until it was important enough to blow that cover. One can only imagine what sort of things go through Sara's head in regards to that confidentiality. Did she fear being put into the same danger as Eren himself was in? Did she regret not revealing herself sooner and giving humanity an edge more publically? One can only guess, but the thing to know for sure was this: Those in this room who were fully-aware of Sara's secret nature believed that it should remain as one, because it truly does go further than 'Oh, we've had a Titan-Shifter this whole time.'. It was more like 'We've known that there are humans who become uniquely-dangerous Titans for a while now, and that knowledge is even more dangerous out in the open than it is quiet.'. After all, someone had to BE the enemy that kicked in the gates. If they knew about this, they'd never be so brazen in exposing themselves at the second wall.
Still, of the people who were in the know, Kate Bellows was not. She had walked into the room quietly, making no noise to disturb the others, no comments to interrupt them. At least, not until there was a great need to speak. This was the job and both the Commanders and Sara had the floor. She wasn't even going to greet her Aunt until she was focused away from Eren...which might take some time. As to Sara's question, Eren said "You seemed to believe in what I said, so I have to return the favor.". As stated beforre, he understood WHY she beat him, and it worked. So, while the Lieutenant was rather intimidating - right along with her cousin - at least things appeared to be alright now. She would see that Kate was indeed relieved, even smiling. It would be a hard road ahead, but now that they were walking the path, they would never stop until the end was reached.
"Will my friends be alright?"
And this is where Kate broke her silence.
"Nothing will happen to them, Eren. They'll be fine. The only problem is that, for obvious reasons, they can't go where you're going. You're our responsibility now, and by that token, everything you do reflects directly on us."
So, if he were to - say, for instance - go completely out of control and have to be put down, possibly killing people along the way...heads would roll, literally, as punishment. This sunk in deep into Eren's understanding...a very seriouss thing...which is why it was completely out from left field that Kate would suddenly get practically tackled and put into a tight deathgrip of affection by Hange Zoe.
"Katherine! When did you get here?! You've grown again, haven't you?!"
"...hi, Aunt Hange... You're the one who arrived unannounced... I've been here."
She released Kate, going "Oh yeah, that's a good point.", and then gripped her hands excitedly.
"I hear the Titan-Shredder is going to be approved for regular use! How's the new project coming along?"
"Got the basics of it down, but I'm gonna need a black powder supply to fill the heads. If I don't test a fully-operational prototype, we won't know how effective it is."
They're both getting that wild look in their eyes over - one would assume - some other invention or even mulitple inventions Kate was working on. What? You thought the Titan-Shredders would be the only thing she could make? Her mother perfected the wall cannons and railing system with a few measurements and some math. This kind of thing was running in the family!
Still, of the people who were in the know, Kate Bellows was not. She had walked into the room quietly, making no noise to disturb the others, no comments to interrupt them. At least, not until there was a great need to speak. This was the job and both the Commanders and Sara had the floor. She wasn't even going to greet her Aunt until she was focused away from Eren...which might take some time. As to Sara's question, Eren said "You seemed to believe in what I said, so I have to return the favor.". As stated beforre, he understood WHY she beat him, and it worked. So, while the Lieutenant was rather intimidating - right along with her cousin - at least things appeared to be alright now. She would see that Kate was indeed relieved, even smiling. It would be a hard road ahead, but now that they were walking the path, they would never stop until the end was reached.
"Will my friends be alright?"
And this is where Kate broke her silence.
"Nothing will happen to them, Eren. They'll be fine. The only problem is that, for obvious reasons, they can't go where you're going. You're our responsibility now, and by that token, everything you do reflects directly on us."
So, if he were to - say, for instance - go completely out of control and have to be put down, possibly killing people along the way...heads would roll, literally, as punishment. This sunk in deep into Eren's understanding...a very seriouss thing...which is why it was completely out from left field that Kate would suddenly get practically tackled and put into a tight deathgrip of affection by Hange Zoe.
"Katherine! When did you get here?! You've grown again, haven't you?!"
"...hi, Aunt Hange... You're the one who arrived unannounced... I've been here."
She released Kate, going "Oh yeah, that's a good point.", and then gripped her hands excitedly.
"I hear the Titan-Shredder is going to be approved for regular use! How's the new project coming along?"
"Got the basics of it down, but I'm gonna need a black powder supply to fill the heads. If I don't test a fully-operational prototype, we won't know how effective it is."
They're both getting that wild look in their eyes over - one would assume - some other invention or even mulitple inventions Kate was working on. What? You thought the Titan-Shredders would be the only thing she could make? Her mother perfected the wall cannons and railing system with a few measurements and some math. This kind of thing was running in the family!
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