Chapter 10. Leaders' talk. The Hero of of Trost.
The whole drama about Eren's powers in the fate of humanity began by the cowardice of a weak man. Kitz Woorman who was too afraid to forsee the situation and was officially relieved of his post and the role was transferred. The dispute was shifted by the quick thinking and words of hope and resolution of a single young soldier. Eric Langford. But the change in opinion he causes started an uproar and order began to fall apart. Thankfully the struggle was silenced by the intervention of one man. Dot Pixis. Supreme commander of the entire southern territory. The man given full authority and entrusted with the task of defending mankind's crucial remaining territory. He stationed all troops on stand by then took the group previously labelled as traitors to the wall and started to look around.
He looked down at the squirming beasts from above. He began to speak in his old and booze burned grouchy voice. "Nope, not you guys. Being eaten by a titan won't be so bad as long as its a sexy lady one". 'Geez talk about eccentric. This guy is as loopy as we are without any childhood massacre tragedies.' Eric wondered seeing his nonchalant view of the situation. They began to explain about how Eren remembered the cellar that held all the secrets and how he got injected by that and how it supposedly lead to how he obtained the titan ability. Also Eric confessed about how his dad left the journal that said how he got the fluid and he experimented with it and how his strenght came to be. "Are you serious? You saying the mystery doctor your dad met was my father?" Eren said loudly. "Yeah, at least that's where the evidence points to. And whatever dad did turned me into this. I didn't talk about it because it helped me in more ways than I can imagine, and virtually no side effects so I was cool. Whatever is going on with the world I can see now that there is a lot of human hands working behind it." Eric said with conviction. Armin peeped up "So that's why your eyes. . ." Eric replied "what about my eyes" . "I'm not sure but whenever you act crazy around a titan or get excited your eyes turn from powder blue to deep dark blue." Armin explained. "Really? That's creepy to know." Eric finished
"Yes yes we will deal with it later. So for now visiting that cellar should clear things up." The commander said. "We're not sure sir. But its a solid lead for now." Eric said again. "I see. Currently there is no way to validate your claims. But right now I'll catalogue everything in here" he said pointing to his temples. "However over the years of my time I innately have learned to differenciate between the presumtuous and the sincere so right now I personnally gurantee your safety" he said. This news relieved the four kids standing with him. Their shouldiers relaxed and they said "thank you sir." Sincerely.
"Now putting that aside let's focus on the task at hand. Cadet senior Eric Langford." Pixis continued. "Sir?" Eric replied. "I believe in your previous judgement strike on the poor captain you stated something like using this 'titan ability' and harnessing it for victory." The commander said with a mix of humour and seriousness. Eric feeling embarrased by his words scratched his head and said "Please sir, you make me sound like I'm the guilty one. But as for how to do this task you should ask Armin here sir, it was originally his idea." Eric started childishly innocent but switched to serious on his second sentence. "Okay, cadet Armin Arlert was it please explain. Do you think it can work?" His gaze shifted to Armin and he actually was a little nervous but nevertheless continued. "Yes sir. Thank you sir. Well my actual idea was simply that if Eren could control his titan body he could use it to lift the giant boulder to plug up the gate . . Sir." He said quite calmly feeling more confident in himself. "You see sir. I just. . . I just want everyone to see how Eren's ability could provide a solution to the it was only desperate survival tactic." He quaked while finishing. 'Impressive. He came up with that on the spot. That fool. If only he had a little more confidence in himself, he could be one of the best tactical officers.' Eric wondered seeing both Eren and Mikasa looking up to his words with a mixture of hope and amazement. " 'Desperate survival tactic' you say. That is a credible reason as any son." He pulled out his decorative canteen and took a swig. He then turned around and approached them. He kneeled before Eren's tired sitting form and asked him. "So what do you say cadet Yeager can you do it?" He held Eren's shoulders. "Say sir? I'm not sure. It is possible but at this point . . . I only know my power as much as you do." Eric began to drink some water that was given to them. Eren continued "I'm sorry sir. I kinda feel irresponsible for not giving you a straight answer."
"I think I was mistaken." Everyone's gazes snapped to the bald man. "Allow me to rephrase that. Will you do it?" Eren looked at him confused. The man gave an over the shoulder look to him. Eren followed and saw what he meant. The beautiful scenery of the massive plains of magnificient green land with a sparkling river dividing them all the way to the horizon. Eren immediately understood his meaning. "I'll do it. I don't know if I'll be able to seal that hole but no more doubt. I made a promise and I'll go for it. I'll do it." He said in a shaky tone but full of resolution. "Well said my boy. You have the heart of a lion.
As for you cadet Langford how would you like to lead this whole operation." Those words took him by surprise. He violently spat out the water he was drinking and coughed a few times. 'Did he he just say what I think he just said? Me lead as in commander. Even if temporary, commander is a coveted title soldiers would give their right arm and leg to obtain. And he is just giving it to me.' "I'm sorry sir. You said something about me leading?" He asked. "Yes you heard me right cadet senior. I think you are better suited to lead this whole operation as commander than me." He said with clarity. "But sir, I . . . I'm still just a cadet. This is my first battle as a soldier. I'm still too inexperienced to handle this kind of responsibility. I mean are you really trusting me with all of humanity's power and lives. I'm honoured you see me worthy sir but still. . . The soldiers won't trust me either." He stammared. This is the first time his friends saw this much doubt and disorient in their friend's face. "I know son but believe me when I say this. They are all lost troops down there but you have gained the trust of almost every cadet and the garrison also acknowledges you. They will be afraid but you can do it. You can convince them all. I actually took the liberty to speak to many of the others. To the middle guard soldiers you are already a hero. I personally witnessed you too. Eren may be a spear of light to victory but there must be someone to wield the spear. And that person is you." He finished leaving everyone completely stunned. Eric looked at his friends. They gave a warm look saying 'its up to you to decide' . But then a memory hit him. His dad's note. Believe in yourself, protect your friends. Look inside your heart and you will find the strength. Walk with your head held high and victory is assured.
That was all he needed to convince himself. "Yes sir. I'll do it. I made a promise too. To my friends and to my parents. I will lead" he said. His eyes of doubt changed to eyes of determination. "Excellent soldier. For this operation you are hereby enstated as Commander Langford." Everyone was smiling then. "Well then." Commander Pixis said before he went to the edge of the wall and yelled. "Staff officers hut. We have a plan to flush out."
"What, wait. We can't actually be moving foreward with this as our linchpin strategy. That was just something I tossed out there to answer straight questions." Armin flinched. "Yeah you're right but he looks like a guy that knows what he's doing. Like we can't see the forest fot the trees but he's got a bird's eye view" Eren began to explain. "Guys everything is good and all but we still have one major issue to deal with." Attention turned from Eren's kneeling figure to Eric's sitting form. "Which is?" Mikasa asked. "Titans aren't our only foes. The fear and weakness in everyones heart easily eats away courage and strength. And I'm sure the commander is perfectly aware of that." Eric finished. "Okay soldiers look sharp." The commander approached with his staff officers who apparently had stunned expressions and were eying Eric strongly. Possibly the news of command transfer reached their ears. The four stood up straight facing the commander.
Meanwhile the news of the Trost recovery operation reached all the stationary soldiers."Retake Trost, are they kidding." "Somebody up top must have lost their marbles" "how'd they expect us to shore up the hole?" "Is the brass that out of whack?" "Its a suicide mission" "Lost cause no doubt" "Jackasses. Some bureaucrats pushing it through for the glory" "Defending wall rose is the only real option we have" the soldiers waste no time to express their disdain for the objective of this mission. There were even some who totally broke down and screamed to get out. " I DON'T WANNA GO BACK TO THAT NIGHTMARE. JUST LET ME DIE PLEASE. WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE. I JUST WANT TO SEE MY FAMILY AGAIN" people were having second thoughts. Many simply wanted out. Things were falling apart. Many nervous breakdowns were imminant. Things were falling apart.
. . .
Back on the wall three men walked in a triangle formation with the garrison commander in the centre foreward. With the trost commander and titan weapon behind him. "Its thought by many that before the titans laid waste, mankind consisted of hundreds of different races and creeds all at each other's throats scratching and clawing for blood." He began some philosophical talk. "Doesn't seem much different from how we are now.' Eric said. He chuckled and continued " some wise men are reputed to have said that though understand that I'm paraphrasing here 'humanity needed an enemy greater than itself to survive'. What do suppose that meant boys?" Eren replied this time "This is the first time I've ever heard it. Maybe he thought we all join forces. Some wise man." Pixis continued. "Hehehe. I'm liking the way your minds work boys. You are just as twisted and cynnical as me."
"Obviously those losers didn't have a clue sir." Eren said.
"Yeah sir. Look at us. Here we are neck deep in a river of titan crap and we are still worried about our own hides and who to blame. Certainly seems unified to me." This time he openly laughed. "That is one freaky tongue Langford." Eric smiled a reply "Well sir if you come out of a family bloodbath when you're ten years old its either this or you lose your mind and are likely to commit suicide"
They moved through then in silence but with Eren making his usual rude pass to captain Hannes as they passed by. Then the commander pulled out his canteen to drink some more wine. Strangely he offered to the boys. "Care for a swig?"
Eric took the canteen first and drank some. He immediately wanted to puke. To him it was like scalding hot sugared piss was being poured down his throat. 'Fuck. How the hell has he been sipping down on this!' Eric thought. But then thought why should he only suffer. He turned away and forced the look of of absolute disgust away. Then with his poker face he turned to Eren. "Hey Eric you okay?" Eren asked oblivious to the danger approaching. "No I'm fine. This is really good man try it out." Eric said inwardly laughing an evil laugh. "Sure" he took the bottle and gulped down half of the contents. His face instantly went blue and his face exploded with the wine. Eric burst out laughing while the commander smirked.'Evil kids' he wondered.
They finally make it to place. He cleared his throat and roared with inhuman vocals. "ATTTTTTTTEEEEENNNNNTIOOOOOOOOOON" the boys next to him stood with attention but their eyelids were blown open in the shockwaves of his voice. "Take note the blueprint of the Trost recovery operation is this. Our primary objective is to reseal the gate. Yes you heard me and what's more it will be done manually." Small ramblings began when he stated this, most were negative. "As for how the task will be done that is where this fellow comes in." Eren stepped foreward. "Allow me to introduce cadet Eren Yeager. Don't be fooled by his appearence. This young man is in fact the successful product of cutting edge science. As insane as this may sound cadet Yeager has obtained the ability to generate and control a full titan body at will." 'Wow one heck of an excuse you came up with commander. You certainly live up to your eccentric personality' Eric wondered while focusing his own mind. Those words really raised many eyebrows and blown away minds. "Recall the massive boulder roughly alliged from the gate. The plan is that after assuming titan form cadet Yeager will hoist that boulder on his back. Shove it into the hole and bam. Mission complete. And as for the full plan surrounding this I entrust that to the cadet to my left. Senior cadet Eric Langford is hereby stated as Commander for the entire operation" And there it goes.
'Way to drop the bomb commander.' Eric thought as he stepped up. But down there people lost it "is he insane?" "Getting a titan to do the task was crazy enough, but now giving a fresh green cadet total command is complete lunacy." "What the fuck is going on with the world?" "Please let me die" "You coward, passing on the responsibility like that?" many angry and scared shouts broke out. All of them losing all will to go on. This was excactly what Eric was afraid of. He thought of trying the same thing as the commander did. "SHUT UP" he screamed amazingly it rivalled the commanders roar silencing them. "Listen up. The part you come in is defending him. Yeah defending a titan from its own kind." Eric was trying to build up confidence but things were breaking down.
"The kid can lift a rock that big. Is this a dream? Does that mean we finally have an advantage" a garrison man stated. Slightly building confidence but only to have it crushed by Daz's cowardice "THEY'RE LYING. I'M NOT GONNA BE DRAGGED INTO SACRIFICING MYSELF FOR THIS CRAP. WE'RE JUST DISPOSABLE TOOLS FOR YOU PEOPLE. YOU EXPECT US TO LIVE AND DIE FOR WHATEVER THE HELL THAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTH." He kept yelling in his thin shrieking voice. This was also demoralising others. "Yeah screw this" the soldiers begin to walk away. Eric clenched his fists in worry and anger at their cowardice. 'Grr. Do or Die I'm going for it.' He thought for a split second his mind skyrocketed. "Anyone wishing to leave . . ." He was about to threaten them all and carry it out but his bloodlust was sensed and quelled by commander Pixis. " . . . will buy my personal order 'not to be charged with treason'." This froze Eric's flame instantly. He realised the commander's motive. His mind of rage turned to the one in the confrontation with Woorman and the garrison platoon.
'I see. Thank you commander.' Eric thought before he began "Yes people. No one will be punished. Behind me is a full blooded slaughterhouse. I . . . No one expects you to jump back in there happily. Titans are enough of a nightmare on the first sight. Anyone with family or loved ones may leave with full approval. The crown will still acknowledge your services." This fully stunned the people down there and actually made them wait long enough to listen. "But" this 'but' froze everyone's blood to the heart. The news impaled them in the heart like an ice spear. "But we expect you to remember some facts. You leaving is symbolising your giving up to the titans. You are going to your families to tell them how you failed them and your oath as a soldier. That you condemn their lives to a precious few days till the beasts break in. Just waiting till the day they come and massacre your family right before you. You get to watch them barge right in, pick up your mother, father, sibling or child right before you and chew them right in your face letting their blood and bones to fall on you as you remain completely helpless. You are believing that instead of taking the first real chance to go home as heroes it is better to accept death and death to your family. You beg to god for a way out. Well god just gave you one. Now your too afraid to take it and running away. (Sigh) After that I don't think we need to put another charge on treason over your heads." Throughout this nobody even moved an inch. Over hundreds of people were holding their breath at the same time. This time Everyone who chose to leave had their faces completely blacked out. The very gentle way he passed the message hit them like a shower of frozen spears. "So anyone who wishes to fight and not abandon their homes, people and commrades rally on the wall. The mission briefing will be done here." He finished waiting to let the full effect of his words fall on them. Even the soldiers listening from the top of the wall felt shivers run through their spines. "Now on a global basis. Remember the massive recapture mission that went down in blood three years ago." The feeling of command was finally sinking into him. He felt invincible. "I bring it up to teach a very crucial lession. Though ordered recapture, the true purpose was just resize to allow the remainder to survive. Those older men and women marched out being fully aware of that. The didn't quake like you. They had full volition to go on. That is because they knew their sacrifices would allow us to survive. Your turning away also states you spat on their graves. If you're feeling it then let me tell you there is no hope today. No hope unless your dedicated action creates it. Today we draw the line. The choice is yours. Whether you make or break humanity's hope for a future." Eric finished that by screaming the last part and raising his sword in complete silence except for the sound of the wind blowing the flags and his cloak.
"Incredible choice of words commander" commander Pixis said." Well sir most of it came from personal experience. I feel they deserve it but still I don't want anyone else to suffer the same fate as the people of shiganshina and we did." Eric gave a conflicting reply. "Let's hope not" Pixis said.
A half hour later all the troops without any exception. All of them now preparing for the final push for a victory. On one end the soldiers were gathering while on the other end four people were discussing things. "Good you're all here. You have only one mission, protect Eren Yeager by any means necessary. Any risks that rise up in this plan are yours to eliminate. Whick of course means your jobs are the worst of all." During that Eric approached after being informed of how the plan will work. "Ah commander Langford." Pixis said. Eric replied "Thank you Commander Pixis. So they are the assigned captains in charge of the elite squadron."
"Yes. Captains Ian Dietsman, Rico Brazenska and Mitabi Yarnach. The garrison regiments best and brightest." Pixis told him. "Sir, I don't mean to be pessimistic but with all due respect are you sure about this. Entrusting everything to Yeager and . . . Langford." Rico began. Eric spoke instead, "There is nothing wrong with having doubts. You have every right to. You wouldn't be human if you didn't. But there is no other option, things are at their worst and the situation has deteriorated to desperation and desperate circumstances call for extreme measures. Now we have to risk total annihilation for survival. I know I haven't even scratched the surface of command that you have done. But the death, pain and bloodshed in shiganshina has taught me a lot."
"Yes cad. . . Commander. Naturally sir." Rico replied. "Leadership won't make much of a difference. All we have is a wing and a prayer. Everything comes down to how diligently each soldier does his or her role in the plan." Eric continued. "I . . . I understand sir. Please forgive my incompetence" Rico apologised with a bow. "No its fine. Now go form your respective teams to take with you. You are free to choose who you see fit. Be sure to keep the numbers sizable. And captain Ian, I'm assigning you full squad leader. You are free to make decisions as you see fit."
"But sir, what about you?" He asked. "The decoy strategy will lure many titans here. Its better if I stay here. I'm trusting you captains." Eric replied. "Yes sir!" They replied with a salute before leaving. Afterwards Eric went to meet his friends one last time before the operation began. He saw them talking and arguing. "I'm sorry Eren. I didn't mean for you to be dragged into all this just because of something is said." Armin said. "Having second thoughts?" Eric asked with a smirk while approaching. "Don't. Its obvious that you have a gift for strategy. I believe in you so Be confident in yourself." Eren encouraged him. "Eric you're the commander right so please let me in on . . ." Mikasa started again on insisting to be with Eren before she was interrupted. "Knock it off. You're not comming with me. I'm not your responsibility. You are not my mother." Eren started ranting. "Ackerman I want you on the elite support team so you're comming with us." Captain Ian suddenly ordered from behind them. The usual soldier would be terrified at going out there but Mikasa probably gave her happiest smile yet. 'Heh, guess we are battle hungry lunatics. No matter how we seem.' Eric thought. He held up a fist in front of him and said. "Okay guys the recovery operation starts now. Good luck." The other three also joined fists together and said "Good luck to you too." The four divided and went their respective ways.
Eric ran and rallied to the forces gathered on the other corner of the town. Since he was the only one still wearing a cloak he was easy to notice. "Sir!" Many said as they gave a salute. "So the titans are already gathering. So far so good." He said looking down at the squirming hunks of flesh. "Alright people we need some organizing. This whole battalion should be divided into three teams." The soldiers begin to listen intently to his words. "There will be a cannon, strike and backup teams. I'm sure the cannon's purpose and objective is perfectly obvious."
"Yes sir!" The soldiers manning the cannons said in full force. "Now according to the decoy plan. The titans are supposed to gather here. But you're an idiot if you believe they are all gonna stay here. Surely some are gonna go astray. That's where the strike team comes into play. Their job is to find and eliminate these stray pieces. As for the backup they will stay on the wall and keep the titans here. But when a contingency happens you have you save the butts of the strike team. And I gurantee you that's gonna happen a lot. So stay on your toes." He was on fire. The feeling of command felt too good.
Another couple minutes pass. (15-20 minutes) and the green flare was up meaning they already made their move. Moments following that a huge familiar flash of yellow and green lit up that area. Eric was part of the strike team leading kills and movements. All was going according to plan. 'Good' He thought. Until all clarity was burned away with the streak of read that followed a shrill loud scream.
"WHAT THE HELL?! RED SMOKE. THEY FAILED. BUT HOW?" questions bombarded his mind. But even worse came. Those questions were enough to distract him as a titan jumped him. Unlike last time he couldn't react. That former adrenaline was not there. He quickly got pushed into the mouth. He tried to reach out but the jaws clamped shut. Three raw fingers fell off and left the brightest yet smallest stain of scarlet on the roof with his fingers.
The witnesses freaked out.
"COMMMMMMMANNNNDERRRRRRRRR" Everyone screamed.