Chapter 8: Good Intent
"Please…" The Eldain man begged, "Please let me out, if I'm late for my job I'll get fired. I'll have to go to the work camps."
Reiner tapped his foot impatiently, he had to leave Liberio too to get his checkup at the base. Bertolt waited patiently beside him, a sad look crossing his face as he listened to the man's begging. Reiner felt bad for the man too, but his anxiety of missing his appointment quickly overshadowed his empathy.
"Sorry, but your work pass has expired by a day. It's a safety hazard, I could lose my job." The guard responded, although Reiner suspected he wasn't very sorry.
"My supervisor was supposed to have sent the paperwork over. Please, I work at the shipyard, maybe you can check the roster-"
"Are you suggesting this is your boss's fault? I should have you detained just for suggesting that!"
The thin man with the weathered face recoiled at the meer prospect at that. "Wait, please!" He begged frantically, and dug around for something in his bag. Reiner could catch a glimpse of physical pain as he handed something to the gate guard.
The Marleyan's face visibly brightened at it, and he unfurled the bundle to count the paper bills. Reiner's eyes widened but he had enough sense not to gasp, a Marleyan official was taking a bribe and he knew for a fact that was much more illegal than an expired permit. He kept quiet though, it wasn't his place to question a Marleyan.
The guard hit a button behind his desk, it buzzed and the gates opened with the loud grinding sound of the gears. The Eldian glanced around hesitantly before shuffling out of the internment zone. The boys walked forward, and with one look at their yellow armbands they were let outside.
They went on their usual route to the base, going through the back to the training facilities to bypass the main, Marleyan entrance. They approached the chain link gate and tried to pull it open, but it was locked. Reiner groaned when he saw the padlock on it.
"Oh yeah, it's Saturday." Bertolt mumbled, glancing around hopelessly. Marleyans get Saturday and Sunday off, Eldians just got Sunday off for religious reasons.
Reiner groaned loudly and leaned against the fence, staring longingly into the empty grounds, "I can't believe I forgot that." he sighed.
"We've been gone too long." Bertolt reasoned, "It makes sense you forgot. I guess we have to go to the front entrance…?"
Reiner shoved himself off the fence, "Yeah, I guess. Come on."
The front entrance connected directly to the administration building called Warrior HeadQuarters. Neither had actually been inside the building and had only seen fleeting glances of the ornate entrance. Very few people were there today, but a few Marleyan interns still had work to do. Reiner glanced around nervously as he got closer, it felt like everybody was looking at them.
When the gate guard didn't react to their presence, both boys visibly relaxed. Reiner took the time to actually look around the courtyard, his eyes immediately focused on the imposing bronze statue depicting Helios slaying a titan. He and Bertolt had to stop to look at it in amazed wonder.
Reiner's eyes glanced at the inscription, "Our Savior Helios. The Destroyer Of Tyrants And Slayer Of Titans. Gone, But Never Forgotten." It was childish, but Reiner wondered if he would be remembered like that. He hoped so.
Reiner was broken out of his musing when something ran into him hashly, knocking him on the ground. He gasped, quickly righted himself, and whirled around to meet the contempt expression of a man. So similar to the aged, dirtied and distorted face of the Camunni Monster. Instinctively, he reached for his rifle strap, usually slung across his shoulder, and panicked when he didn't find it.
His heart was still hammering in his chest when the man spoke, "I thought rats were supposed to go through the sewer." He left without another word, allowing Reiner and Bertolt room to breathe. He only fully relaxed when Bertolt gently touched his shoulder, and offered a small, nervous smile.
"Come on," Bertolt urged, "Let's go, you'll miss your appointment." Reiner nodded, and led the way into the building. He still looked out for any Marleyans he didn't recognize, he couldn't afford to be taken off guard. He was lucky he didn't have a weapon on him, if he had hurt that man...Well, either way he was going to Paradis eventually.
The doctor had cleared Reiner after some breathing tests and swabs were done. As per usual, after being home for two weeks, it was time to leave their home again. Reiner's disappointment at leaving was overshadowed by his excitement to meet the Warriors. He wondered what they were like- Heroes, he would bet. Larger than life, kind surpassing all expectations, they would have to, to be chosen as worthy Eldians.
The only thing that made him sad was that his mother wasn't able to be there to see him off. She had been distant ever since he came back with another laundry list of illnesses, Reiner assumed it was because she was disappointed in him. When he started talking about his experiences as a syphilis survivor, it didn't seem to help things.
He didn't think it was actually because she couldn't stand to look at his injuries or see another bright smile full of crooked or missing teeth- a culmination of her failures as a parent. No matter the reason, her boss had made her come in for another shift at the factory early in the morning so she couldn't say goodbye to her son.
Reiner tried not to let it get to him, but going asleep the night before knowing he wouldn't see his mom in nearly 6 weeks felt weird to him. A deep melancholy.
He got up early the next morning to be at the gate in time. He laced up his military boots before leaving, but just as he was about to push through the door he noticed something on the table. Breakfast was laid out for him, pancakes, orange juice, everything he liked. He frowned in confusion as he picked up the note:
Sorry I couldn't be there to say goodbye. Eat well and fight hard, my little warrior.
-Love, Mom
Reiner couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face. His mom really did care, and she'd gone out of her way to make him something he wanted. He couldn't be happier.
Even as he walked through Liberio alone, and had to watch his friends say goodbye to their parents he kept repeating it to himself. His mom loved and cared about him, and no matter how many times he had to tell himself that he would be grateful for it. This time, he will come back a hero and not worry his mother. He'll make it easier for her to keep loving him.
The ship ride was markedly longer than the one they usually took, and they knew that because Zeke would always mark the days until they were released from it. Reiner never really paid much attention to the days, to him it didn't really make a difference.
They were let off the ship after a full twenty days at sea, and when they stepped off the ship Reiner marveled at the sight. It was a much larger port than the one they were usually taken to, with a bustling, clean city full of civilians and military men alike. The sun was warm, and the seaspray was just cool enough to be pleasant. This was the capital of Mantega: Rimini.
Reiner couldn't stop to look long, as they were immediately taken to the train station to be taken to Tarraco. Even though the trains were nicer, he still rode in the back of the train in a featureless room- but it was clean, small windows let in natural light, and there wasn't a mouse to be seen. Built in benches line the room, giving them a place to sit during the long journey.
The train ride was long, Tarraco was on the other side of the continent after all. As they entered recently claimed territory, Reiner could look out and see men with skeletal statues work on branching railroads. Some of them laid on the ground to rest in the afternoon sun. They looked dead to Reiner, like skinny, mangy coyotes. He wondered where they all came from, maybe it was a camp like Liberio.
When they got there just as the sun went down, they saw Tarraco itself was a new wonder. While Narcissus had been a small, muddy inset in dense forests, Tarraco was sprawling over dry plains with asphalt roads. The tents were larger as well, and more numerous. Reiner saw large information tents with radio towers and telegraph cables. A biplane hangar and a blimp hangar, with long runways for the small planes to take off from. Lights lining the roads flicked on when it got darker out.
Reiner gasped and shook Bertolt and Pieck, "Look! They have a post office here! I can write to my mom."
They had very similar sleeping arrangements to last, tents with hard beds they had to share with one another.
They rested in complete silence that night. No one had sheiking nightmares that would get them killed. No one rustled around camp, desperate for any equipment that wouldn't even save them in the upcoming battle. It was peaceful, and for some reason that made Reiner even more anxious. It felt like an artificial peace. He kept his hand just barely gracing the handle of a hunting knife that night.
Reiner yawned as he lined up to get in the mess hall. The hierarchy was different here, being surrounded by Marleyans. In Narcissus, they were able to eat before everyone else and just after the CO's. Here, they ate last- and Reiner wasn't excited to see what they would leave behind for him. The system here was very different as well, while in Narcissus everyone got the same food- Tarraco gave everyone a base meal as well, but they were also given commissary tickets where they could get candy bars and other commodities.
Finally, they were allowed to enter the hall with the rest of the men to get food. They lined up in single file, grabbing trays and starting down the line.
"Oh! You're Eldians! I've never seen an Eldian before, John, look." A young, Marleyan man serving up food smiled at them.
At that moment, the other Cadets quickly moved past Reiner to continue down. They were smarter than him, and he realized that all too late.
'John' smiled, "Oh yeah, we don't have any camps down south so we've never seen one before." He squinted at Reiner and leaned forward slightly, making the boy intensely uncomfortable, "Huh, you look just like us…"
The first man elbowed him in the ribs, "Of course he does, Eldians don't actually have horns. Don't be an idiot." He huffed, "Sorry about my friend. Some people here are very traditional about this stuff, but we totally are for Eldian rights." He smiled at Reiner, apparently waiting for some response.
Reiner kept his eyes downcast and gave a noncommittal shrug, slowly trying to inch away. He wasn't entirely sure what was happening at the moment, just that he didn't want it.
The other man didn't let him though, and kept talking: "Yeah, and we support the Cadet program too. It sounds really cool, and the Cadets even helped at the victory at Suvla, yeah?"
Reiner's face scrunched up in confusion, "I guess, I mean if they called that a victory."
For some reason, that made them laugh loudly and freely, "We are gonna have to look after you, wise guy" The first one laughed. Reiner was still trying to digest what just happened when one of the, very annoyed, coworkers cut in.
"Get back to work!" He snapped before turning back to his own station. His eyes lingered on Reiner an uncomfortably long time, before: "It's easy to like an Eldian when you don't have to interact with them. Just give it time."
Reiner shrunk away after that, retreating like a beat dog while puzzling through what had just happened. What did they mean by 'look out for' him? Was that a covert threat?
He found the cadets sitting alone at a table meant for at least 15 people. It felt strangely isolated from everyone else, despite the idle chatter in the background. He sat down next to Bertolt and declared: "The people here are weird."
Annie scoffed, "What did you expect? We're not even human to these people. We're either something to point and stare at or something to hate."
For some reason, that made Reiner feel worse. Probably because he knew she was right.
In addition to the new people, they had to get used to new routines as well. Such as the sermons every Sunday lead by Warcheif Werner himself- who had apparently been a Priest in training before becoming a Warrior Cadet.
Gideon Werner had the body of a heathen god, and he knew it too. He had long, silky golden hair, sky blue eyes, and refined features. To an average human, he supposed it must have seemed like he was carved from marble and brought to life by divine will.
Well, there was one flaw. His nose.
It was large, and curved like a raptors beak to a fine point. It sullied his otherwise perfect visage and ruined any chance of being beautiful. He blamed it for his loneliness, for no woman would give a man with a nose like his another glance- shallow was their nature. He could not understand why God would curse him with this nose, after both himself and his father had dedicated so much of their lives to him.
But Gideon could not question God's will, so he set himself to scorn all of female-kind for their inability to accept him as the successful, truly kind man he was. It was best to protect his virtue from such evil vixens anyway, and protect his wealth from their greed.
Of course, if anyone asked he would say it was simply because he valued his country over all personal vices. That was the image he did have control over, and he kept it finely groomed.
" 'For the one in authority is God's servant for your good." He read impassioned to the mass of Marleyan soldiers for this week's sermon, " But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.'
"That is what you should remember in times such as these, for God has declared Marley and her children have an inborn right to these lands- For the sun will never set on Marley. It is our responsibility in the world to deliver God's will to these heathens."
When Gideon had been practicing his speech, Jamie had rather bluntly said that Camunnies were also Monotheistic. Gideon had told her to kindly be quiet.
As he continued his speech, he searched the crowd for a few people specifically. It wasn't hard, the Cadets were sitting in the front row with various degrees of interest and comprehension even. He did not mind though, sometimes the word of God takes time to reach somebody- they would get there. He smirked just as he wrapped up.
As he strolled off the short plywood stage in front of the crowd, motioning towards Magath for a word. When the commander met with him, Gideon gave him one of his patented sly smiles while glancing behind him to the cadets, "Commander, would you mind having the Warrior Cadets meet with me in my office? I would like to get to know them personally, and the files you have on them don't quite give me the full picture."
Magath narrowed his eyes at him, "I will. Although I don't know what you wish to accomplish, Warrior's have no say in who succeeds them." Magath said, as if reminding him. Gideon had always rubbed him the wrong way, mainly his innate duplicitous nature behind closed doors. He was far too comfortable in a position he hardly deserved.
But, the past was the past, and at this point there was little Magath could do against the man.
Gideon nodded knowingly in condescension, "I'm aware. I just have a few ideas how the Cadets could be better utilized."
Reiner shifted nervously outside Warcheif Werner's tent. The other Cadets sans Zeke- who had already been acquainted with the man- waited outside was well. They sat on the bench near the entrance of the tent, and completely against Reiner's will he ended up closest to the closed door. The front of the line.
Gideon stepped out of his tent, and made brief eye contact with Reiner before waving him inside. He appeared nice, but adults wore masks. Like how his mom was always nice to one woman in her embroardy group, but when she leaves his mom would talk bad about her.
"Cadet Reiner Braun, correct?" He asked, but didn't pause for an answer because he already knew he was right, "Please, have a seat."
Reiner did as instructed, and Gideon sat across from him. Reiner took a moment to look at his surroundings. Warcheif Werner's office was similar to Commander Magath's, with walls covered in war memorabilia and flags. His desk was orderly, but was covered with various papers and office supplies. Behind him, Reiner could see a card table with some type of terrarium on it- but he couldn't see what was in it. He stared at if for a long time before the imposing man spoke again:
"This generation of Cadets is already very promising. I would just like to get to know you better, it seems quite unfair to reduce you down to combat scores and test grades. Don't you agree?"
Reiner didn't agree, but he nodded like he did. He wasn't good at tests or fighting, but that didn't mean it wasn't important. The Military wanted him to take those assessments, and he refused to believe it was useless.
But, maybe that was the trick. Maybe Reiner was supposed to disagree with him and defend his military- even against a higher up. Unfortunately, Werner was already talking again by the time Reiner thought of this.
"Yes, because I can tell you're more than just that. Statistics don't account for merit, or bravery, or loyalty. Do they?"
Reiner continued to fidget in his seat. Werner's demeanor seemed off somehow. Grifting, he remembered Pieck calling it. The man wanted something, but he didn't know what. He could feel his stomach eating itself as time ticked by without an answer. He could tell his next answer was very important.
"Do...do you believe that? That the tests aren't important?"
Gideon quirked a perfectly trimmed eyebrow, "I believe they are certainly important, but they aren't everything."
Reiner allowed a small sigh of relief, "Yes. I believe that too. It's like, that's important but they don't tell you everything about a person."
Gideon made a sound something between a laugh and a sigh, "I feel like I heard that before." he commented. So, this was Cadet Braun- full of unwavering loyalty and deep-seated anxiety, while void of a single thought that was his own. That was certainly useful in it's own right, so Gideon wouldn't hold it against him.
"Well," He continued, "How did you enjoy your stay at Narcissus? I haven't been there myself in a while, so how has it treated you."
The child once again fiddled in his seat, "I-uh. How should I feel about Narcissus?"
This time, Gideon's eyebrows shot up in surprise and a bit of indignance. Never before had anyone been so direct in trying to please him. But then he leaned back in his chair, a small self-satisfied smile tugged at his lips. No one had ever been so accepting of the truth. Getting the younger kids was certainly a good idea, they aren't nearly as stuck in their ways like some adults.
The military had no space for personal integrity or free thought. Not when they were at war. And the beautiful thing was that they were always at war.
"Fine, then." Gideon finally said after a moment of reflection, "Let's save each other a bit of time. You think that Narcissus was a good military base for Eldians, but not nearly as good as Tarraco. You think that the kind Marleyan taxpayer's pay enough for the care of Eldians, and any extra accommodations are a waste. You would give your life for the betterment of your country, and you wouldn't mind being sent on special ops missions. You have no qualms killing enemy civilians or domestic enemies of the state if it meant saving Marleyan lives. Of Course- you would also be willing to inform on a comrade to protect the government from spies and moles. Is that clear." As Gideon spoke, the boy leaned forward in his seat and urgently nodded his head, mouthing along with his words to ensure he remembered every one.
"I understand." The boy affirmed.
"Good, you can leave now. Send the next person in line in." Reiner left to do just that. Once he was gone, Gideon leaned forward to make a few notes in his file. Cadet Braun, exceptionally average in every way.
When the next cadet walked in, Cadet Finger, she had parroted almost verbatim what he had told Reiner. And the one after that as well, until all of them were saying the exact same things.
It seemed Cadet Braun was a team player as well. Interesting.
Marcel was last when he entered the tent. Gideon gave a sly smile as Marcel settled into the chair across from him.
"Hello Cadet Marcel Galliard, Commander Magath and Cadet Yeager have told me a lot about you." A chill ran down his spine as he tried to think what that meant. Had Magath told him about his little act of insubordination?
"Oh?" he swallowed thickly.
"Yes. All good things I assure you. In fact, I believe you have a good shot at heading the Paradis mission."
Marcel's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "If you think I can, sir."
"I have high hopes for you. I won't waste time with those silly screening questions, I know you're loyal. You are free to leave, if you wish."
"I-" Marcel stuttered, "Thank you, sir." He stood to leave, but paused, "Actually, can I ask you something, sir?"
Gideon glanced at him knowingly, "yes?"
"Do you know who else will inherit a titan? And which one?"
Gideon's smile broadened at his question. "I figured as much. You remind me of a younger me, always looking for ways to get ahead of others. It's an admirable trait, even if some will spurn you for it." Absentmindedly, he straightened the paper's on his desk, "I admit, I'm saddened to say you probably won't be inheriting my titan- the cart titan. You're a better candidate for the Jaws considering the extenuating circumstances."
"Who else will be coming on the mission?" Marcel asked hesitantly as he sat back down, wondering if he's overplaying his hand.
"Whoever inherits the Female, Colossal, and Armored titan. We are essentially decided on all but the Armored."
Marcel grit his teeth at the non-answer, and decided to push a little further. He needed to know if his brother would be sent there, "Can you tell me which Cadets. I think it will help me get closer with them."
Gideon released a low, throaty chuckle and stood. Marcel froze, but instead of approaching him, The Warchief turned to look at the terrarium behind him. "Allow me to give you some advice, since I'm so partial to you." He started, bending down to withdraw a box from beneath the table. It released small squeaks as it moved. "You should not be so obvious about your goals, some undesirables may take advantage of that."
Marcel watched in horror as he reached into the box and lifted a squealing, wiggling rat by its tail. It dangled and struggled uselessly in the face of someone stronger than it. "Such things can make you weak." He turned towards Marcel and motioned him over to him. Despite every instinct telling him to run, Marcel approached him to look in the terrarium.
Coiled up in a tight ball was a fat snake, it's scales were marred in strange scars and scabs. The rat continued to struggle, "You're brother, for instance. I know you're loyal because I know you know something bad could happen to him if you're not. It's something that someone with nefarious goals can take advantage of. Simply, the strong prey on the weak."
He opened the top of the cage and dropped the rodent inside. The snake noticed it immediately, and lashed out. One bite started to paralyze it and soon after it was slowly squeezed to death with the snake's body. Even though Marcel knew it was hopeless, the rat continued to claw at and bite it's attacker- opening up small lacerations.
"The weak can try to fight, but in the end it's useless. The only hope that rat had to continue living was that I never picked it in the first place." Gideon said blissfully, sliding the lid back on the cage. "Snake's though, snakes are patient. They slowly squeeze the life out of their prey and never even give them the opportunity to realize it's useless. By the time they realize the danger, it's too late."
Gideon turned towards Marcel, and patted his shoulder genially, "Marcel, take my advice. Be a snake, and not a rat." He straightened, and clasped his hands behind his back, "But, to answer the question you were really asking: Your brother is one of the possible candidates for the Armored titan, along with Cadet Braun. There are good arguments for both, but at the end of the day what's most important is how well they would work with you. The Jaw and Armored are instrumental to Marley's classic sword and shield tactics- flawless teamwork is essential."
That snapped Marcel out of his horrified daze, and replaced it with something more frantic. His voice bordered on begging as he spoke, "Cadet Braun would be perfect! We have experience working with each other, he's calm under pressure, he takes direction well-" He was rambling, he knew this but he still couldn't stop, "-Not to mention I trust him to have my back all the time, and-" Gideon put up a hand, and all his blathering stopped.
"I'll consider that. For now, why don't you go back to your tent. You look tired." Warchief Werner said in a way that was clearly not a suggestion.
As soon as Marcel stepped out of the tent and could finally breathe again, he was crushed by the weight of everything he just said. Reiner would hate him for this, eventually.
Reiner hummed to himself as he put the finishing touches on the letter for his mom. Flawless, like all his work. Still though, he had worries about whether or not it would get past the censors. He had heard that they are even harder on letters from Eldain camps.
With that in mind, he stood and nodded to himself. He needed to ask Zeke's opinion, as Zeke was much smarter than he was. If he would even talk to him.
Reiner found the older boy as he exited the mess hall that he had nicked a snack from. "Hey Zeke, I was writing a letter to my mom, but can you make sure it's safe?"
Zeke mulled it over for a second before shrugging and swallowing the last bit of bread in his mouth. "Sure, let's sit on that bench." he urged, holding his hand out for the letter. Reiner smiled in triumph and eagerly handed it over. Zeke eased himself on the bench while Reiner stood next to him- carefully watching his reaction.
Dear mom,
I am really enjoying my time in Tarraco. I'm very happy that Command was nice enough to let us come here despite being Eldians. I am being very good for everybody and not causing trouble like I usually do. Everybody is really nice to me and I really like it here.
From, Reiner
Zeke raised an eyebrow at the short message; honestly, it read more like one of Reiner's simpering reports than a heartfelt letter to his mother. Not like he could fault the kid, everyone is the product of their environment.
"It's a little... dry." Zeke said slowly.
"But will it pass the censors?" Reiner pressed urgently.
"Oh, I don't think you have a problem on that front." Zeke assured, and quietly wondered why he cared so much about it in the first place, "You could probably put more emotion into it, or personal thoughts…"
"Is that what you're supposed to put in letters?" Reiner asked quizzically.
Zeke realized he actually had no idea what people were supposed to put in letters to parents because he never cared to write one. "Right now it reads more like a military report."
Reiner's face scrunched up in offence and he snatched the paper back, refolding it and shoving it in his pocket. What did Zeke know anyway, he was a kid just like them. "Well, that's what makes mom happy. And there's tons of emotions in it- happiness is an emotion!"
Zeke hummed, but then realized something that had stuck out to him: "Well, what about your dad? What are you gonna write to him about."
Reiner withered immediately, playing with the hem of his shirt. "I would've written him one too, but I don't know where he lives. Mom used to be able to send him stuff I made, but then he moved and forgot to tell us his new address. That's okay though! Because when I become a warrior I can see him again and can tell him all about this in person which is even better!" He frantically appended.
Zeke had a very distinct sinking feeling as he talked, one that immediately made him feel absolutely exhausted. He sighed, "You know what? That's too much to unpack right now. Have fun with your letter, I'm sure your mom will love it."
Reiner watched as Zeke stood and walked away, wondering what he meant by that. He glanced at the latter in his hand and smiled to himself. His mom was going to love it.
He practically skipped to the postal tent to deliver the letter. When he got there, there was a small line from the counter. People sat on benches to wait in line while the board looking enlisted man took people's letters. Reiner settled in for a long wait.
Not long after, an older man who looked like a pilot came in as well and sat next to the boy. He glared at Reiner spitefully.
"So they're letting devils in here too now? First they let in unpatriotic hippies, and now Eldains. No wonder we arn't winning the war!" He ranted loudly, "This country is going to shit and it's all because of those tree hugging quaker liberals and their talk about raising taxes and welfare programs. Now, they're talking about giving Eldains more rights! It's just not the way god intended it, I'll tell you that much."
Reiner nodded in commiseration, hoping in vain that may make the man shut up.
It did not.
"First they give one Eldain devil control over all other devils, and now they're coming to our camps! Then you Eldian devil's crawl out of your sewer to take our jobs! What next!? Abolishing the internment camps?"
He paused, as if waiting for an answer. Reiner couldn't find one. "I-I'm just here to deliver a letter."
The man huffed and turned away from Reiner, "Whatever." The boy sighed in relief that it seemed to stop the tirade. He was even more relieved when the worker waved him up to send his letter.
The postal worker raised an eyebrow at Reiner's armband, "Sorry, I can't serve Eldains." He drawled out lazily.
Reiner sulked, "Really? Are you sure?" Usually it's posted if something wasn't for Eldains.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Reiner started to turn away, "Well…" The postal worker hummed, "Since you seem so nice, I guess I could make an exception."
Reiner brighted immediately, "Thanks so much!" He grinned, setting his letter on the counter.
"Don't mention it. Of course, I could get in trouble for this. You should make it worth my while, it's only fair." He passed the letter back, "That is what good Eldians do, isn't it."
Reiner looked at the worker in blank confusion. He sighed.
"I mean, give me your commissary tickets and I'll make sure that letter gets to who you want."
Reiner gaped, wondering how an honorable Marleyan soldier could ever ask for something so immoral. Bribes were also illegal, if anybody found out Reiner would certainly get in trouble. On the other hand though, he really wanted to write to his mom- even if this was the last time he could. He bit his lip in thought, before pulling out a small wad of the light blue tickets. The postal worker grinned, wide and wolfish.
"Thanks! I'll make sure to get this to... Karina." He read off the envelope, before putting it in with the other letters.
Reiner walked back to the parade deck for his afternoon assignments feeling dirty.
It wasn't a very long walk to the airfields, but it felt longer because of the altitude of the plateau Tarraco rested on. It was a different kind of exhaustion than what the Cadet's were used to, their lungs burned and they struggled to breath enough air, but with none of the familiar muscle ache.
Marcel would constantly fret over his brother for the walk, earning little more than a glare for his attitude. "You know, when you freak out like this it's like you don't think I can do anything." He bit out when they got to the hanger.
"I can't help it." Marcel shugged with a smile, "You're my brother, I have to look out for you."
Porco gave him an even more ferocious glare before pushing past him. He didn't want to be someone's obligation. He could stand on his own. Marcel would have to see that eventually.
Next to the airplane hangar was a slightly more conspicuous looking quonset painted with balck and green camouflage to protect against airstrikes. The field was lined with anti-aircraft guns as well for extra protection against Val Camonican planes, although according to the horror stories they wouldn't do much good.
Those savages always attacked on cloudy nights. They would soar high up into the air, only to kill their engines and glide silently over the sleeping Marleyan's heads. The only evidence they were ever there in the first place was the burning rubble left in their wake. Like most of their tactics, it was suitably cowardly.
That didn't make it any less terrifying though, and it was an issue that Marley would have to deal with soon. And, in Reiner's opinion, suitably brutal.
Magath was busy talking with the higher ups, so in his place was a high ranking Marleyan. A Lieutenant Colonel, from his uniform.
The man stopped in front of the quonset and turned to face the Cadets. He spoke in a stern tone and a harsh expression, but Reiner couldn't take him very seriously because of his fat beer belly with a matching chubby face that seemed to spill over his uniform collar.
"Listen up, you devils!" He almost yelled, spittle flying from his maw, "Today you will be marking inventory. Afterwards, you will isolate the indicated inventory on this form with these tags." He held up the clipboard and a bundle of bright orange tags for comparison. He then passed these to Zeke, and motioned for the guards to open the large, sliding steel doors behind him.
Reiner's jaw fell open when he saw what was inside.
Rows upon rows of racks upon racks of bombs. They were so much bigger than Reiner expected, each one was probably fifty pounds and shaped like a fish- a long, round body with a fish tail. There had to be thousands of them.
Other low ranking Marleyan's worked with them, some were friendly while some were not. They all preferred the ones that didn't seem to care much about them at all. One such boy, who was perhaps five years older than Reiner, talked to him like he would talk to the air. Light, thoughtful, but didn't seem all too concerned with getting Reiner to participate.
It was nice. His name was Lorenzo.
"I wonder what those boot-lickers in headquarters are planning?" Lorenzo said to himself as he helped mark a bomb on a shelf Reiner couldn't reach. "About a week ago all these things came in. This place wasn't even halfway full a few days ago."
"What do you mean?" Reiner asked, handing him another tag.
"I donno." He shrugged, "It's just never a good sign when the military starts assembling this much payload." He sighed and stared Reiner down with cold, muddy brown eyes, "You should be more concerned about this than me, kid. You're the one that's gonna be putting your ass on the line for it."
Reiner shrunk back, and turned awkwardly away to inspect a nearby bomb. "That's why I'm here. I don't mind if they use me- I'm glad." Reiner ignored the fact he couldn't look into Lorenzo's eyes as he spoke.
There was a beat of silence, then Lorenzo shrugged. "Whatever, I don't really care either way."
Behind them, a loud sound suddenly started- somewhere between a buzz and a humm. Every few seconds it would stall out and stutter painfully. "Oh yeah. And then there's that too."
Reiner gave him a quizzical glance before walking closer to the wide open doors. Lorenzo's tired eyes followed him for a second, before he turned back to his previous work. Whatever got him closer to break-time, where he can finally light a cigarette without being slapped with a "reckless endangerment" suit.
At the same time Reiner did, the other Cadets moved towards the doorway to look at the commotion. They had taken out one of those biplanes, parted dark blue and white camouflage- a patterned no one was familiar with. Almost painfully slow, it puttered around the airstrip to gain some speed and take off.
When it finally started to gain speed, the Cadet's cheered joyously.
Then, the engine caught on fire. The pilot bailed immediately and it was put out quickly, but Reiner could still tell the adults were disappointed. They did that thing where they shake their heads a bunch and look sad- like when his mother would hear something less than perfect about his training. Despite the look not being directed at him, Reiner still felt it dampen his mood.
Behind them, Zeke sighed. "There goes another one." He whispered without any real concern.
Marcel cleared his throat awkwardly, "Right well let's get back to work."
Pieck caught up with Reiner and Bertolt as they left, "Hey, I saw that some of these guys write stuff on the bombs. Mostly swear words and their names, but it could be fun."
Bertolt nodded and smiled, "Yeah, that does sound cool. What are you gonna write, Reiner."
Reiner started at the sudden attention and thought for a moment, then: "I don't know. I don't have much to say."
"Reports say that the new Draco prototypes are having trouble getting off the ground. We can't rely on them for the next mission, or perhaps ever. Man can only go so high before they encroach upon God's kingdom." Jamie sat stoically as she listened to Gideon speak with the war council.
"I am in agreement with Warcheif Werener on this matter," His deputy chimed in, a rattish Marleyan by the name of Calvi. It took everything Jamie had to keep her lips from curling in disgust when the man spoke.
She sat next to Annabelle and Gideon, the three representing the warriors that cannot be present in Tarraco. Neither of them had been briefed on what Gideon planned to say beforehand, and that typically meant neither would like it. Of course, they could never voice disagreement in front of their superiors.
Oh, how Jamie hated decorum. She turned to her left when she felt someone squeeze her hand thoughtfully, met with Annabelle's sympathetic look. Jamie afforded herself another measured sigh; for mental preparation.
"How do you suggest we deal with Avignon then? We can't just wait while she continues to create more planes." A Marleyan general unhelpfully chimed in.
"Don't worry, I have a counter solution that may please the body assembled." Gideon elaborated with that same smarmy smirk, "I suggest that we use the Cadet's just brought in from Tarraco. They are small, and can easily plant explosives with a timer."
"Even the best of them could not break into a military compound." Magath spoke, wearing a terse skeptical expression. Jamie felt similar, as did Annabelle, but hid it considerably better.
"Nor would I ask." Gideon agreed easily, "I would suggest sending the Cadet's to bomb the civilian sector. It would create enough chaos for our current technology to be more than sufficient, without having to worry about pesky anti-aircraft fire."
Jamie was right, she thought bitterly, Gideon never had much good to say. Of course, the only outward display of the raging fire of pure anger in her gut was a slight, imperceptible tug at her lips. Annabelle was not so composed, and had to turn her head away and pretend to cough in her hand just to hide her ugly expression.
"It's a clever way of utilizing the Cadets." One man agreed, "Especially in this current war."
Small murmurs of agreement went through the crowd before, inevitably, the general agreed with his proposition. The diet was excused soon after, the women left hurriedly to avoid having to speak to their fellow warrior.
Gideon couldn't even allow them that kindness, as it seemed.
He approached them in the cold of night in an isolated area away from the other Marleyans and away from prying eyes. One of the advantages of being abroad was that even the great Marleyan Military couldn't put listening devices behind every tree.
"I do apologise for not briefing you two beforehand, I simply couldn't find you. Forgive me for being too scared to venture into your shared tents."
"What's done is done." Jamie answered in a stunning display of restraint before once again turning away.
"Although, please brief us in the future. So we may provide feedback." Annabelle added with a clear annoyed bite despite the small smile she wore.
Gideon nodded, "I wouldn't want to trouble you with such unpleasant matters. I know as women you're more inclined to act on emotions alone, but this was nes-" In the blink of an eye, Jamie turned on her heel and surged forward. With one, fluid movement, she grabbed him by his collar and slammed him into a nearby wall.
"Don't you dare," She seethed, her grip tightening around his neck. She savored the brief flash of fear across his eyes, "try to tell me it was necessary. For the greater good bullshit. You should know better by now."
Chattering voices drifted closer to them, and Annabelle gently touched Jamie's shoulder in warning. Her deep blue eyes flashed to her, before she sighed and stepped back. Gideon stumbled slightly when she let go, but even propped up against the wall he never lost his superior air.
"You should be careful with that temper, or you'll lose your titan quicker than necessary. I won't be too disappointed, so don't worry."
Jamie sighed deeply, and ran a hand over her head- making sure not a single strand of crimped dark hair sprung out of place during her confrontation. Smoothing out her brown skirt, she turned her icy blue gaze on Gideon. "Just go back to playing with your favorite snake, Werner."
She will not let him see her composure crack again, that much was for sure.