Chapter 8: Mission to Avignon
The sun was just beginning to lower in the sky, turning it brilliant colors of oranges, pinks, and purples. It was different that in Narcissus, Reiner reflected, even the sky was prettier and more vibrant in Tarraco. The Cadets were just getting off their last shift before bed, happy for the lighter workload when Magath called them to attention.
He did not speak aside from telling them to follow him. The Cadets did so whilst sharing nervous glances and suspicious side-long stares to their surroundings. Reiner waited anxiously for the enemy to jump out at them as they were led down a hill and to a truck depot.
Everyone knew better than to ask questions.
Magath slid into the back of the truck and the 7 others followed, like ducklings after their mother. Maybe lambs to the slaughter would be more accurate. Glancing around, Reiner could see even Porco was getting anxious. Reiner leaned over and mouthed a quiet "what's happening" to the other boy, who only glared spitefully in response. Reiner figured that meant Porco didn't know either, he assumed if he did he would have told Reiner proudly while touting his superior intellect.
The other's had varying degrees of concern written across their faces. There was Zeke, who looked like this was completely normal, and Bertolt, who looked even more freaked out than Reiner. He doubted very much Zeke or Marcel would give him an answer to his question. And as much as he trusted Pieck's opinion, she liked to talk in confusing circles that Reiner couldn't quite wrap his head around at times. Porco was just easier to read.
Finally, they arrived at their destination. By this time, the sky was completely dark and any moonlight was blotted out with thick trees. Reiner's fingers twitched towards his hunting knife on his ankle whenever a shadow moved while he took a moment to take in his surroundings. The only building they could see was a small hunting cabin with a flickering kerosene lamp inside. They didn't have their rifles either, adding to the mystery.
"Barun!" Magath called like a curse, "Get moving and stop gawking!"
Reiner worried his lip as they walked, although he was trailing behind considerably. Every so often, he had to count the moving figures in front of him to make sure they didn't lose someone. Or gain one.
Magath pushed the door open, and Reiner gasped when he peered inside. Warcheif Werner, along with two other warriors, were standing around a short table. Each one wore the serious look adults get before something bad happens to him.
Gideon looked up at them first, appraising the cadets quickly before gesturing to 7 seats at one end of the room. The two other warriors straightened, and Reiner realized he recognized both of them- The Armored titan Jamie Kaleka and the Jaw titan Annabelle Lee. Any excitement at meeting them was quickly doused by their expression.
The cadets obeyed silently, Reiner sitting between Pieck and Bertolt as usual.
"My sincere apologies for the secrecy, however the element of surprise is imperative in this case. This is something only the six of you can do- unfortunately Cadet Yeager will have to remain here." In response to Warcheif Werner's introduction, Zeke relaxed slightly while Porco and Reiner visibly straightened.
Werner moved towards the wall and wheeled a gigantic map of Mantega tacked onto a wooden stand towards them. "Understand this mission will be crucial to winning the war, and crippling Val Camonica's aviation industrial base."
Werner stepped away, "Now, I ask Jamie Kaleka to explain it to you." Said woman cleared her throat and stepped forward. While the Cadets had seen her from a distance, they were struck by her imposing air. Jamie was even taller than Warchief Werner himself, with broader shoulders as well. While she wore conservative clothing, it was obvious she was muscular as well. It played in almost humorous contrast to the woman next to her- short, thin and willowy. Annabelle's pale skin, ratty grey hair and almost sickly appearance made it look like a stiff wind would turn her to dust.
Carefully, Jamie reached into her coat and retrieved three long, thick needles- reminiscent of the knitting needles Reiner used on occasion.
"The mission itself is simple." She explained lightly, "you are expected to sneak into the civilian district undetected. There, you will plant explosives on the foundation's of buildings." The cadets gasped when, not even looking, she threw the steel projectiles into the map over the marked houses. "These explosives are on timer's, they are already set to go off at 1 am. You merely have to use adhesive strips to affix them to the building, and connect the red and blue wires together to set it. Do not mess up.
"Once you have planted all the explosives provided, you will meet back here. If you are not back by 1 am, there is nothing we can do for you." Her tone of voice was grave, and sent a shiver down the children's spine. They were less amazed when Jamie once again threw the needle perfectly into the location of this cabin.
"Then, once the explosives go off the military guard around the city will be disrupted. We will use this opportunity to bomb the aviation factory in the heart of Avignon." The third and last needle landed perfectly in the middle of the large factory. The impact made a hollow thud in the wood that permeated through the prevailing silence.
Jamie let her hands clasp behind her back, "...Any questions?" She asked, as if as an afterthought.
The Cadets kept their mouths firmly shut.
Gently, Annabelle elbowed her and whispered quietly enough that the Cadet's couldn't hear, "Don't you have something more inspiring to say? To, you know, get them invested."
Jamie gave her a flat look, "That's what the needles were for. Kids like sharp things." She whispered back in a very matter-of-fact tone.
Annabelle glanced out over the cluster of confused and scared faces. "I think that had the opposite effect, love."
Jamie would have rolled her eyes if she was given to such displays. Instead, she once again cleared her throat as she pondered something inspiring to say. "And never forget you are brave Warrior Cadet's of Marley. No other soldier in any other army in the entire world could say the same. Be proud of that."
Annabelle sighed softly, well at least their wards weren't scared and confused anymore. Now they were just confused, she thought with a small smile.
"More importantly." Gideon cut in, "Remember that the enemy is devious. They would not hesitate to kill you, even if they look harmless. Every one of those savages you fail to kill is a dead Marleyan- as far as I'm concerned."
Annabelle frowned, now they were just scared. She could hear Jamie softly exhale from her nose- her version of a huffy pout. Annabelle silently agreed.
The cadets tried to move as silently as possible through the trees and towards the modest light from the city. Marcel led them, and he would periodically glance behind him to make sure the others were following him. They had fallen in their usual formation, Porco right behind him followed by Annie, Pieck, Bertolt and Reiner always in the rear.
Maybe he would be a good armored titan, Marcel thought ruefully before pushing it out of his mind. He couldn't dwell on his misdeeds now, he had to lead the group to the civilian district- where they would have to split up. Despite Marcel giving clear directions to be back at the designated spot in an hour's time, he still had his worries. He just hoped Porco didn't decide to be stubborn about it.
With a wave of his hand, he gave the order to fan out.
~/~
Every one of Bertolt's muscles shook as he moved quietly though the shadows. They had changed into a full black uniform, with a black backpack full of explosives and a hunting knife strapped to his shin. He had to croach to stay in the long shadows cast by tall, narrow buildings against the blinding arc-lamps lining the street.
Despite the gloves on his hands, they felt numb and cold. His entire body was covered in a cold sweat. Every few seconds, Bertolt would pause and look around the street. Every instinct told him to go back in the other direction. He knew it was against the rules, but maybe he could reunite with Reiner. Reiner was always so sure of what to do, nothing like Bertolt.
Ultimately, the only thing that stopped him from turning back wasn't any newfound courage; it was the all-consuming self hatred that screamed 'you're such a coward! Everybody will hate you if you go back and compromise the mission! Reiner will hate you!'
As the scenery changed from tall buildings and businesses to houses, Bertolt ideally reflected that maybe Reiner would be better off hating him. It was just a matter of time before he let him down as well, and in this hellish place that could mean death.
His fingers shook as he planted the first explosive. He winched when he touched the two wires together, but nothing had happened. After a tense moment, Bertolt allowed himself a sigh of relief before moving on.
It was late at night, the sky was dark but there were no stars in the sky. It reminded him of Liberio, the light pollution and light smog colored the sky's dark grey. It also got darker later than in Liberio. Back home, around this time of year it would be getting dark around five while it was closer to eight here. It reminded him of how far away from home he was, but more importantly he couldn't understand why people would still be awake.
Slowly, he army-crawled through the muddied cobblestone beneath warmly lit windows. He was ashamed to admit he envied those people, with a warm room and the smell of hot dinner. He was just so cold, wet, and dirty- he staunchly ignored how lonely he was. Reiner was right that dwelling on it only made it worse, and he didn't have time to cry now.
Bertolt passed under another window, but paused when he could hear laughter and indistinct conversation. Despite his better judgment, he peeked in through the open window. He swallowed thickly at what he saw.
A family: a father, mother, and son sitting around a dinner table. They were all smiling and laughing over the remnants of their food. Bertolt ducked down when the mother suddenly got up to collect their plates, but he didn't miss her planting a soft kiss on her husband's cheek.
Bertolt's family had never looked like that. Maybe it had at one point, one he couldn't remember. His Dad was never home for dinner, he stayed up so late in the shop cursing over the cash register that was always too empty. Then, even when he did come home, he would plant himself in front of the radio and drink until midnight.
His Mother never smiled carefree and warm like the woman before him. They were always thin, fragile almost, like it could shatter any moment. Lately, whenever his mother would try to reassure him with a smile, it always did the opposite.
Bertolt didn't think his parents ever liked each other. Not really.
The man said something in Camonican Bertolt didn't understand, but it made the other two laugh. It was a grim reminder that they were the enemy. He realized he didn't really envy them much, as he planted a bomb on the foundation of their house.
~/~
Annie tsked when her knife slipped and cut her skin cleanily. At least it was razor sharp, as per standard issue, so it didn't hurt. Maybe she was just used to cuts, though. Quickly, she finished whittling down the plastic covering over the wires and tied them together.
She looked down at her finger spitefully, no matter how little she had already spilt her own blood for this stupid plan. Hot indigence rose in her stomach the more she thought about it- because this plan really was worthless. For all the warriors talked of duty and bravery, they conveniently forgot they would have been able to solve this issue with one of their titans.
Typical. She rolled her eyes and continued on her way. Of course the ones in power would gamble with the lives of those weaker, rather than lift a finger themselves. When she had first left for Mantega, a part of her was happy to leave her father behind. He too always gambled with her life for his own benefit.
It was a cold realization when those kids had left Narcissus and never came back. It turned out the world was full of men like her father. It was revelations like that that made her want to return home quickly. Better the devil you know, right?
Annie had been directed to some type of slum, full of small houses that seemed to be falling apart. She wondered what type of people lived here, if they didn't have Eldains here. This section of the city seemed to be in almost total darkness, the streetlights didn't go to this part of town. Maybe power cables all together didn't go to this side of town.
She ducked behind an alley as she heard voices approaching, and held her breath. Annie tightened her grip of the knife as the voices drew nearer.
It didn't turn out to be necessary, as the group of young men walked by her without a second glance. Annie didn't get a good look at them in the partial black, but it was clear they wore patched together clothes that fit wrong- like most residents of Liberio.
It didn't really matter what they looked like, Annie reflected. Different place, different excuses, same story. Someone always had to be on the bottom, no matter the society.
And it's not going to be me, she thought as she got another bomb from her bag.
Good, bad. Friend, foe. Righteous, sinful. None of it mattered to Annie, it wasn't allowed to matter in her life. It was a luxury for people far from danger, or too ignorant to realize the danger like Reiner. All that mattered was herself, that's all she could rely on.
~/~
Porco slammed a hand over his mouth to suppress a round of wet coughs. His chest clenched painfully, but it passed and Porco continued on his way. It was common ever since he got syphilis from Suvla.
He would never forget those few weeks in the hospital, men slowly waiting to die- and the doctors seeming refusal to do anything about it. People, Eldians, would come in with terrible complications and all the nurses would do is ask them questions and let them die. Kids like him, even.
He would never forget the feeling of almost being like them, either. He knew the only reason he was given any treatment or allowed a bed was because of his status as a Warrior Cadet. It filled him with righteous rage that it was like this. But he would change it, he wasn't like Reiner or the others. Porco wasn't a coward.
He rounded a corner and almost screamed when he almost ran into a light pole he thought was a man's leg. He was glad no one was around to see that, especially his overbearing brother.
Moving past the post after sending it a dirty look, he approached another large building that seemed to be some closed shop. He planted the explosive quickly, but paused before he left.
Pressing his face against the glass windows, he peered inside. Shelves upon shelves of fresh food, colorful candies, and fancy looking tea and coffee. In Liberio, items like sugar, fresh produce and dairy are heavily regulated and rationed out by the government because of shortages. Val Camonica was at war too, but evidently didn't suffer the same shortages.
Porco wondered if Marley was even suffering those shortages, or if it was just Liberio. Because as he saw how Marleyan's lived and Marleyan towns, it seemed like a lot of things were "just Liberio".
It was satisfying knowing they would soon be knocked down a peg, maybe then the survivors would know how he felt.
~/~
Pieck moved fast and nimbly on all fours, like it was natural for her. She worked quickly, spurred on for her fear of being caught in the explosion- or anywhere near it when it first went off.
She remembered what charred flesh smelled like, she did not wish to relive it. It was unforgettable, and in all her time in Mantega she has yet to find a worse smell. She wondered what this would smell like- magnified by a hundred with the scent of burnt rubble and a spray of blood.
Pieck did not think it would make her retch, though. Not much did anymore.
She supposed she must have finished first, considering it had only been an hour since they set out. With nothing else more to do, she retranced her path back through the town to the meeting place. Pieck smiled to herself, maybe if she finished first she could tease Reiner and Porco about it. Not Bertolt, though, he probably wouldn't enjoy that very much.
Pieck tried to think how Annie would react, probably not much of a reaction. Unfortunately, most of Pieck's attempts to befriend her hadn't worked. Conversations were curt and any attempt at teasing was met with a blank stare. Surprisingly, the only person Annie seemed to get along with was Porco. It was a shame, Pieck thought, that the only other girl in the group didn't like her.
Maybe Annie just thought Pieck was annoying. It pained her to think, but it may be better for everybody if she quit trying.
Peick paused as she reached a corner, and peered out on either side to watch out for others. It was a thoroughfare made for cars, so she worried it would have more foot traffic. She couldn't afford to be caught, she still shivered remembering Warcheif Werner's ominous warning about the Camunni savages. Pieck didn't think she could win a fight against one of them, or bear the consequences of winning.
When it was clear, she darted around the corner and back into the shadows while frantically watching for any sign of danger and-
OW! Pieck recoiled and landed on her arse, cradling her head in her hands. When she heard another voice, her head shot up and eyes darted around wildly. Only to be met with dimly lit, familiar cold blue eyes and golden hair. Pieck almost laughed in relife: Annie.
"Annie, you're okay!" She whispered, glad that at least one other person was fine. Hopefully, the others would be too.
Annie only glared at her, nursing her own sore spot that was quickly fading. "Don't sound so surprised." She grumbled, before starting to get up again to leave.
"Wait!" Pieck raised her voice slightly, "How did it go? We should probably go back together..." She trailed off at the sour look Annie shot her. Maybe she wasn't so good at not trying. Although, it still hurt how disinterested Annie was with her wellbeing after how much time they've spent together.
Annie sighed at her dejected expression, "Fine, let-" Suddenly, the side of her face was illuminated with a bright yellow light. The two turned to see an automobile's headlights coming towards them. Acting quickly, Pieck grabbed Annie's arm and dragged her into a side alley that seemed to wind through side streets.
Annie didn't complain and kept pace alongside her, both fueled by fear. Until her foot caught on a raised cobblestone and she lost her balance. Pieck watched in slow-motion as her head connected with the ground. Pieck skidded to a halt:
"Annie!" She called, but the girl was silent, and in the low light Pieck could see her golden locks turn a worrying red. Getting on all fours, she shook her friend while desperately calling her name. Slowly, her eyes drifted open- but something looked off about them.
Pieck's mind raced as she frantically tried to recall her minimal first aid training but her mind came up blank. With no other option and with time growing short, she grabbed Annie by the forearm and drabled it around her shoulder.
"Wha-" Annie tried to ask, but her speech was slurred and quiet.
"Don't worry!" Pieck assured, "It's just a short walk, I'll get you back to the base- just! Just try to stay awake until then!"
Weakly, she felt Annie nod against her shoulder.
~/~
Reiner crept along the ground on all fours, hunting knife between his teeth and leather gloves softly padding against the ground. He set the last explosive on the foundation of an apartment complex skillfully.
He was late, he knew that. Reiner was always late, though, so that was nothing new. He worried his lip behind a black scarf-like mask, every muscle in his body buzzed with the need to get away. The mere idea of getting into another explosion, one he was much less likely to make it out of, was enough to make his chest tighten and palms sweat.
But…
But what if someone else was out there? One of his comrades and friends. It wouldn't hurt to stay a little longer and look for them. Avignon did not have a large civilian base, as most of the population was military. It would be a simple task.
Reiner had been very lucky this time around, he had not run into a single other person- much less seen one. He should have known he'd been testing his fragile luck too much tonight.
He crept closer to mainstreet, where bars lined the side of the road to entice men as they returned home from work. Bright light shone through their windows, but their inhabitants were content to stay inside and drink themselves silly for a few more hours. Reiner knew what type of miscreant would go to such a place, and was not surprised to see so many in a Val Camonican city. His mother made it very clear that such people were beneath them, so he was quite vindicated to think of the destruction to come.
He paused and surveyed his surroundings carefully, looking for any moving black shadows of a comrade. He did this every few yards to make sure he didn't miss anything.
There! Reiner saw a small figure dart out from the shadow of a building and into an alley. He couldn't get a good look, but in the moonlight he could tell it was someone he knew.
Reiner was about to stand and rush across the street when the sound of a door slamming open stopped him in his tracks. Reiner held his breath as a man stumbled out of one of the bars across the street. Hopefully, he would pass quickly so Reiner could move on, but the way the man was hugging the wall as he floundered down the street made that seem unlikely.
Reiner's heart lept into his throat when the man stopped at the entrance to the alley and peered inside. Reiner could see him frown in confusion, and mumble something before staggering deeper into the darkness. Every one of Reiner's muscles coiled in expectation while every terrible senario flashed through his head.
Would one of his friends be gutted? Killed? Worse?
No. He couldn't let that happen.
Reiner's fear pushed him forward for once, instead of the shameful paralysis he'd come to expect. He held the hunting knife deftly in his hand, the sharp edge of the blade pointed out and ready. He closed the gap easily, and didn't stop to think about his next actions. As the sight of the man's broad back came into focus as he stared down Reiner's friend and comrade with their back against the wall- he didn't need to.
Reiner used the full force of his momentum to drive his shoulder into the man's lower back. He cried out over a sickening pop, falling to his knees dazed. Reiner recovered quickly and forced the man on his stomach, digging his knees to his shoulder blades. With one hand, he threaded his hands through the man's unwashed hair and pulled his head up to expose his throat. Reiner let out a single, involuntary battlecry before dragging the knife's edge across his throat with so much force he could feel scraping against hard bone.
Reiner imagined butchering one of those deer. Slitting his throat deep and hanging it upside down to watch the blood drain onto the ground.
"Reiner?" The voice was small, questioning over the man's brief death rattle. Like waking up from a haze, the boy looked up from his bloodstained hands to Marcel.
Reiner stood slowly on uneasy legs like a newborn fawn. He tried to process the events. He had saved Marcel, killed a savage Moonie man bravely and did his duty. A smile spread across his face, he did it. He wasn't a complete fuck up- and that realization overshadowed the feeling of slick blood coating his hands.
He laughed, light and breathy. "I did it." he mumbled, and then looked at Marcel excitedly, "I did it!"
The older boy stood, then approached Reiner and carefully set a hand on his shoulder. His expression was unreadable. "Thank you. Let's get back."
Reiner's eyes shone and he nodded. Marcel tried to ignore the blood specked on his friend's face.
When they got back to the cabin in the woods, everyone was back already and all gazes turned to them immediately. Except for Annie, who lay on the couch with her head bandaged and resting in Annabelle's lap. Noticing their concerned looks, Annabelle smiled pristeenly, "She'll be fine, just a small bump and a bit of a concussion. She must have been feeling left out from the boys." She laughed.
"What took you so long?" Porco huffed, trying to hide his worry for his brother. Marcel stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him tightly. "Eh?" Porco grunted, trying to break free.
"Never change." Marcel whispered before pulling back, looking almost scared in his glassy eyes.
Magath approached the boys quickly, "Report."
He addressed Marcel, but Reiner happily cut in: "Sir! The mission was a success." As Reiner spoke, his words got faster and more casual in his excitement, "When trying to withdraw I found a Moonie Savage about to attack Marcel, but I killed him! I didn't even hesitate, I swear. He never even saw me!" He stopped and waited for Magath's praise.
Instead, he was met with a face that seemed to have aged decades since he started talking. Commander Magath's gaze was familiar somehow, like his mother whenever he slipped and spoke of what the Cadet's actually did. Reiner could only describe it as a deep melancholia. Why would Magath not like his dedication? What did he do wrong this time?
Suddenly, he felt very cold inside. He couldn't stand to look at his commander anymore, and instead focused on his hands. The blood had dried a rich brown and caked onto his skin. He felt so dirty, and hollow.
"Good work." Magath finally spoke briskly before walking off again. "We will stay here for the night and leave tomorrow. Do not leave this cabin for any reason."
Reiner felt someone tap his shoulder, and he turned around to see Pieck and Bertolt looking at him in understanding. "Come on." Pieck said, holding her clean hand out for him to take, "I'll show you where you can take a shower and get some new clothes." Her smile may have been empty and bordering on sad, but at least it was honest.
The night was full of tense, sleepless silence as they listened to the sounds of bombs dropping in the distance. They slept in the main room, and at one point Reiner saw Mrs. Kaleka storm out of the door with Mrs. Lee in toe. They returned an hour later, when the bombs were quiet and with strange scars of their face silhouetted against the moonlight.
Even when the bombs stopped, Reiner continued to toss and turn throughout the night. When he closed his eyes, all he could hear was the man's death rattle and felt the blood on his hands. When his eyes were open, his mind was plagued with Magath's disappointed expression- what did that mean for him? He turned again, looking at Annie to his right. She was obviously awake, staring at the dark ceiling blankly.
"Annie?" Reiner whispered, she was usually really good at reading adults. She always knew when they were planning something.
She closed her eyes momentarily and exhaled through her nose, "what?"
"Why do you think Magath was so sad when I told him about how good I did?"
Annie seemed to shrug, "Adults are just like that- they don't like it when kids are better than them at their jobs. They think it's dangerous. He just feels threatened, like the story with Snow White and the Evil Queen."
Reiner digested the information slowly, it would make sense that Magath was just threatened by him. He recalled the story of Snow White, and was somewhat relieved for the forest survival training they were put through. "Well, I know how to stay alive in the woods." He said matter-of-factly, and Annie muttered a quiet "good for you" in response. "Maybe I should be nicer to Commander Magath though, he is pretty old. It might be embarrassing for him."
"You'd better." Annie said, "Because the Military could do a lot worse than leave you in the woods."
When sunlight started to stream in through the slats in the blinds, Reiner still hadn't gotten much sleep. None of them had. When it was time to load up in the truck again, no one complained about the early raise time. The first thing he did when he got there was go to wash his hands again.
Reiner rubbed his eye's tiredly for what seemed like the hundredth time as they got ready. Just as he was about to go through the door, he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder hold him back. Confused, he turned to look up into the stern expression of Jamie Kaleka.
She leveled him an intense yet somehow intimate stare. It didn't feel like when most adults looked at him, like he was a ghost that wasn't even there. It felt like Jamie was actually seeing him. Somehow, that was even more terrifying.
She surprised him when she nodded, once and curt. "You did what you had to." She said simply, before straightening and stepping back to allow him to leave.
Reiner thought of these grim words as they were taken back to Tarraco. It felt like it should be praise, but the way she said it seemed to implicate something more. Like she knew it wasn't fun, but it was necessary. Reiner didn't know how he felt about that, but in a weird way it comforted him. It gave him hope that the Warrior seemed to feel similar about the killings. Maybe he wasn't broken after all.
They got back to Tarraco in time for lunch at the mess hall. After another round of nervously looking at the line workers and making sure the Southern Marleyans weren't working, Reiner sat in the isolated area with the rest of the Cadets. He didn't give his rice pottage with canned meats and fruits much thought and poked at it absentmindedly. He simply listened to the idle chatter around him without engaging much.
Then, the doors slammed open and all of the voices died immediately. Silhouetted against the afternoon sun, stood a stern looking Marleyan officer. He glared at each man separately.
"Who here," He started slowly, and stomachs sunk across the hall as they anticipated his next words, "Knows typed shorthand. Raise your hand."
No one did. In fact, every man stubbornly stared at their plates instead of looking at him. Reiner glanced at his classmates in confusion, they were all taught shorthand and typing. He was even proud of being the fastest typer out of all of them, until Porco reminded him how useless that skill was.
He didn't know why no one else was raising their hands, but nonetheless he slowly raised his. It would be a lie not to. Just as his hand moved, Annie harshly grabbed his wrist.
"Idiot!" She cursed quietly, "It's obviously a trap."
Reiner swallowed thickly as the officer spoke again, "Really? None of you maggots are smart enough to know how to type?"
"But-!" Reiner almost pleaded, "He's asking for typists." He insisted.
"No, he's just looking for someone to do more work." Annie countered harshly.
"I'm disappointed." He spoke again, and started walking around the crowd, "That none of my esteemed soldiers can do something so simple."
Reiner gave Annie an apologetic look before raising his hand. His voice carried easily though the silent hall, he may as well have been shouting. "I-I do sir."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the other Cadets scooted away from him to opposite ends of the table. Even Bertolt, Reiner noted with some betrayal. The Officer's cold dark eyes met him, and he approached him. Reiner saluted to hide his minutely shaking hands.
"Who are you?"
"Warrior Cadet Braun!"
"How old are you?"
"I-I just turned 10 sir."
"10, huh." The Officer repeated, and then turned to the crowd at large, "10! And he's already smarter than you! Hope you feel real happy about your cowardice." He muttered, before once again turning his attention to the boy. Reiner could only stare when the man offered him a handshake, "I'm Corporal Greco, head of the intelligence unit."
Reiner slowly took his hand, feeling the weight of the other cadets' stares, "Nice to meet you, sir." He mumbled.
"Well, come the fuck with me then. Clock's ticking, Braun." He turned on his heel and left, leaving Reiner to scramble after him. "Warrior Cadet, huh? So, you work with Magath?"
"uh-yes, sir."
Corporal Greco pulled a flask out of his jacket and took a quick swig, "That motherfucker is gonna make a big deal out of this. An Army officer has to go through the Eldain chain of command to boss one of you guys around, and Werner and his pet rat Calvi get real offended when we don't follow that. How's about I give you a small stipend for your time and silence, do good and I'll keep you on hand."
Reiner gaped, "Thank you, sir!" More than likely he would be paid with commissary tickets, but those could be turned into cash at the end of a tour. He was going to go home in just another week, it would be perfect.
"Well, I've always liked you Eldians. Especially after working with those young Marleyans and their new hippie ideas, all they want to do is sit around and talk about change and are allergic to work. At least you lot try to change, no matter how hopeless." Reiner frowned at Corporal Greco's words, slightly offended he didn't think things would get better for his people. He wasn't stupid enough to voice this allowd, though.
Corporal Greco walked up to a large white tent and burst through the flaps. Reiner glanced up and saw a sign posted on the side saying, "Marleyan's only". When Greco noticed Reiner stopped by the door, he rolled his eyes and grabbed Reiner by the forearm to drag him inside.
It seemed even larger inside than it appeared outside, with high ceilings and pristine concrete floors. On the far edge of the room was a semicircle of tall wooden desks opening towards the interior of the room. In the center, stood a lone folding chair. Other men in high-ranking uniforms sat at the desks, but the chair in the center stood empty.
"I got the scribe." Greco announced to the room, and Reiner immediately felt their judgemental eyes on him.
"An Eldian child?" One asked.
"Only one brave enough to volunteer for the job." Greco stated simply, and that seemed to quell their hesitations.
Corporal Greco led Reiner to a chair he hadn't noticed before on the far right of the room, with a typewriter on a wheeled stand nearby. He sat Reiner down in the seat, but when it became clear he was too short to reach the typewriter, Greco grabbed a stack of code books for him to sit on.
"This is your job," Corporal Greco declared, "That man in the center desk is gonna say "let the trial proceed". After that, you need to write down everything anybody says. Real simple. Even a monkey could do it. Got that?" Reiner nodded, "Good. Do well."
Corporal Creco turned and retreated to the desks, taking his seat next to the man in the front. The tent flaps opened again, this time two men burst in dragging an out-of-uniform young marleyan into the room. He was deathly pale, shaking and with a small trail of blood down his temple. Reiner momentarily caught his wide and unfocused eyes, a feeling of terrible dread washing over him.
What in the world was happening?
He was dragged into the low chair in the middle of the room, surrounded by judgmental eyes. After he was forced to sit down, the two men stepped away, leaving him to face his fate alone. "Abraham Soroka?" The judge asked.
The petrified young man swallowed thickly, "Yes, sir."
"I see." The judge drawled, as if the name itself was unsavory. "Then, let the trial begin." A loud bang resounded through the room as he beat a gavel on the table. Reiner straightened, fingers poised over the typewriter to record their words.
"I don't even know what I did!" Soroka cried in a pathetic voice.
"You should already know." A rotund man at the far end of the desk spat while red in the face, "You violated the sanctity of the Marleyan postal service. I should have you sent to the firing squad."
"Calm yourself, Postmaster Argento." The Judge said through a long suffering sigh.
Reiner blinked as he realized where he recognized this young man from. He was the one that had mailed his mother the letter, in exchange for a small bribe. He ducked his head in shame, hoping he wouldn't recognize Reiner and rat him out.
"You have been charged with treason for anti-state actions and for aiding in Eldain nationalism." The Judge continued, "do not waste time by trying to defend yourself- the evidence is already overwhelming."
"I-I don't understand. Please, I'm innocent- my family has always supported the state, you can check how many war bonds we've bought! A-and my dad was a high ranking military officer before the ac-"
"Corporal Greco." The judge interrupted unsympathetically, "Please read the evidence mounted against this traitor for the body assembled."
"Of course, sir." The once friendly seeming man was dead serious, causing a chill to run down Reiner's spine. "On the 8th of September I received an anonymous tip describing a postal worker that would accept bribes in return for passing letters and packages past our censorship office. After investigating, I found a letter written by Eldain nationalists to pass information into the Capital City of Roma. Plots to hold secret demonstrations and rallies under the Quaker banner. This was sent under a name that does not exist. Who sent this, Soroka? "
Soroka was shaking at this point, "I-No! I didn't know, I swear! I just thought it was for his girlfriend-"
"Who is he?" Greco pressed
"I don't know!" Soroka exclaimed in desperation before freezing. Slowly, he realized what that meant- that he no longer had any use for them. Reiner realized this at a similar time. "I don't know…"
There was a pregnant pause before Corporal Greco sighed, and eased himself back down into his chair, "That's a shame." He said slowly.
The judge sat back in his seat and reached for the gavill again, "I suppose this concludes this hearing, considering you all but confessed to this crime. Guards, please take him away for this punishment."
The stone-faced men dressed like standard marlean privates walked forward and grabbed Soroka by the arms, dragging him away. He yelled in protest, "Please, I didn't know! I didn't know! You can't do this!" As they got to the door, one of the men produced a hankey and gagged him, putting an end to the fruitless blithering.
When they left, the room was steeped in silence until Corporal Greco broke it, "See what I mean? Kids these days just don't understand consequences." Postmaster Argento huffed in agreement, muttering about disrespect. The judge stood, and leveled his cold, dark gaze on Reiner.
Reiner held his breath as the man stalked towards him, only for him to tear off the coil of typed paper spilling from the typewriter. He scrutinized every line thoroughly, when he finally looked back at Reiner he flinched away. "Good work, kid. Greco may want your help more often. You're free to go."
Reiner stood from his chair and dumbly walked outside into the too-bright Mantegan sun. He didn't understand what just happened. He didn't think he ever would.
Pieck kept replaying what happened in Avignon and to Annie. She was helpless, and couldn't do anything to help her. They were lucky this time that it was just a mild concussion and they were able to get to safety quickly, but what if they hadn't? What if they hadn't been able to get to medical help quickly? What if that had happened while stranded in the jungle.
She hated feeling so helpless. So stupid that she couldn't even use what little first aid training she had been taught. If the cadets would be expected to go on more solo missions, how could she keep her friends safe. Especially with Reiner pension for hurting himself.
So...useless.
Pieck really did hate that word, but it seemed apt. She was useless when it came to helping her father, who still hadn't shown any real improvement. She couldn't stop her friend from hurting themselves, and she wasn't smart enough to actually help people.
Well, it certainly wasn't something Pieck would let stand, at least.
She squared her shoulders and straightened her back as she stood outside the hospital tent. Only combat nurses were permitted to carry first aid kits on them, and Pieck wanted that desperately. Before she could talk herself out of it, she pushed the flap open and strode inside. There, she found the elderly Head Nurse Elke.
"What do you want, Eldian Child?" The nurse said dismissively while disinfecting a desk's surface.
"I want to learn combat first aid and get certified." Pieck decared, jutting her chin out before the world could crush her dream.
Head Nurse Elke snorted a rueful laugh, "Why would you need to learn that. All you cadets do is kill, no room for medicine. Besides, I couldn't even if I wanted to. Talk to Commander Magath about it."
Pieck bit her lip, she hadn't even tried asking Commander Magath because she knew he wouldn't approve of anything that detracted from her Warrior training. "I don't need to if I do it during rec hours." She insisted defiantly, "As long as it doesn't affect my training, I just want to get certified. So I can help my friends."
Nurse Elke straightened and looked her up and down, "No, you Eldian Children bring nothing but trouble. I will not have you disgracing my medicine."
Pieck gaped, "But, I want to learn! Learning is what I'm good at!" She insisted.
"So? That is hardly my problem." Nurse Elke turned her nose up, before walking away.
Pieck's fists clenched at her side, "You can't stop me from coming here!" She declared, knowing deep in her heart nothing would stop her from helping her friends.
And she couldn't, legally the hospital was a public area that no one could be restricted from. In theory at least, Pieck knew she was one overstep away from being cited with an Article 9 section 18 for neglecting her duties. All bets were off if Magath found out.
Nonetheless, Pieck came back everyday during her rec hours to watch the nurses work and learn what she can from that. Nurse Elke would glare at her from the opposite side of the room, but Magath never did find out. Despite the Woman's coldness, that was a small kindness Pieck could never return.
Pieck tried though, one small act at a time. Maybe she would empty out a bedpan, because nothing smells as bad as burnt flesh, or give a sponge bath, because no human body was as ugly with skin than without.
One day, after a small squad of men returned from the lowland jungle devastated, Pieck actually tried to help out. The nurses were busy and a man was crying while clutching his broken arm. Pieck knew that wrapping it tightly wound helped with the pain.
She approached him hesitantly, holding a wad of bandages. She half expected him to push the Eldian Devil away, but he was so young and so hysterical he didn't even register who was treating him. Pieck fought through his cries of pain to continue wrapping- until a bony, thin hand grabbed her wrist. Startled, she whirled around to see Nurse Elke glaring down at her.
"Silly girl! Do you even know what you're doing?" She barked, hastily unwrapping the gauze.
"I'm-!" Pieck tried to give an apology but was interrupted.
"When wrapping a broken arm it must be completely straight, none of that half-hazardness. Perfect overlapping of at least an half inch, and tight." She secured the bandages and cut off the line, handing the rest to Pieck. "Now, help the next one."
Pieck collected herself and grabbed the bundle, "Thank-"
"Now! Step to it, young lady!" Pieck jumped and hurried to the next young man.
That was the beginning of Nurse Elke's reluctant lessons.
Reiner spent the following weeks looking for Soroka around camp. At the post tent, the mess hall, morning exercises- everywhere. But he couldn't find him. Reiner told himself he must have been shipped home to serve time in corrections camps or maybe given skullury duty from his crime.
Reiner didn't want to think he had been executed for something that seemed like an honest, if not misguided, mistake. A Marleyan no less. For some reason Reiner had thought- or maybe just hoped- that Marleyans didn't get the same types of punishment as Eldians for such small crimes in the grand scheme of things.
As he walked back to his tent after another round of milling around the large base trying to find Soroka, he paused when he saw Zeke and Lorenzo sitting on a bench and sharing a cigarette. A large Eldian Shepard with pointed ears and a thick tan mane sat next to them, enjoying the bright sun.
Hesitantly, Reiner approached them. "Hey, uh, Zeke? Can I ask you something?"
Zeke shared a glance with his new friend, "Sure." He shrugged, "What's bothering you?"
"I…" Reiner trailed off, thinking, "Uh, someone I know got in big trouble with command and I haven't seen him since. They said he did something anti-Marleyan, but I don't know how because he is Marleyan. It's been weeks and I haven't seen him since."
Lorenzo made a thoughtful humm, "Sounds like they disappeared him."
Zeke and Reiner stared at him, "What's that?" Zeke asked.
"It's kinda like Paradis for Eldians, but Marleyans can't be turned into titans so they just disappear us. No one knows where they go, just that the state takes them away. Was he taken by men dressed like normal enlisted privates?"
Reiner nodded.
"Yeah, sometimes the state military-police like to parade around like one of us as spies. Though I bet they wouldn't be made to pick up the stupid Bushwaker-sniffing dog's poop." Lorenzo finished ruefully, holding up the leash the Eldian Shepherd was attached to. "He even outranks me, Lieutenant Buddy." It was Annabelle Lee's idea to use dogs to help combat the hit-and-run guerilla warfare used by natives to strike them first. It was also her idea to make all the dogs Lieutenants, as embarrassing it is for their handlers.
Zeke burst out laughing, "Seriously, so the snake has started eating itself? How funny!"
Lorenzo shrugged, "It's nothing new for us, it starts to lose its charm. Trust me."
Reiner swallowed thickly, and his voice came out weak, "Where do you think he went?"
"I donno," Lorenzo said, "Work camps, probably. Maybe he'll be re-educated into a state agent." He laughed at that one, "Who knows though."
"Hey, you think they would make them work in a state elementary school?" Zeke laughed
"Nah, the government isn't that evil." Lorenzo snorted, sending the both of them into rambunctious laughter.
Reiner backed away slowly from the scene, before turning around and walking away. A sinking feeling in his stomach made his footsteps heavy.
Reiner was sitting on a bench, working fastidiously on knitting a baby blanket for Gabi. It was getting late in the year, and coal has been getting harder and harder to get as more resources were diverted to Mantega. He supposed most of his next paychecks would be going towards buying coal.
More than anything, he needed the distraction and this was one of the few activities that kept his hands from shaking. He was so focused on the involved task he didn't even notice Bertolt approaching him.
"Hey, Reiner. What are you doing?" Reiner jumped and looked behind him to see Bertolt leaning over the back of the bench.
"Oh, nothing much." He shrugged, trying to appear like he wasn't about to jump out of his skin, "Just knitting something for Gabi."
Bertolt seemed to consider this for a moment, "My dad says that knitting is for girls."
Reiner frowned in confusion, "Why doesn't your dad like girls? They're nice, and pretty, with soft skin and good smelling hair…" He trailed off before he could say anything Annie might beat him up for.
Bertolt hummed in though, it was true that his dad didn't really like his mom a whole lot. Sometimes Bertolt wondered why they were even married in the first place, "I guess he doesn't."
"That's very brave of him to admit." Reiner added sympathetically. Bertolt wasn't sure if the sympathy was justified.
"Well, anyway Corporal Greco was looking for you." Bertolt said in a fast change of topic. Riner stiffend and froze, almost dropping his needles.
"D-did he say why?!" He asked urgently, his eyes wide with strange panic. Bertolt backed up, shaking his head.
"No, just that when I see you to tell you to go to the information tent."
Reiner was breathing hard now, wondering if that was code for another trial. Were they trying to lure him away to disappear them? Did Soroka, wherever he is, rat Reiner out for commiting a crime? He had the immediate urge to run, before the sobering realization that no matter where he went they would find him. There was nowhere an Eldian could be safe.
Instead, he took a deep breath in a vain attempt to calm himself. He stood on shaking legs, and tried on his best fake smile, "Well, I better go then." He ignored his friends' worried frown at his mannerisms and hurried away. A heavy pit in his stomach weighed him down.
When he approached the closed flap of the tent he could hear a buzz of activity inside. A man stood at attention at the door, who Reiner noticed was dressed as a regular private. Reiner recalled that usually at least PFCs get to choose a nice cushy job like this.
Reiner saluted, holding it as stiff as possible to hide his shaking, "Cadet Braun reporting for Corporal Greco."
The man nodded, and wordlessly opened the flap for Reiner, who ventured in carefully. Corporal Greco stood in the middle of the room, barking out orders. When the natural light for the open door hit him, he turned his severe gaze onto Reiner. He froze. This was it, Greco knew. Reiner would never be able to see his mother again, or become a warrior, or live happily with his dad. All for some stupid mistake.
He braced himself.
"There you are, Braun. You're ears as good as your typing?"
Reiner blinked in confusion, "Uh, I guess? I mean, yes sir!"
Greco frowned at his slip, but led Reiner to the side of the tent. The entire wall was made from metal paneling with flashing lights, vacuum tubes, and thick bundles of wire attached to it. A long table was placed in front of it, on it resting typewriters young men and women were busy at. Reiner was led to an empty one and handed a headset.
"Listen to what comes in on the radio and write it down. Set the pages down next to you in order so one of my men can sort through it later. Now." Corporal Greco turned and left Reiner stared confused at the device. Glancing around, he put them on his head like he's seen the others do and got to work. All the while wondering how it was possible no one knew what he did, when they had supposedly known everything Soroka had done.
Reiner decided quickly to just be grateful and not to think about it. Much better than to think of the consequences.
Pieck was once again spending her break at the hospital, sitting on an overturned bucket behind the tent and rubbing her puffy, tired eyes. She wasn't sure how long she could keep this up, but she also knew she couldn't afford to give up. Her father had taught her a little bit of pain was worth it for the sake of his family. He had even sacrificed his lungs for her.
She turned quickly at the sound of rustling clothes, and was surprised to see Nurse Elke looking at her. The elder woman had two steaming mugs of pitch black coffee in her hands. She held one out to the young girl, "Here, I supposed you've earned this."
Pieck frowned at it in distaste, she never did like the bitter taste of coffee. But the weight of Nurse Elke's gaze made her take a cautious sip. Only to cough it up when she tried to swallow.
Elke looked away in disgust, taking a large gulp of her own drink and sitting on anotehr overturned bucket. "You'll have to get used to coffee if you really want to go into medicine. There's endless suffering in the world, and not enough of us to go around."
Pieck looked up at her in wonder as she digested Nurse Elke's words. In some roundabout way, the woman was finally acknowledging her. "Then…?" She ventured quietly.
"You Cadet's will never have it easy." She said instead, "Our glorious military won't spare much to help you. A simple first aid kit won't do you much, it seems pointless to try."
Pieck pursed her lips and looked down into the cup, the dark liquid reflecting her tired face. "I know, but we have to try. I have to try. I can't handle being helpless. I'm not strong, I'm not a natural fighter or a good shot. I need to use my mind to protect them, that's all I'm good at."
Nurse Elke was silent for a long moment, "Tomorrow, I'll send a request to Magath to have you formally under my tutelage. He will listen to me, for all their pomp and circumstance they will always listen to the doctors."
Pieck gasped, "Thank you! But…" She quieted, "Why would you do that? For a devil."
Elke sighed, and placed her now empty cup beside her. "I wasn't lying when I said all you Eldians bring is trouble. Not because your devils, simply because of how closely you're watched. Maybe it's irrational as well. I once had a daughter you remind me of." Her eyes were far away, like she wasn't even talking to Pieck directly. "She died when she was about your age. She was Eldian as well."
Pieck couldn't hide her shock at the admission, fighting to keep her voice steady to not offend the women. "What do you mean?"
"My husband was an Eldain. He thought I didn't know, but I'm a medical professional. He looked quite textbook, and he was always jittery around the government. I didn't care though, I loved him and we had a beautiful daughter. Looking at her, I could not imagine someone thinking she was less than human.
"He was eventually found out, as the story usually goes. I turned my back on him, trying to save myself and my daughter from treason charges. It worked, but my name was still stained. Everyone knew my sin, and I was naive to think it was over. Not long after, my daughter was murdered. I assume by someone who thought she was unnatural. There was no investigation, and I knew then I was alone. No one would ever help me."
"I'm sorry." Pieck offered genuinely, knowing the simple words would never be enough.
Nurse Elke waved a hand dismissively, "I did not say all this for sympathy, girl. I want you to use this to think critically about our wonderful nation."
"What do you mean?" Pieck asked, a growing pit of dread settling in her stomach. It wasn't something she wanted to think about.
"You're a thinky girl, who do you think benefits from the subjugation of your people?" Nurse Elke's deep brown eyes were cold, scathing "Because it certainly isn't Marleyans."