Chapter 17
Cruelty
"Mama!" a toddler screamed before being ripped away from a young woman.
General Osman observed the scene with indifference as it repeated over and over in front of him. His men took the women away from their husbands, the children away from their mothers, and began placing them into specific trucks. Some of the younger soldiers appeared unsure as they did the task, but he didn't care as long as they did it.
It didn't matter in the end.
Not really.
This Eldian internment zone wasn't exactly state-sponsored. It was an area the old Eldian colonists had set themselves up in a thousand years prior to the Great Titan War and the fall of the Eldian Empire. Most of these were descendants of them in some form or another, and the town still somewhat shone with at least a shadow of its former, ancient glory, with a few buildings still standing to at least shelter the Eldian Devils from the rain. Other than that, the place had almost burnt to the ground once the Mid-East Alliance set aside its differences and united, and all that was left was a skeleton and the former shadow of a once prosperous town.
An old man was dragged from a tent and made eye contact with Osman; his legs clearly useless as they left their marks on the dried dirt and sand beneath them.
"Why? We have done nothing to you!" he tried before the officer carrying him shoved him into one of the trucks.
Osman took a drag from his cigar with indifference, not at all bothered by the dessert heat or sand.
A gunshot was heard and immediately followed by six other rifles cracking at once.
He glanced to his left, seeing a woman's body crumpled on the sandy ground, an ancient pistol on her hand, and a single one of his men on the ground screaming in agony as he was carried away to a medical bay.
Two little girls were shaking next to the woman's corpse, not allowed to grieve as they, too, were dragged away.
Osman turned to his subordinate, saying "I thought I said we would try to avoid killing them... we need, live bodies after all."
The Colonel said, "She pulled a gun, general."
"Fair enough, but I don't want any of the men getting trigger-happy... armed or not I want as many of them alive as we can get."
Then, while glancing at a corner, he saw a single soldier staring at a family cowering in a corner, the man begging clearly as he tried to shield his wife and daughter.
Osman frowned.
Or maybe I should be concerned about the opposite...
Osman walked down to the scene, careful not to slip on the rocky outcrop.
By the time he got to the scene of unparallel controversy, a lieutenant was already yelling at the young private. Osman, noting that the situation was far simpler than he had anticipated, tragically enough. A scenario all armies throughout history had, unfortunately, had to see in some form or another.
Still, he had to ask.
"What's the situation here?" Osman asked. Neither the lieutenant nor the privates with their rifles lowered had seen him approach, so the men quickly stood at rigid attention and saluted as soon as he spoke.
Before the private could find his voice, the lieutenant said, "They're refusing to separate this family, general. I was just reminding them of the oath they swore when they put on the uniform."
Ah... of course... refusing orders... how original.
The private said "General... this... I just... I need to understand why we are gathering up unarmed civilians."
The lieutenant said "Soldier! For starters, your job is not to question orders! Second, these are Eldian Devils! You should know-"
Osman raised a hand, silencing the young officer.
The tired general took a step forward, moving toward the private so his taller size could be emphasized more, looming over the soldier, not unlike the titans of old, the young man holding his ground, which was admirable in a way, if not foolish.
"What is your name, soldier?"
"H-Hamza, general... Ahmet Hamza."
Osman laughed, his features softening as he appeared almost fatherly, saying "Rich family, no?"
Hamza nodded, embarrassed, an old woman screaming as she was dragged away not too far away, the action reminding him of what he was doing, trying to prevent.
Osman said "I see. You're a naïve soul so, Hamza, what you need to understand is that these devils, and always remember they are devils even if they appear as people, see, they are going to be used in our war effort against the enemies who killed our comrades."
"They'll... they'll be turned into titans?"
"Perhaps, perhaps not, but that's none of our concern, yours or mine or... anyone here. Remember, Hamza, the enemy will annihilate us if we don't fight."
"But... General, this... this isn't fighting, it's..."
"Hamza, you're a soldier... you should understand that we have strategies and plans... and right now... if everyone doesn't do their part... we will fail... and failure means we go back to the terrors of the Eldian Empire."
Hamza turned to the family, the man still trying to shield them.
"Hamza, do you think they would object if your positions were reversed? Do your duty, soldier."
The man shielding his family loudly said "General, please, we haven't even left this town since the fall, we haven't harmed anyone, we beg you for mercy! My wife is pregnant!"
Osman glanced at the man and calmly said "I'm sure she is... Hamza, take them to their designated trucks. Try not to kill them, but if they resist then don't hesitate."
The young soldier turned to his general then and shakily said "I... can't... General."
Osman said, "Are you defying orders from an officer?"
"Yes, general." came the uncertain but determined reply.
Sure you are...
"You understand that means treason and will put you up for immediate execution by firing squad?"
"I... yes... yes, I do... I can't in good conscience... follow this... order." the soldier concluded, shaking.
"Good conscience... alright, then understand this... when I said everyone had to do their part, I meant it... now ask yourself what will happen to your family if you are executed for treason?"
"My family has nothing to do-"
"Yes, yes, they do... they very much do. See, they failed to raise you to follow the moral and fiscal codes of this world and instead raised a traitor who would rather protect the devils that wish to destroy and enslave not just his people but all people across the world. If you have a father, any property he may or may not own shall be confiscated..."
"Wait."
"...if you have a mother, she will more than likely be assigned to act as a comfort to our officers, depending on her looks of course..."
"G-general-"
"Your brothers, sisters, well... odds are they will be executed as well as your parents raised one traitor, then clearly they may have raised more, no? Arguably that would be better. The state may deem it necessary to simply draft them and take your place. Prove their worth. How old are they?"
The private stared in shock.
Osman lightly patted the soldier's shoulder and said "So, let's not be ridiculous... do your duty. Now."
Slowly, but without any more objections, the private turned away and moved to the family, the man still begging as he grabbed him and restrained him. The other soldiers didn't bother voicing an objection, following in step and separating the family without a word.
Osman turned to the lieutenant and said "Once the fighting starts, I recommend you redirect him to the front line... we need to get rid of any weak links if we are to win."
The lieutenant only nodded and said, "Yes, general."
Osman walked off then, the cries and sobs not affecting him as the formerly Eldian town was emptied little by little.
As he glanced at the bright blue sky above, he felt an off-putting but satisfying knowledge that similar actions were occurring elsewhere.
…
"Your grace, these efforts are wondrous and greatly appreciated." Willy Tybur breathed, staring at the lines upon lines of Eldians being pushed into snow-covered trains. The snowy tundra surrounding the station was somehow made colder by the visibly dimmer sunlight that came in the mornings there.
The man standing next to him was large, hairy, almost bear-like. The pointy beard reached to his expanded belly, neatly covered up by the massive fur coat. He stared ahead, a tired expression only highlighted by the darkened circles under his light-green eyes as he lit another cigar, spitting the old one away with little care.
Willy said "How many here? Three, four hundred?"
"Sixteen-hundred and seventy-seven Eldians, Mister Tybur... the Romanov Empire has kept its cities clean of the vermin, but... the people out there never were much for the complexities of the modern age. Some likely still believe the Eldian Empire still stands. They were more than happy to shelter Eldian devils so long as they did basic manual labor. I've always wanted to rid myself of this blight. All sixteen-hundred and seventy-seven of them."
A small, nearly imperceptible smile appeared on the large man, only the slight upward shift of the hair around his lips giving it away before he spoke again.
"My Oprichnina is very, very efficient."
Willy felt an emotional chill go up through his spine at the words of the dreaded secret police.
He glanced at the men in all black standing next to him. A white mask hiding all facial features, and an ancient pistol in each of their right hands, as they all watched the Eldian masses with a cold vigilance and a rigidness that would make it clear to anyone that stepping out of line meant immediate death as none of the people marching down the path dared even look at the men in black.
Willy shuddered, saying "This is... a great opportunity to make up for the sins of the past."
The large man shrugged.
Willy said "I thank you, Tsar Alexi. The world will remember your efforts going forward, I'm sure."
The man looked up, puffing out a ring of grey smoke that was just dark enough to differentiate itself from the snowy surroundings.
Then, turning to Tybur, he said "My ancestors were beaten down by the Eldian Empire. Our winter did little to stop the Titan threat and the Tsars of old were removed... we are ever grateful to the Tyburs for bringing back our power. This is but a small gesture of our gratitude."
"Oh?"
"Yes... our real show of force hasn't happened yet. In fact, one could say we have enough cavalry to overwhelm the entire island of Paradis."
"Oh..." Willy sighed.
"I understand mister Tybur. Paradis and its devils no longer use horses. Our fellow allies are phasing horses out as well... but I believe my men will show their worth as riders... if not, then they fail and that is that. They may die comfortably knowing they helped save the entire world."
Willy nodded continuing to eye the nervous men and women who were finally escorted onto the final cart.
A woman, one who couldn't have been more than twenty years old, briefly made eye contact with him. Their eyes were a fair distance away, yet they met. She almost looked like she was about to say something, a pleading in her eyes.
Willy turned away just as the door to the car was shut and locked, the train almost immediately commencing its journey.
Everything was coming to a head whether he liked it or not.
...
Matt White stared at the rocky shore with some disdain, the endless sea beyond likely teeming with enemies that were more than likely hiding just outside of his view, the beach itself was still riddled with refugees that were being processed, the German tanks that had been moved to ensure no surprise titans popped up silently watching from behind the safety of a ridge as a seagull squawked high above him, and the waves continued to crash into the island of alleged devils. Said, "devils" were now patrolling the camp as well, the Survey Corps scouts walking by sporting the M1903s they'd been given and accustomed to in the several months after the defeat of Rodd Reiss and subsequent "opening" of the island. If the nations of the other world hadn't made their presence on the island felt before, they certainly were now.
A group of soldiers in different uniforms were now working on the civilians, the red flags with a crescent moon on their side identifying their nationality to anyone from the earth, but to Matt, it was the interactions in a different language with one of his guys that gave the nationality away.
Dave walked over with a tired sigh, Matt taking the chance to ask "Got any family there?"
He replied by shoving Matt to the side before moving into the Humvee, waking up a sleeping Jake who quickly asked "What's happening?"
"God, it's a mess." Dave groaned as he opened the Humvee's back door and sat down, facing outward, eyeing the ocean.
"How bad?" Matt asked.
"Most of them speak Turkish, some even speak English. No problems there, and the Turkish detachment is working wonders by not being complete Ottoman clones... but these people are just traumatized, man. Physically, emotionally... it's like... the Holocaust over there. Some even refuse to leave the beach due to fear of the so-called Paradis Devils... they're as scared of the people here as Marley. Hell, maybe more so!"
"Jesus..."
"It gets worse for us. If they... the World Union... if they realized we're reluctant to kill civilians, Eldians or not..."
"We're reluctant to kill civilians?"
Matt and Dave glared at Jake.
"I'm just being honest. A ship full of civilians, we can take them in no problem, for the most part, a warship full of civilians... naw, we sink them. Didn't work for the Nazis in World War 2, I doubt it will work for these clowns."
"Wait, didn't the Nazis use civilians in Poland?"
"Yeah, and it worked there for a bit, but later on they tried that on trains and stuff... didn't work because the allies knew what had to be done."
"And you think we'll do the same?"
"Won't we?"
The soldiers remained silent for a moment.
Dave finally said, "I don't think the queen will approve."
"So? We're in charge. Even an international presence isn't really doing anything other than adding a pair of eyes. This is practically an American operation, not even an Eldian operation."
Matt said "Well, Eldians are the bulk of the force here even with our increase in numbers. You think they'll be okay with us sinking their people?"
"I think they'll understand what's at stake."
"Still, though."
Dave said suddenly, "I don't think we're sinking the ships."
"Huh?" both soldiers spoke, confused.
"You notice the defenses we've been setting up?" he asked, glancing to the ridges in the distance.
The tanks were behind cover, hull-down positions; their supplies not too far away. They knew of the Leopard 2s, and they had their M1s and Bradley IFVs, and they were aware of other nations also bringing in tanks now, all likely to be placed in a similar position.
Jake slowly nodded.
Matt was silent.
"I think the brass is planning for a full-scale invasion of the island by the World Union..."
"Well, yeah, but... we'd probably still sink the ships to decrease their numbers."
"Or we'd let them come ashore and bomb them to oblivion before they can reach us."
"Or they would set it up so we'd face them head-on to make a point of how pointless fighting us is..."
The three soldiers fell silent.
Matt glanced toward the refugee camp and the blue ocean behind it once again.
"Or maybe the special forces we sent across will stop any invasion in its tracks."
"The joint force? Yeah, I'm sure they're secretly sabotaging the enemy as we speak." Matt said sarcastically.
"Isn't one led by a Japanese Ranger? I'm sure they train their-" Jake began, but Matt quickly silenced him.
"First of all, the Japanese Ranger designation is different from ours. It's less an elite unit and more a training course from what I've seen. Second, Japan has had zero actual combat missions since World War 2, so whatever experience those guys have is moot to zilch."
"Come on, I'm pretty sure they're somewhat elite. Otherwise, why in God's name would they even think of sending them along?"
"To coordinate with the Japanese of this world... easier to sneak in fellow Japanese than to sneak in westerners like us into their territory. And, dude, get real, our leadership isn't exactly the best at planning things. Remember the guys at Kamdesh? Some grade-A retard planned building a COP by an exposed peak surrounded by other, much higher peaks? I wouldn't be surprised they sent the Japanese guys because of some dumbass within the higher-ups thinking it would look good for the media."
"Ah, right... the media..." Jake muttered, glancing at some of the news cameras filming the refugee camp.
They were silent then. Continuing to observe the Turkish detachment continuing to check the refugees, some taking interviews and asking questions as Survey Corps scouts kept guarding the perimeter and cameras continued documenting what they could, the scene looking almost normal and pleasant if it wasn't a small preview of the hell that was more than likely about to be unleashed on the island.
"Hmm... I wonder what they're doing then... the guys overseas, I mean."
"Probably lazing around while their representative does all the heavy lifting, taking pictures like annoying tourists."
...
"Ha! It is exactly like going back in time! I wish I had my camera!" came the barely concealed squeak from the short woman. The childish excitement did not garner much attention simply because of the early morning hours as people went about their business.
"Can you keep it down? We're supposed to be inconspicuous."
"I know, lieutenant, but what's so bizarre of an excited young lady?"
"Kuribayashi, please... this is still the enemy's territory, even if they look like they're Japanese."
"I thought the higher-ups said-"
"What the higher-ups say and what the current reality of our tactical situation currently is, do not necessarily coincide... you notice the guy across from us?"
Shino Kuribayashi could only squint across the street, past the buzzing civilians. Really, now, it was entirely like a photograph of Japan in the 1870s. The kimonos, the men in old-fashioned western clothes, the odd mix of wooden, medieval-style buildings and telegraph wires as people chatted where they stood, not a single phone or camera visible to her... Then she saw the two men wearing dark glasses and pretending to read a newspaper just on the corner of a small butcher's shop, right across the street from them. She could tell they were pretending as every so often they would focus on something else, glancing at a person in an almost unnatural and uncertain way that always allowed them to glance at her.
They could simply be perverts, admiring her buxom which was admittedly something that her kimono was emphasizing, but the stares weren't exactly on her.
"Hmm... Hizuru's version of the Kenpeitai?" she asked quietly.
"Maybe. Maybe they're just bored gentlemen appreciating your chest. But the point is that we must always be on guard." he added, glancing up at the sky.
Kuribayashi felt the urge to kick her superior but restrained herself. Instead, she chose to take comfort in the fact she had a Glock strapped to her leg and the cover provided from inside the building.
Inside the building, Levi watched the two Japanese soldiers from the second floor's window. They were rookies clearly, but they were doing their job well enough, the Marksman sitting by the window would easily cover them if it was deemed necessary. He turned his attention away from the window then, arms crossed as he glanced at the older woman from Hizuru, fully aware of her personal security detail keeping eyes on the windows of the building, pistols at the ready.
No matter. So were his guys.
It was the new girl, Sasha Brouse, who let out a very loud sigh.
Levi glanced at her, noting she was reassembling her rifle once again. The American M1903 having been a rifle she had proven to be proficient with already, making her an excellent marksman.
On paper.
She hadn't seen much combat with regular humans. Still, he needed the talent on his team now that fighting titans wasn't a priority for the Survey Corps.
Sadly...
Petra mumbled, staring out the window, rifle hidden just below her waist, "It's still insane, isn't it? All of this was just outside of our view?"
Levi didn't reply.
Sasha however, quickly said "We had titans to deal with. And the previous king's lies."
Eld added, "And the whole crisis with Wall Maria."
Petra huffed, saying "That's not what I mean."
Eld shrugged, saying "Well, it's still a touch out there... hey, Brouse. You were from the rural areas. What's it like seeing all this?"
"After New York? I don't know... I think the food tastes a bit better here, though."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I don't know... it feels more... homely? It's hard to explain..."
They didn't speak for a moment.
"Hey, captain?" Sasha asked.
Levi only turned his gaze to her.
"Do... do you think we'll be able to make it back?"
Levi replied with a tired "Don't think about it. Focus on the situation as is. We'll worry about home later."
Sasha only nodded.
Worrying was a luxury they simply couldn't afford. The world was bearing down at their home, and while they certainly were much better defended now than before, the situation was not exactly optimal.
Still, in spite of the stressful and tense reality, the Japanese representative down below appeared the least distressed, noting the woman's personal security detail was eyeing him with a degree of uncertainty as he handed her the documents yet seemingly not reacting, maintaining the friendly expression as though nothing was wrong.
Strange people...
Kiyomi read the schematics over in a slow and methodical manner, finally speaking quietly, just above a whisper that could be heard above the outside noise.
"That's all you need us to do?"
"Indeed... the plan is to establish a second Gate, one in the ocean. That way we can bring our naval forces through and actually manage a proper war effort. Many nations are already preparing to jump through and we have many things we can bring."
"And this will be built here... on the land owned by Hizuru?"
"It isn't terribly far from Paradis, and our ships will likely be able to reach it before long."
"After it's open."
"Indeed."
Levi noted the woman smiled before saying "And then we can facilitate better exchange of technology... through Hizuru and Japan, of course."
"Well... not directly, but yes."
"Hmm? Is the other end of the Gate not opening in Japan?"
"Sadly, no... our geography means that we are unfortunately close to some of America's... rivals."
Kiyomi noted how the man sighed.
She said "I see. The situation here is different then. The nations near Hizuru are rather... shattered in this world. I assume that means they're united in your own?"
"Somewhat... The People's Republic of China, the People's Democratic Republic of Korea... it's... well... they're a certainly a concern, threatening us at times as well as our allies, but... there's an uneasy peace. A gate opening up so close to them, however... it wasn't considered optimal."
"I can imagine... under the Eldian Empire we were protected... the unstable years after the Great Titan War had been difficult for many. We feared our enemies to the north may have united, but thankfully they haven't right now. Hopefully, with this new connection, we can finally recover and get back on the path to greatness."
Levi kept studying the woman. He had them speaking in English so he could understand them and follow along with negotiations. A part of him was still uncertain about the world beyond the sea, but what else could he do?
We're just in transit...
Still, as he saw the two leaders discuss the future, he couldn't help but notice how intense the woman's eyes were at times when the topic of trade came up.
Specifically, the profits to be gained.
Greedy...
Kiyomi noticed the intense eyes bearing on her, and cleared her throat before speaking.
"We of course want a mutually beneficial alliance, so of course, we'll give Eldia priority in our trade as well."
"Ah, good to hear. Japan is also really interested in exploring and discussing trade deals and benefits with the people of Hizuru. Perhaps we can work a better trade deal once things have stabilized."
"Indeed. So... if I may... where exactly will the Gate open to?"
…
The relatively young governor of Puerto Rico stared in disbelief at the text on his cell phone's screen. He got up and marched downstairs of the gubernatorial palace with a growing headache. He scowled as he got to the last steps.
Damned impromptu meetings...
"Hello, mister secretary!" he said in his accented English.
"Mister Rosello, how are things going?" the secretary of state asked, offering the governor a deceptively warm smile.
"Very well, sir, very well! We've gathered your materials in, uh, secure warehouses where they can safely await transfer and use." the man said, returning an equally fake smile.
"Good... The Administration is extremely grateful for your cooperation in this endeavor as are our allies."
"Oh, well, I, and the people of Puerto Rico, are more than happy to help!" he lied.
"Great, that's great, but... we're a bit concerned with the lack of updates on the matter. Requests for the supplies have been seemingly obstructed by your-"
"Ah, right, see... since the Hurricane we've been a bit... uh... sluggish on certain matters. The information is sometimes difficult to get to people on time and-"
"The Navy is transporting all the materiel, your responsibility to help set up the capital for the ships that are about to dock here... Governor... it's quite the combined fleet..."
"I understand, I understand... the issue is... with domestic affairs like crime, and poverty, it's..."
"Distracting... we understand... but let's be fair, here, governor, the United States has sent your administration a lot of aid to finish the job."
"Of course, of course... and believe me, we'll get it done, but..."
"...but?"
"I... if you could give us some more funding..."
The secretary of state stared at the young man. The intense stare of someone gambling.
It was an odd situation with Puerto Rico, the state that wasn't really a state despite its three million inhabitants who appeared to constantly flip between statehood and not. The former Spanish colony had been under American control for well over 120 years, yet it had gained a degree of autonomy... until its economy had been wrecked with such debt the small island couldn't hope to pay it off on its own. And that had been before a Category 5 Hurricane practically destroyed its infrastructure in 2017. While it had mostly recovered, to suggest it was the best place to open a doorway to another world would be... an overstatement.
However, the location was strategically convenient, not too far from the US but far enough away it could work better as an international project, and not so much an exclusively American one. Being in the Caribbean also allowed America's allies to use their own docks from their former and current territories. Even America's rivals could benefit from the location, the proximity to Cuba and Venezuela making trade between them at least a possibility.
A possibility controlled effectively but the US, but a possibility nevertheless.
Still, it was a touch of a challenge, especially given the island's less than competent local government. It was no secret how much American aid had simply been "misplaced", one infamous incident uncovered hundreds of gallons of water that had simply been left to rot out on an abandoned airfield's tarmac or another where food and emergency supplies were found abandoned in a city's dumpster. Added to the political climate, the island was, to put it bluntly, only selected because of its location rather than its competent government.
The secretary of state said, "We've sent you quite a bit already."
The governor said "Y-yes, but... due to the still recent damages and difficulties with the media... we've had our hands tied."
Difficulties with the media- what?
"Well, governor, if you're not able to handle the situation, we can easily end some of the benefits Puerto Rico will receive thanks to this undergoing and make it an exclusive matter of the American Military."
"No... no, that... won't be necessary..."
Uh-huh...
"Governor, you need to understand that this is going to be one of the largest naval forces in recent military history, with not just US Allies being involved... do you understand?"
The man only nodded.
"Good. Construction has to begin immediately. Our schedule has unfortunately tightened."
"I-Immediately?"
"Is there a problem?"
"I... well... of course not, I just... thought we had more time."
"Well, you don't. Not anymore, unfortunately. I'd appreciate it if you send the orders out sooner rather than later."
"Y-yes, of course."
"Thank you for cooperating." came the automatic, almost robotic, reply.
…
The Russian President sat in his office, staring at the television as news of more and more material going across the Gate in New York, alongside the materials for the construction of the second gate already going underway.
Honestly, with NATO so distracted, he might've been considering taking some disputed territories for himself if he didn't have to be involved as well.
A doctor and a military officer stood in front of him as he lowered the volume and turned to them.
"So, I take it the schematics are accurate?" he asked the doctor.
"Indeed, and the information is truly fascinating."
"However...?"
"However, the number of resources required to open up a gate that massive are beyond what we can accomplish in the time frame requested."
He glanced at his general.
The man said "It's true. And we would, unfortunately, have to also focus naval efforts from the main operation, which would leave us stretched thin."
The Russian president didn't react.
He simply nodded and stared at the schematics.
"So... another gate over the ocean isn't viable in time?"
"No, unfortunately. Not with the resources we have right now."
"I see... what about a gate over land, similar to the one in New York?"
The doctor blinked.
"Is... is that an option?"
"Who do you think you're talking to?"
"Well... perhaps, yes... but the calculations will still take time, and without an exact construction happening on the other side to link the two, it could easily cause problems in transporting things effectively."
The Russian president smiled then, saying "But it is doable?"
"Well... yes."
He turned to his general then.
"Redirect some of our land forces. What forces we committed to Arrowhead remain, but our ground forces still here are to be moved to Krasnoyarsk. An exact location can be decided later, but this is where we will open our version of the Gate."
"Of course, sir. But it could leave our border with Ukraine-"
"Ah, that's of no concern right this moment. Trust me."
"Of course, sir."
The president smirked slightly as he looked at the map of the other world.
It's all going to come together... soon.
…
"So we can assume the invasion will happen sooner, not later?"
Eren Yeager glanced at General Connor.
"Unfortunately."
Eren turned back to Colonel Parker.
"That... complicates things."
"You think? We have one of the largest traffic jams heading our way with supplies and equipment. At this rate, we won't get them all through in time."
Back and forth it went.
Historia finally cleared her throat and the American officers turned to both of them.
"Sorry, your majesty. We're still working on a full defense of Paradis and... well, the gate being what it is, complicates matters significantly."
Historia nodded slowly, saying "I'm aware, and I know you're planning on various... um... contingencies?"
"Yes ma'am," Connor replied quietly.
Historia nodded slowly, glancing at Eren and saying "I suppose you've been trying to look through your memories? Something we could use?"
Eren sighed, saying "The only solution I can think of is getting rid of the power of titans entirely."
Historia nodded, saying "Indeed... the... creature inside of you. Can it be removed?"
Connor interjected quickly.
"As it stands, that's not really a viable course. Too much we don't know, too many factors to consider... we don't even fully know for sure if that... thing... is the source of all of this."
Eren said, "I know it is... what I don't know is if it can be removed or not."
Parker said, "Exactly, so what we're trying to focus on now is on our original plan... a defense of Paradis on all fronts while we wait for our forces to open a second Gate and then bring in more firepower."
Connor nodded, saying "That alone should, at the very least, force the enemy away from Paradis and give us more options on how to proceed."
Historia's concerned expression didn't disappear as she asked "Do we have the materials necessary to defend the island?"
Connor quickly said "Well, that traffic jam we mentioned is still moving. Slowly, but still moving. The Germans were the first mobilized so their armored battalion is already here and assisting us in planning a combined defense. We have our own armor and aerial assets coming through as well, with some British contingents arriving more or less by this Friday, and we have kept enough room open around the Gate for priority individuals to be called in should it be necessary."
Historia nodded, but then asked, "But there's a problem?"
"There are a million problems, but... assuming it's an invasion, a big one... pretty sure we're going to have to start prioritizing ammunition."
Parker added, "Especially since we may be operating on a much tighter schedule."
Historia nodded, asking "The civilian ship that was forced ashore..."
"Yeah, that and our people we've been sending overseas-"
"They've made contact?"
"Yes, thanks to Hizuru's assistance, we've got some relatively effective correspondence. It seems the timeframe for an invasion is being moved up."
"By how much?" she asked.
"We don't know yet."
Eren huffed in frustration, finally asking "Maybe if we can figure out the secrets of the Founder's powers we can stop it all... can't we start some experimentation? We have Dina after all!"
"That might not be enough. Even without titans, I doubt the hate of Eldia will just... vanish." Historia sighed.
"Correct... we're not out of options, but... if they attack right now, then we would have to start sinking ships."
Historia said, "If they're military vessels, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"That's another issue we need to discuss."
Eren and Historia winced at the grave tone the words were spoken with.
…
Zeke Yeager stretched as he walked out of his bedroom, a tired expression was the prelude to a near-silent yawn as he wiped his glasses.
"Good morning, beast titan."
He didn't react, turning to the blonde woman sitting at the table. His grandmother nervously cooked some porridge as the woman eyed the newspaper.
Then, with a chuckle, the CIA woman put the paper down, muttering "Damn, I still can't read most of your words..."
Zeke ignored the attempt at small talk. Walking cautiously into the combined kitchen and dining room as he eyed his surroundings, not seeing any of her men but certainly feeling that she wasn't on her own.
After a moment, he said, "Hmm... the American... has she tried hurting, grandmother?"
The old woman nervously smiled, shaking her head.
"Good."
Zeke walked over and took a seat at the table, saying "Then... I take it you bring word?"
The CIA woman shook her head slowly, saying "Not quite. I'm here to say we are considering all options and we would like to get some more out of our potential alliance with you in order to cement it."
"Such as?"
"Names. Vital people to look out for, soldiers who may be willing to turn tail, or be bribed, invasion dates... the kinds of things a guy like you can give us access to. Surely you can accomplish that much, no?"
"Indeed, I can... I know the names of officers you can target; I know that there are a few soldiers who already look as though they would rather backstab the World Union. While an exact date hasn't been revealed to me yet, I'm sure I could get you a possible timeframe for any planned attacks... are you looking to prepare some kind of attack? Perhaps to slow down the invasion?"
"We're thinking long-term here, Yeager. We need people to work with if we want to win and make sure the Eldians aren't exterminated," she said, her eyes darting to the old woman mixing the porridge.
Zeke stared at her for a moment, saying "Listen... a quick and easy way to avoid all of this is to just go with my plan... get me into contact with the Founder, I am confident that I can take control and make it so Eldians cannot be a threat anymore!"
"I must remind you that my superiors haven't made a choice yet regarding your plan. We're working within our framework, not yours." She replied without an ounce of emotion.
"Perhaps, but since the fate of millions of souls rests in the balance-"
"And that's exactly why your best interests are with us. Even if we were to go with your plan and you somehow inform everyone that Eldians all over the world, down to the youngest baby, is now infertile, and that's assuming your plan works, to begin with and you are able to take control of the Founder, you still need a little more than the simple threat of the Rumbling to ensure people aren't still tortured in their remaining years. Guaranteed military intervention is one surefire way to ensure that doesn't happen."
Zeke looked her over for a moment, as if studying if there was any sign of weakness in her resolve, anything that would tell him his words had somehow affected her. She wasn't entirely wrong. It was a very real possibility that the armies of humanity would still try to destroy Eldians abroad even if Paradis was allowed to remain unharmed. There was little to really stop Marley from simply trapping the people in the internment zones and gassing them with poisonous gases when it came down to it. But still, his plan at least guaranteed suffering would end.
Did it not?
Zeke finally said "Fine. I'll go to the Marley Army Headquarters; I can get you some of the details on soldiers who will likely be more than happy to help us. But I want a guarantee that my plan is being considered."
"I'm sure this act of good faith will have an impact on my superiors and their decision-making."
"I'm sure it will." Zeke sighed, kissing his grandmother on the cheek before walking out the door, wrapping the armband with the 8-tipped star on his arm.
The elderly woman turned to her then.
"Relax, we don't intentionally target civilians." the CIA woman sighed, sensing dread from the old woman's movements.
The elderly woman then spoke with darkness lingering in her words, "I'm certain you don't..."
Noting there was nothing more to say, the CIA woman stood up and made her way to the door.
"Our family has gone through enough."
She paused, her hand on the door handle.
"I just want it all to end... please, just let it end."
The CIA woman only said, "Yeah... it never ends, though..."
"Perhaps, but... isn't Zeke, right? Can it be so simple?"
The CIA woman only said "It never is... listen, if it comes down to it, we'll get you and your family out of here. There's no need to worry."
"No, you won't." the woman said with a finality that made clear there would be no further discussion.
Shaking her head, the CIA woman turned and left.
She walked down the somewhat well-maintained streets of the Liberio Internment Zone. Really, if it wasn't for the walls and barbed wire surrounding the area, the internment zone would appear like any other city. It was a simple reminder of various realities of the situation, but perhaps most importantly that, for all intents and purposes, Marley was the most tolerant nation in that world for the Eldian people. Even compared to Paradis where less than six months prior the king could simply make people disappear for developing technology, the Liberio internment zone appeared to allow some social mobility, the nearby hospital not too difficult to spot from where she was walking.
I wonder how willing the leaders of the Marley Empire would be to make peace if they offered certain benefits...
She stopped when she almost stepped on the children.
The little girl in front of her stood the tallest, staring directly at her while the four kids behind her seemed a bit uncertain.
The child pointed at her and with a gleeful grin that spread from ear to ear, immediately said "You're with the Marleyan Intelligence Branch, right?"
The CIA woman only raised a disinterested eyebrow. A sign the blonde boy closest to the girl seemed to understand.
"Gabi... I don't..."
"Come on! You showed up out of nowhere, you were just at Mister Yeager's place, and you have that look!"
The CIA woman kept her gaze level with the small girl.
A few ravens flew by, one screeching as it climbed into the air.
"Gabi... come on, did you think this through?"
"Hey! Do you know Miss Pieck?"
The CIA woman let out a sigh and kneeled down, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder before moving her face so it was only a few inches away from hers.
"Listen, kid, say I was with Marley Intelligence and say I did know Miss Pieck... why would I tell you?"
"A-ah, b-because- um... well, you see..."
She sucked in a deep breath before loudly saying "I'm going to be a warrior candidate, just like my cousin!"
The other kids stared at her, seemingly surprised.
The CIA woman only gave her a sad look then.
"I see... so your family can become honorary Eldians?"
"And to serve Marley!"
"I see... your name is..."
"Gabi Braun!"
"Uh-huh... well... Gabi... don't tell anyone about me, okay?"
The girl's eyes suddenly got a glimmer in them.
The CIA woman stood up, stared at the other kids, and said "The same goes for the lot of you... keep quiet."
The kids only stared at she walked past them before devolving into excited chattering.
"I told you guys!"
"B-but why is she here?"
"Importance business! We're at war!"
"But-"
That's where she stopped listening, Crow's voice coming into her earpiece then.
"Hmm... possible Warrior Candidates?"
She responded quietly, pretending to scratch at her nose so no one could see her lips moving, "Doesn't matter if they are or not. The World Union is running the show, and it wouldn't surprise me if they throw even the Marley warriors away in some sort of ritualistic sacrifice to make up for past sins."
"Possibly."
"Any update on team Levi?"
"Yeah, they'll get here tomorrow with the Hizuru delegation. No problems reported thus far."
"Good... speaking of, have they given their answer to our requests?"
…
"Evacuating Eldians from the Liberio Zone?" Kiyomi asked.
It was the Japanese soldier, not the ambassador who, with an irritatingly polite smile and extremely casual way of speaking, answered her.
"It could help ensure the war doesn't escalate. If Marley loses the Beast Titan, it will also lose the ability to control normal titans in the field. So, getting him and his family out is a top priority."
The Ambassador eyed the JSDF officer, but only added a quaint "I see."
Kiyomi looked at the painting on her office wall. The sound of people chattering outside as the business day continued, reminding her of exactly what was at stake.
She said "Well, for the right price, anything is theoretically possible... but if I may be honest, it is always going to be rather difficult. Smuggling them out of the Internment Zone isn't really a problem, but getting them on one of our ships is... the World Union has been increasing security around docks all over the world. Not sure if you have noticed it."
Itami nodded, saying "Ah, yes... the secret police near the dock..."
"Ah, so you've seen them?"
He only shrugged, saying "Our nation once had a similar force."
Immediately noticing where the subject was about to go, the Ambassador said "A long time ago, during our world wars, but that's beside the point. The question is whether it will make transporting them impossible?"
Kiyomi smiled slightly, raising a hand as if holding something in it, saying "Well, think of it this way... we could potentially bribe an officer or two, but even in Hizuru one must understand that Eldians are still greatly resented. Therefore, it's only fair to assume it won't be as simple as bribing some guards. One would have to make it a one-time thing so to speak. If it's once, the guard or whatever sentry is placed will likely believe it's a personal matter, certainly not one he will have to worry about... but if it happens twice, thrice..."
Itami nodded, saying "Yeah, the risk increases... but it can be done at least once?"
Kiyomi said "I'd be more than willing to say it would work twice if done lone-enough apart... but given recent developments, I doubt you have that long to evacuate people into Paradis. After that incident where the civilian vessel was allowed in... parts are moving. Quickly."
The Ambassador nodded, saying "We appreciate as much, Miss Azomabito."
"And I greatly appreciate your business. Let us know when you intend to transport someone. We'll see what we can do."
"Of course. Thank you once again," he replied with a polite bow.
Stepping out into the dusty street, Itami groaned, pulling at his tie.
"Ugh... how did our ancestors go about dressed like this? These clothes are awfully tight."
The ambassador frowned, asking "How did you pass any Ranger course? You are, by far, the laziest officer I have ever met."
Itami shrugged, finally getting the black-tie from his collar, saying "I think if I had complained a lot of officers would have gotten in trouble. Me, though... maybe I'm just lucky in an unlucky sort of way."
The ambassador shook his head, adding "Well, we're going to need that luck... ideally we would be able to prevent a major attack until the second gate was opened, but as it stands... all we can do is try to delay it."
"Yeah. It's kind of unbelievable looking at it now... these are normal people, same as you and me. Yet they all seem to harbor this resentment..."
"We harbor resentments to the present on Earth as well."
"True, but... it's so... out there... at least this level of resentment. I can't say it's something that gives me hope for the future."
The Ambassador chortled, saying "Trying to change the subject to philosophy so I don't chew you out further, are you?"
"Oh, darn, you noticed."
"Well, you succeeded for the time being... make sure your people aren't lagging behind... until the time comes, we're on our own."
Itami nodded and appeared to scratch his ear while looking around.
There was no real sign of the crowd changing. A shadow moving here, a figure shifting in place there... nothing that would indicate a JSDF platoon was shifting in place, following an important figure. Kuribayashi somewhat stood out, of course. The woman's stature and physique were an excellent attention magnet in her traditional clothes, but it worked well enough. After all, who would suspect the youthful girl with a million-dollar smile was secretly carrying a submachine gun within her kimono.
Not bad for a security force if I do say so myself...
Very briefly, his eyes locked with a man he hadn't seen before.
The black clothes and hat were all he needed to know the man wasn't an ally. It was brief, but Itami tensed up.
Whether the man noticed or not wasn't an issue as he didn't act on it there and then, going back to reading his newspaper. Ships coming into port and some leaving port, plumes of smoke trailing their movements along the expanse of the ocean.
...
Zeke Yeager calmly walked down the Army headquarters, his ears focusing on the murmurs while his mind focused on its present mission.
But it was difficult to ignore the odd tension in the air.
One officer muttered, "The plan is insane..."
Another said, "Madness indeed... only the World Union could come up with something this... wrong."
"Yeah, I don't care if it's Eldians, this is... madness."
"These are mad times we live in, of course..."
Zeke walked out of earshot, not entirely certain about walking into the musty air of the records room, closing the door behind him, leaving only a dim lightbulb to aid him in his quest. Grabbing a slip of paper and pencil before looking through the books, he took in a deep breath.
He grabbed the book he knew and began passing the exact names onto the paper, his mind doing so automatically as intrusive thoughts crept into the forefront.
Circumstances have changed too much... but is that enough reason to go against the original plan? If the Founder is in someone else's hands... surely my plan can be accomplished?
He shook his head and focused. Zeke was certain that he'd get his opportunity soon. If there was one thing Zeke Yeager very much had in spades, it was patience. He jotted down a few more names and folded up the paper.
The door was open then, and Zeke turned, quietly placing the book back on its shelf before greeting the man in uniform with a surprised salute.
"Oh! General Osman! General Calvi!"
Calvi saluted back, Osman frowned.
"Beast... what is it you are doing here?" Osman asked.
Zeke smiled awkwardly, rubbing his beard as he said "I was looking at the records of some recent recruits. Those of the recent colonial regiments have an interesting battle acumen that is worth considering should the time come when I must surrender the beast titan to an inheritor."
Osman said, "Ah, the ever-diligent devil... any candidates?"
Calvi raised an eyebrow.
Zeke returned a nervous laugh, saying "Ah, well, unfortunately, while some of them do have a battle acumen worth considering... I'm sad to say there aren't many Eldians that classify this year. Promising candidates, certainly, but... unfortunately there's no real combat experience among them, except maybe that boy Galliard but... we know how he is."
Osman chortled, saying "Of course, pass me the record book for last year's military spending if you please?"
"Uh..." Zeke glanced at Calvi.
The old general only gave a slight nod to affirm the order.
"Certainly, sir!" Zeke replied.
He grabbed a blue book, handing it to the Mid-East Alliance general.
The man nodded, and turned, walking out the door leaving Zeke and Calvi alone for the moment.
Calvi inquisitively stared at Zeke.
"Everything alright, sir?"
He said, "You're not due to give up your titan for quite some time."
"Ah, I'm aware, but my predecessor did spend a lot of time with me, and I would like to have an apprentice of sorts... if anything to carry out his will... as well as my own."
"Fair enough, but if you'd like some proper recommendations, I can get them to you myself. We want combat efficiency, Yeager, not sentimentalities... your ability is one of Marley's most powerful weapons."
"Of course, general."
The man nodded, muttering "Or perhaps was... I tell you, Yeager, this new kind of war... it worries me."
Zeke said, "What scenario, where men are sent to die, wouldn't worry their commanders?"
Calvi only allowed himself a near-silent sigh in response.
"Go by the medical officer... we may need more of your spinal fluid if we're to accomplish what the WU wishes to do."
"Yes, sir!" Zeke replied.
…
Woman in a white dress...
*Click*
Man, top hat... newspaper...
*Click*
Child... female...
*Click*
Crow sighed, moving the camera away and turning to the radio.
"Same crowd, ma'am."
"Hmm... any signs of Marley Intelligence?"
"Negative."
"Damn... oh well... keep me posted."
"Will do." Crow sighed.
His attention drifted to the kids playing ball very close to the internment zone's gate. Even in the location they were in, and the conditions they lived in, and the reality around them, they were still there, having fun.
"Looks like they're playing football..." he muttered.
"We call it kickball."
Both men turned to see Zeke Yeager approach them with a mug of coffee.
Crow whispered "Ma'am, contact on Zeke Yeager."
"I see him... if he tries anything don't bother with warning shots."
"Relax, I figured you would be here due to how much of a vantage point it is..." Zeke said as he sat down next to them on the roof, placing the coffee mug down and asking in a relaxed voice "So... Coffee?"
The SAS operatives only stared at him.
"Come now, we're practically partners in crime now, are we not? Or do you prefer the term 'revolutionaries' here?"
Crow said, "Call it what you like."
Zeke took a sip from the coffee mug, eyeing them for a second.
He finally asked "You don't agree with my plan? Personally?"
"Not particularly. I don't think exterminating an entire people is a way to achieve anything good."
"Perhaps... but you see it is the sole solution that guarantees an end to it."
Crow said, "Yeah, and if everyone and everything died there would be no problems."
Zeke shrugged, saying "Perhaps... but after so long, surely you'd understand why the Eldians disappearing is a way to continue peacefully without the threat of the world being destroyed by people. Eldians are born into a world of suffering because our existence causes it. Eliminating that aspect guarantees the suffering in the world diminishes greatly."
Crow groaned a tired "Instead of talking about your philosophy how about you tell us why you're here."
Zeke said, "The plans have changed... your people's refusal to sink civilian ships has not only emboldened the World Union but it has given them ideas."
"We figured that much already."
"They're mobilizing even faster than that. And they intend to use my power to maximize losses on your side." Zeke said simply.
Crow turned to him, saying "With your ability to control titans?"
"Think about it... twenty thousand titans, fifteen-meter-tall each, all charging at you with their sole weakness being a human-sized layer of skin on the very back of their necks. An army of giants that will charge and clear entire towns in a minute, devouring and obliterating everything in their sight... on my orders."
"Which means you could theoretically order them to attack the W-U?"
Zeke shrugged, saying "Perhaps if they didn't have the ability to kill us all... like it or not, I don't have the ability to fly, and as I've discovered..."
A shadow passed over them.
"...titans, no matter how destructive, are no match for man's weapons. Not anymore, at least."
As if to punctuate Zeke's words, an airship flew overhead, drifting relatively slowly above them as it began to land in the airfield not too far away.
Crow took the opportunity to ask "And the Rumbling?"
Zeke said "I brought it up once, concerned... Their idea would be to surround the island of Paradis with all the warships and guns available... and if the wall titans start to move... before they can get to the sea the warships will unleash as much firepower as they can afford onto them the moment they are in range. Since they'll be above water and moving towards the sea, they won't be able to find cover and will be fodder for the heavy arms... even if it doesn't destroy all of them, it could potentially destroy enough that the world will be saved... at least, that's what they tell themselves. Many more could be taken out by airships, but... it's all speculative, really. What isn't speculative is what they intend to do."
Crow nodded before speaking.
"Then... how about we take you and your family out of here? Losing yet another of their titans will surely make them think twice, no? Maybe we can work out your plan with the extra time."
Zeke chuckled, saying "Perhaps, but I don't know if that's a good idea right now, to be honest... you haven't agreed to my plan yet, and for all I know once I'm in your hands you'd use me the same way Marley does, threatening my family or making false promises."
"Ah, so you'd rather help kill civilians."
"I never had any qualms before..." he said, darkness lingering in his words.
"I'd say you should... war is ugly, I think we can both agree on that. So, working to prevent-"
"Oh, prevent what? Say I go with you. Marley has these gas tanks they can use to send an airborne variant of titan spinal fluids into areas with Eldians and they'd transform just the same. Less controllable titans, titans that won't self-terminate when ordered, inconvenient certainly, but titans nonetheless, all turned almost instantly, all aimed at Paradis... the armies of the world ready just a safe distance behind them."
A train sounded in the distance; people continued to chat in the streets.
"You have to start sinking ships... Hear that train that just arrived in the station?"
Zeke got up before Crowe answered him.
"I read the news. It's full of Eldians from the Mid-East Alliance and Romanov Empire... men, women, children... they'll soon be shipped to the warships, on display, unarmed. They are to be our shields... then... by this time next week when all the present warships are shielded, the ships will begin to close in on Paradis... if you don't sink the ships, we are to be informed of a date for an invasion... and given the troops' movements... I would say you don't even have a month before the landings begin if this goes on. So... sink a few military ships that use civilians. Show them that tactic will not stop them and save the Many. Sacrificing the few for the many. I think we can all agree that's the correct solution right now, no? Since you'll likely not go along with my plan."
Crow said nothing.
Zeke took a sip from his mug of coffee and spat it out.
"Damn... it got cold..." he muttered before standing up.
"By the way, your boss with the accent asked me to get you these names. Here. Do with them what you will." he placed a notepad on Crow's helmet, letting it fall to the floor beside him.
Then he walked away.
Crow let out a tired breath, picked up the notepad, and then got on the radio again.
"Hey... bird's nest... Zeke got us the intel you asked for, I think... it's in Eldian though." he muttered, eyeing the alien letters.
"That's fine. Team Levi is already on its way... hold positions."
"Copy."
…
Calvi's leg shook up and down as the officers continued discussing the new strategy.
"If we tie them to the outside of the ships... we don't even have to feed them and we'll be able to get right up to the shores!" an officer said. It was somewhat odd how unperturbed all the other officers appeared with the plan as if this was somehow a major breakthrough that would bring a decisive blow to the new enemy.
Realizing that no one was going to object to the plan, he decided to speak up.
"Putting dozens of Eldians onboard our warships? Our extremely expensive warships, might I add... only to risk them again by moving them onto shore despite the threat of them being sunk? Gentlemen, surely I can't be the sole objector to such a tactic."
The Generals turned and glared at Calvi, but a dark-skinned general said "Are such qualms really needed at this time, general? We must be practical, no?"
Calvi said "Certainly, and since this is impractical, I must voice some degree of objection. After all, if we all agree on something we may overlook glaring errors, no?"
General Osman said, "We know they won't sink ships with civilians on them."
"No, we know that they won't sink civilian ships... if your nation's little exercise proved anything it's that our warships make pristine targets for their aircraft."
The general huffed, saying "Which is why we're doing this, to begin with... what happened to you, Calvi? Why are you so hellbent on protecting the Eldians after sending waves upon waves of them to die at Marley's behest? Is this not part of Eldia's atonement for the atrocities of the past?"
The Germanic general said, "It is likely the only chance we have, as well... if they won't fire on Eldians, we can use that to our advantage."
"And then what? Say we invade Paradis, and say we are able to land men on the island... we can't just march Eldian civilians for miles on end or have troops designated at keeping them in place while other troops fire on the enemy... it's just not practical."
The Germanic general said, "Is it?"
"Surely you don't plan on escorting hundreds of unarmed people on foot."
The Germanic general said nothing, turning to look at the map of Paradis with a pensive expression.
Osman said "We need not worry about that because on land our guns and artillery should prove effective... these aren't titans, these are men, and they are not a thousand years beyond our technology, but a hundred... if we can meet them on an even field, this is the way to do it."
Calvi chortled.
Osman's eye twitched as he glared at the older general.
"Oh, and pray tell, great General, how would you meet them?"
Calvi said, "We go on the defensive... we make them pay for every inch of land they take, we fortify ourselves, we make our cities into death traps, and we-"
"Don't be absurd! The people will never accept such an undertaking!"
"And if we don't take them out directly then all that would do is delay the inevitable! You read the reports! Their aircraft sunk a battleship with great ease! Imagine what they would do to our static defenses!"
Calvi said "And they can't do the same to our offenses? And what choice is there if we fail at Paradis?"
Silence.
"Surely I'm not the only one wondering what would happen if we fail in this operation?"
No one spoke.
Frowning, Calvi asked "Is it not better to be at full strength for our defense from the start instead of relying on it as a last-ditch effort that will inevitably spell our doom? If we focus on fortifying the beaches and upgrading what aerial defenses we can, perhaps we can prevent them from getting a foothold on the continent! Is that not better than to focus all on offensive tactics that may fail us?"
No one spoke.
The other generals only stared at Calvi and he calmly mirrored them. A clock in the room ticked on, the afternoon sunlight continued to enter through the paned windows, the map on the table did not change.
Only the busy street outside remained a source of auditory distractions within the near-silent room.
The Romanov General finally "We will not fail."
The others quickly nodded in agreement, Osman adding "We cannot fail... failure here means it's all over, General Calvi."
Calvi said nothing.
The Romanov General quickly asked, "How many Eldians do you need, because if Marley will not provide them, then we can provide them ourselves."
Osman said, "We have many still in the nations of the Alliance, worry not... but perhaps a diverse variety will help emphasize to our enemies how united we are in this endeavor... in spite of the detractors."
"Yes, yes... but how many more shall we transport to the ships?"
Calvi said nothing.
…
"Right then, General Calvi... supreme commander of the Marleyan Military and its million-strong army. From his record, he seems to be a capable leader." Levi read out loud.
The CIA woman said, "Then I take it he's screaming his head off objecting to all this madness."
Levi shrugged, continuing to read the paper.
Marco said, "Uh... this paper here notes that the Hundred and Eleventh Colonial Regiment as prime targets for... assistance."
The CIA woman only chortled, saying "Any specifics?"
"Yeah. There's a girl on here. She's a Marleyan soldier in charge of a small part of that regiment. First Lieutenant Yelena... uh... no second name given here."
The CIA woman raised an eyebrow.
"Seems she's from an unassuming family. Uh... Zeke points here to the fact her unit has shown extremely low morale in recent years, retreating from a small border skirmish, reports of insubordination... things have tapered off since a colonel was assigned to the regiment but Zeke notes here she's probably our best bet for an insider."
Levi said, "The information is too incomplete to trust in my view."
"I don't know captain, we've had to work with less. Remember Syria?" Crow replied, looking over some photos.
Sparrow muttered, "That's not a good example."
The CIA woman said "It's worth a shot. If we can get an entire regiment of Marleyan soldiers to rebel in Liberio..."
Levi said "It's not necessary. My team has already located several key areas we could destroy during night raids. If we blow up the bigger ports, the military vessels will have to resupply at other sites further north. It could mess with their logistics."
"True... but do we have the explosives necessary?"
Crow nodded, saying "We have enough. Though it's possible we won't be able to get much more. I guess we could also rely on the locally produced stuff."
"And for that, we would need an inside man."
Levi shook his head, visibly frustrated, but not speaking his mind.
Marco noticed, saying "Captain?"
"I don't like it is all. We've always had to work with unknowns but somehow, now, it feels like any mistake we make could be our downfall."
"It very well could be." the CIA woman interjected, saying "We could screw up an operation and it leaks back home, causing support to drop. Maybe the World Union figures something out and our victory isn't as one-sided as we would like. Maybe the upcoming election distracts from the crisis here assuming it doesn't end quickly. Maybe something else happens unrelated. Chances are pretty good that we will continue to defend Paradis for personal gains, but... you never know. This is why we have to do what we can with what we've got."
Levi only sighed in defeat.
"So... we make contact with this Yelena person... what about the higher-ups?"
The CIA woman replied coldly.
"If we can get to them, we kill them... the problem is that they're usually in that headquarters of theirs. I'd rather not risk sending one of our own inside."
Levi nodded, saying "Agreed. This isn't like the capital back home. It's not as tight or easy to sneak around. Guards are everywhere, they're more competent, and we're farther away from support."
"Exactly... so let's focus on what we can actually do. Marco, where is Yelena stationed right now?"
…
"Why is it your cooking attracts flies more than people?"
"You keep eating it..." Niccolo sighed, handing the man another cup of soup.
"What else am I supposed to eat?! At least yours has a different flavor compared to our rations. At least it doesn't attract rats!"
"Yeah, yeah... enjoy, you ingrates." Niccolo sighed, placing some more soup into his comrade's cup.
Around him, the dock was full of what could best be described as "the second wave".
Crates and supplies were all over the dock, but there was little urgency in loading them. Guns, ammunition, food, and soldiers, were almost lazily sitting around the dock, waiting for orders to move out.
Orders everyone knew would come later rather than sooner.
Not too far away, another ship was being loaded with Eldian civilians. All in chains, all appearing too exhausted to resist anything.
Niccolo eyed them for a moment but said nothing.
It was one of the other soldiers who after sipping his soup, said "What do you think? Think it'll work?"
"Huh?"
"Do you think it'll work? Securing our warships by placing eldian non-combatants on them."
Niccolo shrugged.
"I suppose it's better than nothing. Maybe it will work, maybe it won't. At the very least we can rest assured the enemy won't have many devilish collaborators if they ever invade other countries."
Again, Niccolo only shrugged.
What exactly was he supposed to feel? He didn't like the Eldian Devils. He hated them the same as anyone else. But was the strategy being pushed forward the correct one?
As he pondered this, he felt something to his left. As if eyes were bearing onto him. Before he could turn, he heard the rapid footsteps and a distressed woman calling out.
"Sasha, wait!"
He turned in time to see a brown-haired girl rushing over.
She stopped right in front of him and asked "Is that your cooking?"
Niccolo blinked.
He eyed her civilian clothes before asking "What do you care? And what are you doing here? This is a military dock!"
"W-well, it reminded me of home, and-"
A tall blonde woman stormed over and said "I told you to behave!" before grabbing her arm tightly.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I was just hungry!"
Niccolo's frown softened slightly.
"Well, geez, if you're hungry... here... I can give you some of mine if you want."
Immediately the girl lit up, and said, "Thank you, very much, mister-"
She paused, suddenly noticing the Eldians being taken on board the ship not too far away, the last few being shoved ahead by Marleyan guards. Her excitement for food seemed to vanish at the scene.
Before Niccolo could ask, an ice-cold voice cut through the introduction.
"I take it you're Marley Intelligence?"
He turned, seeing the tall girl in uniform approach with a look of disinterest to match the blonde woman.
Wait... Marley intelligence? Then that means...
Yelena ignored Niccolo and took the blonde woman's hand, saying "Lieutenant Yelena... at your service."
Then, she turned to him and said "This didn't happen, understood?"
"I-" he began.
...
The images on the desk were something out of a nightmare. Whole families were being escorted at gunpoint on ships, all in chains. Some wore clothes that were clearly too hot for the Mediterranean-like weather, some had no shoes. Many appeared emaciated, some stared on defiantly.
"Yeah, they're loading them on as we speak..." the voice came over the radio.
General Connor grimaced at the radio message. He did his best to keep his eyes away from the drone operators keeping an eye on the situation as it unfolded.
Yet another enemy ship was being filled with civilians, another one would become a hostage situation on the ocean's waters.
We're reaching an impasse...
The best-case scenario involved the WU using them to get their ships close enough to land on Paradis and nothing more... In the worst case, they were about to face a lot of titans. He glanced at the plans for a defense of the island, American, German, British, and a single French flag peppered the island's map in the areas they would make their stands once the invasion happened.
Cold War static defense wasn't something to be laughed at. The United States and its NATO allies had been planning for a war where their forces would be outnumbered for a long, long time. Their weapons were partly based around exactly that.
The question was...
"How much time do we have left?" he mumbled out loud.
If they're going to put a hundred civilians in each warship, that's... still a while before they all begin to move in... unless they start moving in small groups...
He glanced at the monitor showing the civilians being tied to parts around the decks of one of the warships.
God, what do we do?
...
Oh, Churchill, what would you do in my shoes?
Historia maintained a calm expression as the heads of her military and her advisory body both tried to present their case.
"They're going to load them onto their ships, then begin inching towards the island until they can properly mount an invasion! Maybe with titans!"
"Highness, please, we must strike first, prevent them from carrying this out!"
"We can easily sink their ships, can we not? Why must we-?"
"Enough!" Historia said, silencing the advisory body. The military officers standing at the opposite end of the room only stared ahead with grim expressions.
After a moment, Historia said, "I... I don't want to order any sinking of ships with civilians on them... she may have won that war, but I'm no Margaret Thatcher and this situation just isn't comparable. I can't order the sinking of ships with civilians in them."
Then, turning to Commander Hanji, she asked "Team Levi moved towards Marley to join with the American and British units there, right?"
Hanji nodded, saying "Yes, but... the civilians are being loaded onto ships as we speak, and our allies don't have the supplies in place to stop it. We could perhaps disable some of the outgoing ships, but... that they can see, there are going to be many other ships that will be filled up in other ports around Marley that are out of reach, and that's ignoring the dozen more ships coming from other countries."
Historia rubbed the now throbbing vein on her temple, her mind nervously bringing back images of fighting against an unstoppable enemy with swords and ODM gear, making them barely effective unless they had mastered the skills needed to get to the titan's weak points. It had barely been a few months since the discovery of the Gate, the dethroning of her father, contact with the outside world... and yet things had returned to an almost hopeless situation where suffering would be unavoidable.
They couldn't talk their way out, that much was obvious.
Despite her wishes to avoid the situation she and the people on her island were in, there was simply no way to avoid it. The threat of sinking any ships that got too close was always going to be called into question after they refused to sink a civilian refugee ship. Now the enemy was going to test whether they would sink warships with civilians on board and there was no way to stop it. Even if they disabled every ship transporting Eldian prisoners through Marley, other nations would quickly pick up the slack, and sooner or later the World Union fleet would begin to encroach upon Paradis.
And then... how long until invasion?
Historia glanced at her newly transcribed history books again. The image of a red-haired woman with a ghostly white face stared back at her.
What would she do?
It was Aurile who spoke up then, nervously, almost silently.
"What about utilizing the founder?"
No one spoke for a moment, the implication alone being something that wasn't really an option.
Hanji was the first to speak, sticking exclusively to the known facts.
Kenny Ackerman huffed at the suggestion.
Kitz Woermann winced, saying "Commander Hanji, please don't suggest something so reckless!"
"I'm just saying it's a possibility we haven't considered as much."
"The problem is that we have no idea how it works or if Eren can control it even with Dina Yeager's help. It could accidentally begin the Rumbling and we don't have the munitions here to effectively stop that." Claude Duvalier sighed, his features visibly exhausted as he said this.
"But... is it not worth trying? Eren cannot utilize it without the member of the royal family, right? Why not just make it so they can come into physical contact and then... swiftly separate them if something feels wrong? Like... tying them to chairs and then tying the chairs to ropes we would pull away after a second?"
"That's still terribly risky is it not?"
"What choice do we have? If the reward could be a way to remove the power of the titans entirely... perhaps that would save the civilians from being turned into titans to be used in the invasion and maybe even help deter some of the nations that wish to invade us."
Duvalier scratched the back of his head, saying "While that's certainly something worth pursuing, the risk to everything else..."
Historia spoke then.
"We have the means, I believe... we should at least try, no?"
…
Eren stared at the ropes and straps around him kept him tied to the seat, Mikasa also standing by with an uncertain expression.
"Come on, you're making me nervous..." he muttered, the girl only looking away.
Hanji rubbed the back of her head, a look of uncertainty in her eyes.
"Right then, this is just to see how this works, alright? The second you two touch we'll immediately separate you... if something does go wrong well..." she let out a nervous chuckle.
"We need to test if these paths can be altered... if we can somehow eliminate the power of the titans from the world... let's just get this done, alright?" Eren said, a look of determination in his eyes.
Dina only nodded slowly as she sat down. It would be a relatively simple experiment. It should only last a second. It should give them measurable data.
It also shouldn't wind up causing an apocalypse but...
"Alright... the equipment is set... only one second of contact, then you'll both be pulled away from each other." an officer said with a worried sigh.
"Alright... evacuate everyone..." Hanji replied, staring ahead with a worried look.
Minutes passed. The small building became silent except for the sound of air conditioning and computers whirring.
No one spoke.
It wasn't like pushing past the atmosphere to see space or diving deep into the ocean. This was a theoretical plain of existence that might not technically exist in terms that could be measured through scientific means.
Eren glanced at Mikasa.
"You're sure you're okay staying here?"
The girl only nodded.
Eren replied "Well... I suppose I shouldn't be surprised..."
Dina smiled softly, saying "You two are close... it's good to see that."
There was a sense of melancholy in the words. It wasn't teasing, just a sad observation as possible extinction came ever closer.
Hanji's radio chirped an affirmation.
The Survey Corps commander sucked in a breath.
"Alright... do it."
Eren sucked in a breath and extended his hand towards the woman.
He placed his palm on hers, closed his eyes, focused on the same idea of having a goal in mind that he'd once had when transforming into a titan, thinking, focusing on the goal of eliminating the power of titans from this world, his mind trying to find a way to solve the problems for those he cared about without destroying everything, a possible way to coexist...
You're wrong...
Everything around them froze and his eyes shot open.
He looked around the dark surroundings of the Paths briefly before turning to see Dina doing the same.
"M-miss Hanji?" she tried.
Eren recognized the sand under his feet and the cold, barren wasteland around them.
He let go of Dina's hand and looked around, saying "This... this is the paths... this is where we went on that bus trip..."
Dina shuddered, mumbling "Is this what the head of the royal family would see? All this... emptiness?"
Eren frowned, saying "No, this... this is just the plain, the Founder Ymir has to be nearby."
"Eren..." Dina said, nervously pointing behind him.
The teenager whirled around and made eye contact with the small girl standing motionless behind him atop the sandy landscape. Her clothes were tattered and ancient, her eyes glazed over and dead.
The Founder Ymir Fritz.
Dina clasped her hands, swallowing.
Eren only stared at her.
"Time must work differently here, huh?" he asked.
The girl didn't reply.
Angered by this action, he yelled back "You know what's happening out there?! What's happening to your people?! Your descendants?!"
"E-Eren, what are you-?"
"Trying to get through to her!" he replied angrily, then, turning back to the girl, yelled, "You're a human, too so why aren't you trying anything to help?!"
The girl only stared at him.
"Can't you eliminate the power of the titans? Can't you?!"
No response.
"Do you have any answers to give?!"
The girl, slowly, lifted her right arm up and pointed.
Eren and Dina glanced behind them, wincing slightly as the massive structure of light manifested behind them. Bright rays of blue light pierced out into the endless nothingness like branches on a gigantic tree, small images appearing and disappearing as they did.
Dina winced again as the brilliant glow became clearer, allowing her to see a smiling titan getting ripped to shreds by others like it. A man rushing away before being crushed under a titan's foot. People praying before the church they were sheltering within collapsed on them. On and on it went, with crude tanks firing their guns onto civilian settlements, titans devouring people, battleships being tossed aside like toys by a titanic explosion, guns firing, swords clashing, tears, smiles, hate, love, on and on and on into infinity.
"W-what is this?" she asked, nervously.
Eren, equally taken aback, managed to say "I... I think this is the true power of the Paths..." then, turning back to the girl, "That's what this is, isn't it? The different paths we could have taken? What could have been? Memories of the different futures and pasts? All connected through here?"
The girl didn't respond.
She only stood there, staring at them with seemingly dead eyes that held no emotion or care for everything happening around them.
Dina, speaking with a hint of desperation, finally asked "Founder, what is it you want?"
The girl's head ever so subtly shifted towards her.
Dina tried not to appear shaken by the gesture, failing as she stammered out a response.
"W-we have the ability to... better things... should we not?"
A single tear flowed down the small girl's cheek and an almost imperceptible whimper was briefly heard.
"What?" Eren tried.
Screams were heard behind them. Eren and Dina both glanced at the images hyper imposed over the massive tree of light that continued to glow in the horizon. The images showed titans that were devouring humans by the hundreds. Cities lay wasted, smoke rising to the skies, countless corpses, most in shattered and bloody pieces, all lay in their path marked by giant footprints, on and on it went.
"It... it never ends..." Dina whispered.
"But then... What does she want to...?" Eren felt his jaw clench further at the realization, he turned back to the Founder.
Eren felt a cold realization go over him, his eyes going wide as he ran towards the girl and grabbed her shoulders, yelling "We can find a better way! I know we can!"
The pained eyes of the girl only bore into his own in silent response.
Eren yelled "There has to be a better way! We don't have to destroy the world to end all suffering! We don't have to destroy the world to be free!"
She only eyed him with a sadness that could only be achieved by living through eons of human suffering. The kind of suffering that is briefly riddled with moments of happiness to give one hope before immediately snuffing it out.
Dina, continuing to look into the infinite expanse, shakily said "E-Eren... I... I can't think of anything."
"Huh?"
"What do we say to all of that? What solution is there?"
Eren's teeth ground together as he whirled back to the little Ymir and yelled "You controlled her, didn't you?! You made her devour my mother, right?!"
The small girl, finally, in a small response, nodded.
Eren said, "Because you want me to end it all, right?! Destroy the world, free our people of this cycle?!"
No response.
"Well, I'm not doing that! There has to be a better way to-"
Behind him, the tree began to display only a few images, the scenery around them darkening.
Eren turned once more, ignoring the dizzying feeling as he looked in horror at the utter destruction before him.
Paradis was, to put it bluntly, wiped off the map. A fiery hellscape only leaving the shores of Paradis remotely recognizable. The Gate in Wall Maria was gone, shattered pieces of marble were all that remained.
A soldier with a familiar flag in a MOPP suit walked around, talking on the radio, shaking his head, the HK-416 had different attachments as he said "No survivors that we can detect... understood, sir... we'll rendezvous with SOCOM... Paradis has fallen."
Eren asked, "What is that?"
Dina shakily said "I... I see... I... I think the Founder is showing us that..."
She slowly turned to Eren.
"That... that this is the future that awaits us now."
The Founder didn't speak.
Eren darkly said "We can avoid that as well! I know we can!"
She only gave him a tired expression, not replying to the bravado of the young man.
"Founder, please!"
As if suddenly angry, the girl stomped onto the sand.
Again, the various images within the tree changed, showing more destroyed cities, varying in age, before switching to a familiar scene.
The walls, specifically Wall Maria.
It began to shatter, seemingly on its own.
Then the image stopped.
Eren winced before darkly saying "I won't do it... you'll have to find another person to destroy the world."
Tears in her eyes, the girl reached for him.
Eren took her hand, saying "Founder... no... your name is Ymir... you're still a human being even now... there must be a way for you to be free without stealing the freedom of everyone else and you just can't see it right now."
The girl only shook her head, and let go of his hand.
"Founder..."
Slowly, the girl turned back to look at Dina Yeager, the woman apparently having gained some confidence now.
"I... I have vague memories of my time as a titan... I need to ask... why did you want Karla Yeager dead?"
The girl stared at her as another tear streamed down her cheek.
"That's right... that's right! You were in control of her when she was in titan form! Why did you-?"
A snap was heard in the empty voice that didn't belong to either of them.
Dina winced, before suddenly grabbing her head, visibly in pain. Eren fell to his knees.
Eren, still trying to reach her, barely managed to say "Y-Ymir... let... us... help..."
The girl's sad eyes only watched him as she slowly vanished from sight as the shadow of a tall figure manifested behind her, engulfing her in darkness.
Eren's eyes went wide.
Fritz!
…
Eren felt his eyes shoot open.
"Woah, done already?" Hanji asked.
Eren and Dina recoiled from each other, Eren knocking his chair over and falling to the floor, Dina wrapping her arms around herself and beginning to tremble.
"Eren!" Mikasa yelped, barely grabbing him in time to prevent him from slamming his head into the hard floor, managing to sit him back up, the young man beginning to sweat as if he had run a marathon.
Hanji asked "W-what happened? It wasn't even one second!"
Dina was silent.
Eren, taking deep breaths, slowly spoke.
"She... she wants to end everything... every... thing..."
"The Founder?"
"Ymir... Ymir Fritz... she... it was like..."
Dina said, "It was like gazing into infinity... a visualization of something that never ends and being able to see all points in it all at once..."
Eren nodded slowly.
"I don't know if the futures she saw were set in stone, but it was like she could see all outcomes... she didn't show us one where we win."
Hanji stared at him, shocked.
She rubbed the back of her neck.
Oh, Erwin, what would you do in this situation?
Eren got up, a flame in his tired eyes.
"We have to try again... I think we can remove the power of the titans through her."
Dina said, "No... she won't allow it."
"Huh?"
Rubbing her eyes, she said "What we saw... I think she's tired of seeing all the suffering humans go through. She wants to end it all to prevent people from suffering regardless of titans or not. She's... so broken and tired of it... You saw her memories of the original King Fritz, didn't you?" Dina hugged herself tighter, whispering "That poor girl..."
Hanji asked "Then why not do it herself? Is she not conscious?"
Eren shook his head, saying "No, not in a sense that I think applies, at least. It's like she has a will of her own, and will subconsciously act through those that wield her power..."
Dina nodded, saying "It was like... she knew if Karla Yeager died, then... then maybe it would lead Eren to..."
The titans in the walls... the destruction of the world...
Eren felt his jaw clench tightly, the memory of his mother uselessly fighting against the titan that killed.
He said, "We have to try again... we can't just... give up."
Mikasa pushed back, saying "Eren, please! This is already dangerous enough if you push yourself too much-"
Hanji quickly added "She's right, we're dealing with the entirely unknown territory here! We have to be careful!"
"We don't have time to be careful! Marley and the World Union are already gearing to invade, and even if everything works, and we pushed them back out, they will always keep coming back!"
"And if we rush into it, we may lose our chance of actually solving the problem! Now, Yeager, as your commanding officer, I'm ordering you to stand down!"
At the authority in the older woman's voice, Eren straightened and did as told, falling silent immediately.
Hanji sighed, rubbing her eyes as she said "You're right that we have to do something, though."
Eren raised an eyebrow.
Turning to Dina, Hanji asked "Miss Fritz... perhaps it's time for a family reunion?"
"H-huh?"
…
"Come on, Mister Yeager, won't you tell us anything?!"
Zeke sighed, suppressing the urge to smoke his cigarettes early as he passed his hand through the hair of the girl clinging to him the tightest.
"Gabi, Gabi, Gabi... with energy like yours, Marley and the W.U will surely emerge victorious in this conflict."
"But I can't help if I don't know when the invasion's coming!"
"Oh, yes you can! Just stay out of trouble and keep working to be a warrior candidate. Once we rescue Reiner, I'm sure you'll more than qualify to inherit his titan."
"You really think so?"
"I know so. But please, you know this information is classified."
The little girl sighed, releasing Zeke's leg from her grip, saying "Alright..."
Zeke said, "Good girl! Now run along, I-"
He froze, seeing the familiar woman, smoking just outside his door, staring at him.
"I... have some business to attend to it seems."
The little girl raised an eyebrow but said nothing until she saw the woman.
"Oh, Marley intelligence! I completely understand!" she whispered quickly, scampering off without another word.
Zeke approached the CIA woman with an air of exhaustion.
He said, "You look worried."
She said, "We tried an experiment with your mother and the current holder of the Founding Titan."
Zeke's eyes widened, eager to hear more.
With a defeated sigh, the CIA woman said "Seems Founder Ymir agrees with your plan."
"W-wait... what exactly-?"
"Hush... we can discuss this inside..." she muttered, seeing the prying eyes of the now 8-year-old Gabi Braun, staring not too subtly from behind the entrance of an alley.
Inside Zeke Yeager's residence, he didn't bother hiding his questions.
"What exactly were your people doing?"
Putting out the cigarette after a long drag, she told him.
"We were trying to see if there was a way to neutralize the power of the titans. Get rid of it entirely. Poof! No more titans, no more world-ending threat of the Rumbling, no more problems, and everyone can be all happy-go-lucky together... we had located the coordinated and considered extracting it, but due to a lack of information, we decided to simply try communicating with the founder directly."
"You're insane."
"I didn't plan the experiment. Far as I can tell, it was just to try and confirm how this founding titan power worked and what could be done about it, if anything."
"I see... and what happened?"
"Apparently, your mother and the other shifter only touched hands for a half-second, but to them, it felt like almost an hour... they claimed to have seen the extent of the so-called 'Paths' and how the future could wind up depending on their actions... according to them, they both tried talking to the Founder Ymir, but it was to very little response. She never spoke and she didn't really answer them directly. They claim she showed them the different pasts, presents, futures... stuff that would make people go insane probably, but... not enough that they did. Supposedly, she wants to end all suffering on the planet, Eldian and otherwise. Supposedly."
Zeke winced, saying "I... see... then I suppose your higher-ups understand why my plan is superior? Better to simply ensure something does not go on instead of slaughtering so many, no?"
"I guess they do, actually... I guess they do..."
She fell silent then.
Zeke didn't speak, the house being eerily silent.
Finally, he said "We'll have to move quickly... the World Union wants to-"
"Who's the kid?" she asked.
"Gabi Brown? You should know about her since you have her older cousin locked up somewhere in Paradis."
"Right, right... kids... they all look the same to me. She keeps staring at the house." she said as if it were somehow humorous, closing the blinds properly.
Zeke frowned, repeating "We have to move quickly... soon the World Union will want to test my ability to control larger hordes of titans in order to attack the coasts of Paradis... they started taking some of my spinal fluid this morning!"
She nodded, then said "True... we don't want that... go pack up your things. We're arranging an extraction."
"Pack up my... you're arranging for an extraction?"
"Yeah. You and your grandparents. Our friends in Hizuru will provide the transportation to a point where you can be snuck into Paradis."
Zeke stared at her for a moment, analyzing her. As if trying to figure out if she was lying or not.
Finally, he asked "What are you staring for? We have to move. Quick."
Zeke said "Your leaders agreed then? They'll go along with my plan?"
The CIA woman frowned, glancing past him for a second before saying "No. This is purely a delay tactic. Without you they'll be unable to control large amounts of titans at once, pushing them to come up with a different strategy. It'll buy us the time we need to decide on what the next step should be."
"The next step? Buy time?"
The man's hands closed into fists before slowly relaxing.
"Taking me out of the picture won't work. They're too jumpy, too drunk on the unity they've achieved and the power they can now wield. It is every army in the world, woman! All of them contributing, all of them grabbing their best men, weapons, and ammunition, all of them aiming at Paradis and its people. Even if you sink every ship, even if you kill every one of them, eventually more will come and you cannot keep a global war going forever! Not without the power of the titans! And that's assuming you wish to continue all the suffering we see currently!"
The CIA woman's eyes met his own and Zeke froze.
"Y-you-" he began, but she stopped him.
"Pack your things. We leave in an hour." She ordered calmly, but with finality to the argument.
Zeke shakily said "You don't own all the cards. You can't force me!"
"Oh, yes we can." A third voice answered him then.
Zeke turned behind him. Inside his home stood a fairly short man whose eyes suggested they had lived more than one life despite still being at the beginning of his life. Arms crossed, visibly relaxed as he stood there, but his eyes were already studying ways to kill him.
The CIA woman said, "I'd suggest you listen to Captain Levi, mister Yeager... he's able to kill titans with nothing but swords."
The words barely registered, the man's gaze already telling Zeke crossing him, even with his Beast Titan powers, even with all the abilities of a shifter, including regeneration... this man would kill him.
Slowly, he lowered his gaze.
"Can... can you at least tell me what will happen next?"
"Hmm?"
"What will you do if I'm out of the picture? What's your plan?"
The CIA woman shrugged.
Levi stepped ahead, seemingly willing to give an answer as he said "Put faith that the people higher up the chain of command know what they're doing. I just follow orders. Now pack what you need, and... I hope you don't mind cramped spaces."
…
Gabi observed the house silently, her mind going back and forth between the boring situation in front of her and the much more exciting and endless list of possible scenarios that could be happening just a few dozen meters in front of her.
Marley Intelligence. Spies! The secret police that kept the empire safe! Surely, they were discussing top-secret plans right there and then! What strategies could they be discussing? What plans could the use Zeke Yeager for? The beast titan was now considered one of, if not the most valuable asset in the Marleyan Military! The ability to control titans, to simply pick up hundreds of high explosive shells before throwing them at incredible velocities that would shred enemy structures and, perhaps even the latest warships!
Oh, what I would give to be in there...
As she was pondering this, she heard footsteps behind her and the very quiet wording of "yeah, I see her."
She whirled around and spotted two young girls.
Older girls, likely in their teens, both had brown hair, though the one on the left had a lighter shade and kept her hair at shoulder length, but... something about their posture...
Wait a minute... who are these girls? I haven't seen them before.
"Uh... hey, little one... um... Gabi, right?" the one with the long hair said in an accent she'd somewhat heard prior.
"Uh... who's asking? Are you from down south? I haven't seen you before."
Sasha groaned.
Petra shook her head, saying "Look... Gabi... we really can't have you eavesdropping right now. Maybe it would be better if you went back to your friends?"
The young girl huffed, saying "I just want to see how Marley's Secret operates! You guys keep the world safe from the Eldian Devils, right?"
Gabi glanced at the house, not noticing the girls appeared to wince at the words, but even if she had noticed, Petra was quick to take command and ensure she didn't think about it too much. Moving swiftly, the member of the Survey Corps knelt down and put an arm on the 8-year-old girl's shoulder, turning her around and staring into her eyes.
"If you indeed wish to help, then I suggest you head over to your friends and tell them to forget about anything you saw today. We're on a top-secret mission, kid, you understand that? The fate of a lot of people hands in it succeeding."
"U-uh- I- I understand... I just want to help fight the Eldian Devils."
Sasha sighed, scratching the back of her head before saying "Alright, kid... tell you something... if you head back now, I'll... I'll take you and your friends to the docks to see the Warships."
Petra turned to Sasha with a glare, Sasha only shrugging in return.
Gabi placed her arms on her hips, saying "I can do that with the proper papers and my armband. Surely you can offer more than that."
Sasha, not keying in, only said "I know a young man who can cook you real military food."
Petra's face fell in visible disappointment.
Gabi on the other hand said, "How about you show me how your headquarters look like?"
At this, Sasha said "How about we simply drag you to a basement and keep you there until our mission is over? That's also doable, right?"
Gabi's smile widened further, saying "You'd do that?!"
Sasha cringed at the girl's excitement.
"Kid, what is wrong with you?"
"I would give anything to see how Marley's Secret Police operate! Please! I beg you! Teach me so that I can better follow in my elder's footsteps!"
Petra frowned, muttering "Isn't the usual punishment for defying Marley's authorities a trip to Paradis if it involves Eldians?"
Gabi gave her a toothy grin, saying "I'm already in reserve to be a warrior candidate! You might be able to badmouth me, but not ruin my chances! I'll work my way up from the bottom and succeed!"
Sasha only said, "Maybe we should just take her to a basement somewhere..."
Petra mumbled, "She is getting in the way quite a bit... but no, we must operate with proper diligence."
"That's true..."
Both girls nodded, turned to Gabi, then picked her up and carried her out of the alley before setting her down on the opposite street, in the middle of her group of friends and several confused adults.
Petra shook her head, and Sasha only waved before walking back into the alley, leaving the girl visibly bewildered as she had simply been denied all possible chance at meeting people high up in the fight against the Paradis Devils.
"Gabi, that was so..." a blonde boy said.
"Stupid." a girl with a tired expression said.
"Brave!" A boy with glasses said.
"No, it was stupid! Why would you do that?!" the other boy concluded.
Gabi groaned, hitting the floor and saying "I blew it! I blew my chances at making a good impression..."
"Well, what did you think was going to happen?"
"I don't know! I'm in line to be a warrior candidate, I thought... I thought it would let me..." she stood up, sucked in a breath, and said "No matter! I know it's an important mission, so all we have to do is let them and mister Zeke work it out. I know this is where victory begins!"
…
"What do you mean we lost Yeager?!" Osman half gawked, half snorted as his breaths caught in his throat at the news.
The bright morning sun shone through the windows as General Calvi stood there, arms crossed.
"What else could I mean? We've been looking all over for him, yet no one has reported seeing him or his family."
Pieck Finger only frowned as the Mid-East Alliance officer's eye visibly twitched once, twice, then the man quickly took control, rubbing it slowly as he spoke.
"Then... this is a setback."
Calvi replied "Our intelligence network is already searching everywhere for him. We've also taken our remaining Warrior and placed her here to ensure she isn't spirited away in the night by the enemy."
"Spirited away? Then you're certain he didn't just betray us?" Osman huffed.
Calvi shrugged, grabbing a paper and saying "I don't think my opinion matters when we have various reports within the Liberio Internment zone of so-called operatives from Marley's Intelligence."
"Wait... Marley Intelligence?"
"Allegedly. Of course, according to our own records... we had no agents in that area present at the areas seen."
Osman's eyes went wide.
"They're already here then."
Calvi shrugged, saying "So it seems."
The Mid-East general glanced at Pieck Finger, the girl quickly lowering her gaze.
"I take it your father is also in here?" he asked her.
She shook her head slowly, saying "He was moved to a hospital further inland. His illness is only just stabilizing, so it's better to keep him away from this excitement."
Osman frowned, saying "Good. I do hope you're prepared to die for this cause."
"My loyalty is with Marley." She replied calmly.
"And Marley's loyalty is with humanity... true humanity..." Osman said.
Calvi didn't comment, eyeing the officers from the Mid-East Alliance. After a moment of tense silence, he sat down, handing them the papers while adjusting his uniform with his free hand.
"Share this with the other commanders. I believe the planned invasion will have to be pushed back. Ideally, we can move it to next-"
"No."
"Excuse me?"
Osman calmly took the papers and said "We must adjust our plans. That's all."
Calvi didn't react, only asking "How exactly?"
Osman only said "The Germanic States may have a solution. I will take the report to them first, and discuss it. I'm sure the Tyburs will agree that stopping now isn't an option."
There was an uneasy silence as the General gathered up the remaining reports and left without a salute.
Pieck shakily turned to General Calvi, the man only letting out a tired sigh.
Noticing the girl's expression, he shrugged, saying "It is what it is, Miss Finger."
"G-general, if I may..."
"You may."
"They sunk a battleship... in one attack... they got Zeke, without us ever finding out."
"Indeed."
"We haven't even managed proper reconnaissance operations, o-our maps are a century old and we can't even go in through the air because of their aircraft."
"I'm aware, Miss Pieck... I am unfortunately very much aware. But right now we have to go along and follow our orders. Fulfill our duties. Even if our superiors know not what they do."
Calvi glanced at the bookshelf by the far wall before mumbling "Make sure you keep that last line out of the report."
Pieck raised an eyebrow, turning slowly to look at the bookshelf.
Oh... of course.
"Yes, General..."
Behind the books on the shelf, was a simple microphone that was connected to a wire. The wire itself went up through the walls, climbing through the wood and mortar until eventually reaching a room that appeared almost like a break room. The table had a large recording device and men sitting on a table around it, one of them eating pasta from a bowl as the words in the room below were repeated.
A girl with short, bobby hair rewound the recording, Osman's voice sounding again.
We must adjust our plans. That's all.
A malicious grin that spread from ear to ear manifested on Yelena's face.
…
Lara Tybur observed as Willy's leg shook up and down as they waited. Their grandfather continued reading the information in silence, the moments ticking by as indicated by the large grandfather clock in between their seats.
The old man placed the papers down and sighed in defeat.
"Perhaps this is the ultimate piece of evidence that the power of titans has been outmatched by human ingenuity."
Willy nodded, forced a smile as he said "Yes, but... in terms of the war effort, the World Union is heavily insistent we continue as planned."
Their grandfather nodded slowly.
He asked, "And that plan is...?"
"Uh... the plan involves a quadrilateral invasion of the island. World Union Forces will invade through east, west, north, and south, with Marley's main force commencing the assault on the eastern side of Paradis with a titan attack using the majority of Eldian prisoners."
"Yes, the use of Eldian prisoners by Marley. A good choice as a fair portion of their army is made up of Eldian conscripts. Using civilians from their internment zones would have likely resulted in mutiny."
"And there was no need. The Mid-East alliance and Romanov Empire brought enough Eldian civilians on their own to drown Paradis in titans."
"But most of them are intended to be used as human shields, no?"
"Indeed... Um... originally, the plan would have involved Zeke Yeager controlling the titan horde so that it could do as much damage as possible to the enemy positions. We were going to test how many titans he can control today."
"But now he's disappeared. Presumably kidnapped. Presumably having a bad time somewhere in Marley... or perhaps Paradis?"
"We don't know, but... but this puts us in a unique position."
"Does it now?"
"Yes, grandfather. We can delay the war. Maybe open up further negotiations, give military officers more time to realize that this operation may not be the best course of action, and-"
At the disapproving glance from the old man, Tybur immediately said "Of course, it may also give the enemy a chance to attack sooner."
"Willy, our duty is to prevent another Eldian Empire from rising."
"I know, grandfather, but... seeing the lengths we've gone to in order to prevent it..."
"I understand it is unpleasant to see so much suffering from Eldians after so much time trying to make it so the world would at the very least tolerate their existence, but you also understand it is necessary."
"It's a... difficult duty I believe. But I understand we must carry it out."
"Indeed."
Silence filled the room again. The grandfather clock continued to tick the moments away as no one spoke and Lara continued to observe.
Finally, the old man said "General Osman is right. The invasion must go forth immediately. Even if it fails, if humanity can land any blow on Paradis it may be enough to force some even ground going forward."
"But... the plan to use titans as a shield to allow for a landing in the most defended area-"
"Shall go forth the old-fashioned way."
"I... I see. I shall relay that message to the World Union command."
"Willy."
"Yes, grandfather?"
"The Tybur Family must also put itself on the line along all of humanity."
The old man grabbed his cane and slowly stood up.
"I shall travel to Liberio with you and Lara. If these cowardly spies wish to try anything, they shall have to go through me."
"Grandfather..."
"We must all do our part, Willy."
"Grandfather, what about the Founder?" Lara finally spoke up.
"It likely won't be a factor. The generation of Eldians that remember its power has long since died, and even if the current holder is of royal blood, the vow that rejected war prevents it."
"But if the founder isn't of royal blood, and if they have access to a titan of royal blood..."
The old man nodded slowly, saying "It's possible. They have, currently, the colossal, the armored, the female, the jaw titan, and presumably the beast titan. However, if they had access to a titan of royal blood and were trying to experiment with using the powers of the Founder, all Eldians all over the world would have noticed. Especially if they tried something like limiting or changing the power of the titans."
Lara fell silent.
The old man said "It is a difficult decision, Lara. But we must fight if we are to make up for the sins of the past and make the world a better place. The enemy, if they are even human, is blinded by its greed... prioritizing the individuals too much, to the point they are judging based on those actions instead of considering the implications of the past. We cannot allow such actions to proceed in this world. Shall we allow evil to simply be forgiven because it happened centuries ago? I say no, sir! And I am willing to put my feet over the fire!"
"Grandfather..." Lara breathed.
"We have to fight, my children... we have to."
…
General Osman only grinned from ear to ear as he read the letter.
Turning to the Germanic officer, he loudly said "We are going through! The Tyburs sided with the World Union and will even be coming to observe!"
The other officer only shrugged, handing him another paper.
Osman looked it over, reading it quietly.
"Explosives can be set to detonate at a selected time... good, good... mixed with the vaporized spinal fluid... yes, yes... excellent!"
Calvi only said, "So, you Germs found a method to utilize titans in the invasion?"
The Germanic officer only said "Indeed, but technically we got it from you."
Calvi raised an eyebrow as Osman continued reading the information.
The Germanic officer said "Back when Marley sent many Eldians to Paradis, a common tactic involved letting one or two Eldians run into Paradis on their own so that when the others were turned into titans, the titans would have an easy target to chase and move away from the beach. So..."
"Tea?" a girl asked as she entered.
Calvi said, "Yes, please, thank you, Yelena. Place it over there."
The girl nodded, placed the tea set on the nearby table, and left the officers to continue discussing things.
Calvi took a cup and said, "Go on, don't let me stop you."
"Indeed, if we were to have several Eldians land at the beach first, and have the other eldians transform over the ocean, further from our warships and closer to Paradis, the newly transformed titans will immediately chase after the devils on the island!"
Calvi said "But the problem then lies on the titans getting past the walled port. If Zeke was around-"
"Since your people lost Zeke, the only option is a barrage from our naval guns. We destroy the wall at the port and let the titans flood in. Then we can begin to disembark."
Calvi frowned but didn't argue, only glancing at the map, observing the varied points of invasion for each major power of the World Union.
"It will be necessary. The lands from the east are mostly plains with few forests or cover in between." Osman sighed.
Not in the mood to really argue, Calvi only asked "I hear the human shield tactic is proving wonders for getting closer to Paradis?"
Osman grinned and placed a photo on the table as Calvi sipped his tea.
"One of our ships, Alrumh, got so close they were able to photograph the enemy at the port and look."
Calvi glanced at the photo.
"There are fewer of them."
"And?"
"It's as if they are retreating, leaving the port wide open for us to take it."
...
"That sounds like a retreat, to be honest." Kane sighed, rubbing the back of his head, watching other US Marines place ammo boxes on the transport trucks.
Ilse Langnar only frowned at the Marine, saying "What did you expect? That we would build a German-style sea wall in a month's time? Look, they're going to push in with the now shielded warships-"
Kane said "Meat shields aren't energy shields. The only thing stopping us from shooting and sinking those ships are words on a piece of paper."
"Well, too bad, those are the rules of engagement we're working with. I'm sorry the Queen genuinely wants to try and save as many lives as possible it seems." Ilse retorted with a sense of sarcasm.
"As many Eldian lives..."
Ilse pointed to her back, the M1903 hanging loosely from it.
"Yeah, yeah, you scouts will be on the lines, too, I know, I know... but you're basically a rearguard."
"Captain Mike's team is still at the-"
"Yeah, with that Army group you were paired up with..."
"Exactly. I was kind of hoping to see them before they moved to the forests on the-"
"Oh, so that's why you're here?"
Ilse placed her hands on her hips, saying "I've been playing secretary for too long! We're about to go to war! Can't you just help me say hi to the guys that helped me when this whole thing started?"
Kane got up, patted the girl on the head, and said "Sorry, but we have to deliver ammo to the regiments in the mountains. Odds are, we'll be there when everything hits..."
Ilse sighed, saying "I see... you're going with the Canadian regiment?"
"Yeah... Artillery regiment. God only knows how much ammo they'll need once this starts."
Ilse could only nod in agreement.
…
Ryan walked over to the Leopard 2 now dug in behind a hill.
He wasn't sure if he could describe the Leopard 2 as appearing boxier than his M1 Abrams or not. The gun was similar, and yet not. It was a touch unfamiliar. That would be the best way to describe it.
"Never seen one up close?"
Turning his gaze to the turret, the German tanker hopped off.
Hobbes took a sip from his coffee mug as Ryan said "Not exactly... I only got interested in tanks when I saw the ten grand bonus. Would have been stationed in Germany next year if not for the Gate and all this mess popping off."
Hobbes shrugged then.
Ryan said, "I'm curious... what's it like for you guys?"
"It's our job."
"Don't play dumb."
"It's our job. Not much more to it... can't let there be more to it."
"Uh-huh?"
"Yes."
"Why's that?"
Hobbes only pointed to the slowly rising sun on the horizon, its rays barely peeking over the sandy dunes as another day began.
"Because we shouldn't turn this into some righteous crusade, even if it's basically one. Our enemy is actively convincing itself that they're heroes for what they'll soon try. We have to be different."
Ryan nodded slowly, saying "Huh... well, that's one way to look at it."
"Why? You tell yourself you're going to fix things?"
Ryan shrugged, saying "Maybe. Maybe not... I guess I just have to believe we're doing some good is all."
Briefly, he remembered the broken smile a certain teenaged girl gave him when he showed her the magic of video games.
"Perhaps we are... but I'd rather not think about it now... think about it later. Clearer heads after all."
"Clearer heads?"
"Natürlich!" he said, taking another sip.
Ryan stared at the German tanker.
The young man appeared almost unphased by the whole situation. The situation was simply what it was and he wasn't going to bother focusing too much on needless details such as appearing worried or concerned over what could happen going forward. At least, outwardly.
Have German soldiers ever appeared phased by their situation?
He instead said, "How long until they attack, you think?"
Hobbes rubbed his neck.
"It'll be around dawn if the intelligence reports confirm they'll be using titans. Maybe today... maybe tomorrow... but soon."
"Oh, that's reassuring."
"Facts are facts."
"I asked for an opinion."
"I base my opinions on facts."
"Uh-huh... think ammo will be a problem?"
"Given how much your people keep bringing through the Gate? Maybe. It depends on how much they throw at us."
"Right. What's your opinion based on fact?"
He only said, "It'll be close."
"How close?"
Finishing his coffee, Hobbes only said "Close."
...
"They're getting closer..."
Matt turned to look at Nanaba, the girl's short, silvery hair blew in the salty ocean breeze as the remaining force by the sole port in the entire island stared at the fleet in the distance. The rising sun in the... well, apparently that direction was "west" in this world, not that it really mattered to him... was beginning to bring some warmth to the island of devils.
"Yup." came his short reply before he glanced behind him.
"Think they'll try it today?"
"I really don't know." he sighed.
At the bottom of the wall, the remaining trucks and vehicles awaited the order to retreat. He knew of the drones observing from high above. He knew any sign of suspicious movement would give them a warning.
Still, the anticipation...
"Those people, the Turks, you think they'll be able to do much if they actually send in more refugees?"
"If they send people from the Middle East, maybe. They seem to speak the same language." Matt sighed, glancing at the small contingent of Turkish troops sitting around, nothing to do now that the refugee camp had been evacuated.
"Honestly, I somewhat wish we simply sank their warships."
Matt shrugged.
"Does that make me a bad person?"
"Given the circumstances, I can't blame you. The best we can hope for is that now that Zeke is out of the picture, we'll be able to better coordinate an evac to our defensive positions."
"Yeah... I-"
The radio suddenly came to life.
"Be advised, we're seeing movement on the battleships. Looks like they're moving civvies onto lifeboats."
Matt swallowed.
Nanaba said, "So, it begins..."
At those words, Matt laughed.
"What?"
"I dunno... I'm nervous. We have to evacuate the second we see titans and book it to the primary line of defense... assuming we get there given the range on their guns."
"White, breathe. We'll know if they intend to fire or not."
Lifting his binoculars to look at the ships, he said "Yeah... yeah... alright, all Vicks, be advised, I can confirm Skyhawk's assessment. Civvies are being moved to lifeboats."
"Copy, 1-2, stand by." came the reply.
Nanaba mumbled, "Yeah... that's what we've been doing."
It was almost a speck at first, or perhaps several as they were minuscule compared to the warships they were on, but soon enough small lifeboats began to drift towards the shoreline.
"They're rowing. Appear to be unarmed." Matt said.
Nanaba checked her rifle, ensuring it had a round chambered.
Time crawled ahead at a painfully slow rate. The lifeboats went from being minuscule specks in the distance to being small silhouettes in the water, to finally being distinguishable as they approached the shoreline.
Few words were spoken at that time.
As the boats began reaching the port, Nanaba finally said "Do you think they speak like the Turks back there?"
Matt said, "I don't know... guess we'll find out..."
Down below, on the port itself, Dave followed the Turkish detachment alongside a few Survey Corps scouts. Rifles were kept level as one of the leads tried greeting the civilians who were rushing into the port.
"Selam beni anlıyormusun?"
One of the men who had was on the dock, helping the other men get out of the lifeboats loudly said "kto ty? Nam nuzhna pomoshch'!"
Dave winced.
The Turkish officer glanced at him, worried as he said, "That's... uh... I think that's Russian."
Dave cursed under his breath.
Another man, visibly distressed as he got out of the lifeboat, spoke in heavily accented English "They pushed us! They still have... family!"
Dave said, "Sir, I'm going to need you to move up out of the port and up the steps."
"Not. Without. Family!"
At those words, other men began speaking out, asking questions, loudly making demands that he couldn't understand.
"The World Union is going to attack any moment now; you have to get out of here!" Dave yelled as a scout sent word over the radio.
"Not. Without-"
Before he could finish, a single shot rang out.
Mike Zacharias lowered the smoking handgun and pointed up the steps.
Immediately the men slowly began to move without a word in the direction the Survey Corps captain had pointed towards.
Dave let out a sigh of relief.
It wasn't a large crowd. Couldn't have been more than thirty or so men. The lifeboats remained there, floating.
Matt sucked in a breath as the men began moving into the island.
"We have to get them out of here, quick... otherwise..."
The radio crackled to life once more.
"Be advised, seems like they're sending a second wave."
Nanaba growled, "Are you kidding me?!"
She took her own binoculars and looked at the World Union fleet.
…
General Calvi let out a sigh as he watched the men move some of the Eldian prisoners from Marley on board the motorized lifeboats. The men on them were drugged, practically braindead thanks to a helping dose of opium.
However, on the nearby Frankish ship, he could actually hear the screams.
He glanced, seeing a soldier gag a woman to keep her from screaming as he sat her on the lifeboat at gunpoint. The women on board the ships begging as some were lowered.
It was Willy Tybur who said, "It's our atonement for the sins of the past."
Calvi glanced at the man, arguably the most influential person on the planet. The white dress shirt and fancy clothing weren't enough to hide his visible distress.
Calvi didn't reply, only looking ahead.
"Boats are tied and ready." an officer said.
Calvi sighed in disappointment.
Willy said "Alright... to atone for the sins of the past... the eyes of the world are upon us, gentlemen. Whether we succeed or fail, whether we save the world or doom it... it all begins and ends here."
Calvi said nothing.
Willy looked at the officers and said "Commence the attack."
...
"They're moving... what the hell, they have motorboats?" Matt mumbled.
It was Nanaba who said "Anyone else sees the ones near the center? They have boats tied to them..."
The radio crackled, Jake saying "Confirm, we're seeing some of the boats are tied together, the ones in the back have bodies. None are moving."
Matt said, "God, this is it..."
The radio confirmed it.
"Everyone on the wall, get out of there. We are initiating Zeus Protocol. I say again, we are initiating Zeus Protocol."
Nanaba swallowed as Matt moved past her, saying "Come on!"
Silently, the boats continued to advance towards the island.
Then a beautiful shine of golden light began to spread along the ocean, the boats erupting into flames before shattering into wooden pieces as massive bodies began to emerge out of their now inadequate frames. As the steam began to clear the titanic bodies of the enemies she had been fighting since she was a child emerged, their cruel grins staring at her in spite of the distance.
She could only imagine what was going through the minds of her enemies, but she pushed it all aside as a sinking feeling came over her and she quickly began to move away from the wall, unable to listen to the radio chatter as she ran.
As she reached the steps to head down, she froze, turning slowly once more to look at the fleet in the distance.
Her eyes went wide with terror as she moved quickly.
"Incoming!" she heard the radio yell before jumping off the wall, using her ODM gear to not fall to her deaths as the shells rained down on their position.
Matt barely ducked down in time to see the wall explode and hear the distance explosion of the World Union fleet.
Nanaba landed hard, her gear allowing her to cushion her fall, but the shockwave of the high explosive artillery sent many to the floor as the wall began to crumble. He moved quickly, grabbing her and helping her move away from the crumbling structure. The massive slabs of cement and stone fell with relative ease.
Dave and the civilians that had been moving onto the transport trucks were now staring frozen as the attack commenced in earnest. The steam coming from the ocean was already a horrifying sign of the first wave of nonhuman attackers.
Jake drove the Humvee over as the smoke began to clear, yelling "Get on! They're coming!"
Matt didn't have to be told twice, pushing Nanaba inside before turning around and seeing the massive hulking figures of the titans begin to emerge from the ocean, smiling as they looked at them.
Shutting the door and climbing to man the MK19, Matt yelled "Go! Go! Go!"
...
Eren Yeager sat in his room, listening to the radio chatter. His mind was deep in thought as the horrifying truth was confirmed.
The invasion was commencing.
There has to be a proper solution.
There isn't...
There has to be.
Not one that solves everything. That doesn't exist.
Then there has to be a way to get rid of the power of the titans.
He slowly moved his hand to his neck, feeling the bones he knew held the secret of the titans.
He frowned and ground his teeth.
Why should you bother with some solution? The world wants to steal your freedom and the freedom of everyone you know.
Why bother searching for a solution when you have every right to simply steal the freedom of those who want to steal yours?
Eren stared at his hands.
Briefly, his mind went back to the day his mother died.
His eyes widened then.
That's it... that's it... it's gotta be.
With that thought, he stood up and walked out of his room, the world outside already filled with the chaotic movement as the efforts to mount a successful defense of Paradis against the onslaught of an entire world was beginning in earnest.
He heard aircraft taking off in the distance, Helicopters, and trucks moving out towards the exit to Wall Maria and to the front lines.
Who would win was up in the air. Which ideology would prevail remained to be decided.
But one thing was clear.
Regardless of the outcome, or the price, it wouldn't stop him.
A/N:
So... hey... Merry Christmas!
Um... long time no see! A... LOT has happened. Ugh... remember me having a schedule? A plan? Being able to more or less release chapters consistently?
*sigh*
Well, lots of things have changed since the previous chapter in... wow, June 2021?
Okay, positive things first...
One of my fics got a TV Tropes page (thank you), and both it and Freedom's Ring got reviewed by a YouTube channel (AAAirsoft Media if you're curious, also thank you), and... I got into a new school... and work has been killing me. I wanted to have this out a while ago, but...
Well, negatives...
My schedule was thrown more out of whack than I think even back when I first sat down to write it in my previous school. Now I'm basically only writing every now and then, and I'm barely able to get much done even though I really want to finish this story.
So, apologies if chapters take longer to come out. I know you guys really enjoy this scenario and I still plan on finishing it no matter what, so please bear with this a little longer. I'm not done yet, you see.
I mean, we're about to actually get into the war itself, which... err... you guys did a very good job at making me look at every possible scenario, so hopefully I settled on one that at least makes sense but also keeps things interesting? Let me know your thoughts, cause I'm juggling a lot of things right now.
Japan and Hizuru secretly working to open a Gate on their side, while the US utilizes Puerto Rico as the stage for the other side's connection and naval base to carry out Operation Arrowhead was one of those things that I had planned out but wasn't 100% sure if I would carry it out. I mean, Puerto Rico's infrastructure has never been the best. Plus, at the time of conceptualizing it, Puerto Rico's governor HADN'T decided to self-destruct live for everyone to see by trying to claim that him making fun of hurricane victims wasn't a big deal, which... uh... yeah, THAT was a fun couple of days to live through, but I guess that officially establishes the story is, right now, in May or early June of 2019... give or take.
(side note: politicians down in Puerto Rico are far more corrupt than anything I've seen in the mainland, I mean, good grief, I know certain states are notorious for moronic policies on certain issues, but I don't remember any state purposefully hiding Hurricane relief aid from civilians and then whirling around and blaming the sitting president and regardless of your opinions on the sitting president, like him or not, that was a messed-up thing to do).
The human shields idea was also something I had thought of a while ago, as we did see several nations use these tactics, from Germany (Warsaw, 1944) to France (Algeria, during the 1960s), so... yeah. Of course, once they're on land, it's a different story entirely, but I believe they would use them to ensure their ships got close enough to land an invasion force.
Where's that going?
Well, we'll see!
On to the Reviewer Response, and... oh boy... I have a LOT of questions this time...
"Crossover with The Fight we Chose?"
No.
Guys, I really, really, REALLY appreciate you reading The Fight We Chose (a "vanilla" Gate fic I wrote for those who don't know) and I love that you guys are speculating about a potential shared universe, but... well... that's not what I set out to write. Back when I first wrote chapter 1 of Freedom's Ring (the very first review, in fact, again, thank you, rdawamindra) I was asked if Attack on Titan was a thing in this version of earth, which was a concept I sort of explored in my very first fic "Erasure". I replied to him that, no, I didn't want to repeat the idea of Erasure (think Re; Creators but with different, more random, characters... don't read it unless you want to see me make even bigger mistakes than in this fic) and that having the AOT Manga exist in this version of Earth would be way too much given what had been revealed up to that point, and I didn't want to make any references to my then only other published story.
So, unfortunately, and to the likely great disappointment of Airsoft Al, no, neither The Fight we Chose nor Freedom's Ring areconnected in anything other than the concept of a Gate to another world appearing somewhere in the United States. I did love writing that story, but I want it to be its own thing from this fic.
Sorry to disappoint, but shared universes aren't really my cup of coffee.
"Will the UN Coalition do X, Y, Z against the WU?"
Okay... I think I need to clarify this because I keep seeing people jumping on the "it's a UN war against WU" train.
UN involvement would be the topic explored in UNPeacekeeper's "War of the Worlds" fic, and I do think you guys will be seeing a genuine UN vs WU scenario on there soon... but not here.
Mine is following a different scenario.
I need to emphasize that it's nota UN coalition, it's an American-led multi-national task force at best... Okay, I know "UN" rolls better off the tongue, but it's just not story-accurate, and it kind of goes against one of the key differences between worlds that I wanted to show here. Our coalitions aren't working under a banner of singular unity a lot of the time which allows for a degree of flexibility.
I also don't think it's that realistic for it to be a "UN Coalition". The UN is its own bureaucratic body that helps nations communicate and occasionally assists in peacekeeping. I'm not saying they're some ineffective, useless body... okay, maybe I am... but I don't think they apply here when the US and several allies are already involved, nor that it would be realistic in this scenario to have the nations involved operate under the UN banner or even observation. Russia has its interests, the US has its interests, the UK has its interests, Germany has its interests, Japan has its interests, and not all of those interests coincide with the others. The WU nations do have their individual interests too, but the difference is that they're putting them aside for this particular occasion and are pinning everything on their ability to unite, and while this somewhat applies to our side in that we are fervently opposed to the genocide of the people that greeted us... let's be real here if Paradis wasn't literally sitting under a goldmine of oil, rich resources, and unknown materials like "metal bamboo" and "ice burst stones" that could hold great value and literally the place the door connecting our worlds sat on, a LOT of countries would likely give less aid in terms of military strength and we are, by no means giving "our all" here. This isn't me being cynical, either, the US can't just "shift its entire industry" for this, and while it's bringing in once decommissioned ships... well, more on the Iowa's later.
The point is, this isn't "War of the Worlds", this is more like... I guess Gulf War 1, except it's defensive at the moment.
So... yeah... sorry if this sounds pretentious, it just kind of felt off to see readers continue to say "man, I can't wait to see the UN beat the WU down" when the UN isn't even militarily involved nor has it been mentioned as being militarily involved.
That said...
"What nations are involved in Operation Arrowhead?"
Militarily, the ones mentioned. As TopHatGuy pointed out, this is going to have to be a coalition similar to what we saw in Afghanistan's occupation, if anything to lay pressure off our side and make it clear it isn't just the US making power plays... even if, to a degree, it sort of is... but yeah, militarily, we have a fair chunk of NATO allies in some small degree or another, with Britain, France, and Germany likely contributing the most in terms of hardware and Personnel, with other nations like Japan bringing in their own personnel but not as much military-wise.
I do see many NATO and non-NATO countries contributing in some way, as mentioned in a previous chapter, other nations are sending aid in some way or another, but military-wise it's relatively limited. Turkey was mentioned here sending some personnel, but it's mostly just translators to help with the refugees that were sent to Paradis on a rogue ship as an experiment.
Since some countries are also giving up their older weapons, Paradis could be spoiled for choice in updating their military. I had them buying and making M1903s on their own, but odds are they'll quickly switch to just buying weapons either from the US or another ally while they make their own ammunition.
Oh, right, and Russia is getting involved, too, which leads me to...
"Will there be a 55 Days at Peking comparison?"
Yeah, that's not happening.
Circumstances are different, the reason for fighting is different, and attitudes are different... Sorry to disappoint, but the Boxer Rebellion was an extremely unique historical situation that can't really happen here with one Gate open in the US and a second Gate being worked on. I don't think we'll have a scene where the individual armies of each nation just show up at the end to the tune of their national anthem to the cheers of the people in their embassies like in the film.
So, yeah... that's not happening.
"Team Itami is here?!"
Yeah... technically they've shown up in the "Asides" but hey, now they're here officially.
If you're a fan, you may be happy, if you're indifferent you're probably wondering why, and if you're like me and find their characters severely lacking in the original canon you may be disappointed that they're in this fic... that said, I think it's worth including them to a small extent as they'll have something to actually do and I won't have to run around making up OCs for the scenes where Japan and Hizuru interact. If you like them, hopefully I'll portray them properly enough, and if you don't like them, then hopefully their scenes don't ruin the rest of the story for you.
Let me know what you all think, though.
"Who was that white-haired girl in chapter 15?"
Uh... which one? Cause in a way, they're both just shameless plugins of my other two fics...
Well, the one we see in Rory's little glass ball was Tyuule from the original Gate story (the white-haired bunny girl who did more to stop the main villains than the entire JSDF), and my favorite character from that series... you can see more of her in my other fic The Fight we Chose if you're curious (shameless plugin #1).
The second one to show up was a reference to... um... (this is kind of embarrassing to admit) Echidna from Re;Zero... because I've been working on a Re; Zero fic since I first published chapter 1 of Freedom's Ring but I never published its first chapter until a little while ago (shameless plugin #2)... I've made a few nods to Re; Zero on here to kind of hint at the fact I was working on one, so... yeah, there you go. It didn't really add much to the fic except the idea of multiple realities existing, though... I say immediately after saying shared universes aren't my thing...
But anyway, that wraps up this chapter.
I hope you all enjoyed it, remember that if you think anything was off or if there were things here you didn't like or think could be done better, feel free to let me know as reviews and suggestions are greatly appreciated, and I hope to have the next chapter out as soon as possible. I apologize for the delays, but I do hope to finish this story as we're so close to the ending.
Thanks so much for reading and keeping up with this story!
