Chapter Four.

The old barracks had an eerie creak as the floor boards were loose and the foundation had been weakened by generations of soldiers using it. The small wooden shack like barracks was located near a busy trading town in Wall Rose located just a mile from the gates of the, Trost District. The barracks were mostly filled with medical personnel, the building holding six squads which were currently running at low manning power. The town was very busy for traveling merchants and was the main hub for medical needs as it had the nearest medical station near the, Trost District. However, due to the need for medical personnel the barracks were rarely fully occupied and was mostly filled with medics who were spending their off-duty time sleeping or relaxing.

"Where's the 13th Field Medic Squad?" The barrack's Quartermaster called out loudly, as the soldier held the position of an officer and was in charge of supplying the squads that occupied the specific barrack with supplies and other required material. The poorly shaven man stormed down the halls of the barracks barking loudly as he interrupted the sleep of several unhappy soldiers. Finally, he reached the last door down the hall and with a mighty kick he swung it open to find two soldiers lazily sitting on their cots. His eye twitched annoyingly as he came upon this sight, "Why didn't you two numbskulls answer me?"

Ryland smirked as he awaited for another one of Ian's smart ass comments. Ian simply flashed the Quartermaster an innocent look, "Our apologies, sir. We didn't realize you meant our squad."

A vain appeared on the Quartermaster's neck as his hands formed fist, "Don't play cute with me, Alder. You know you're the only members of the 13th Squad."

"Not much of a squad if there's only two of us," Ryland responded back with a shrug, "Can't expect us to possibly respond to be called a squad if were not qualified to be one."

The Quartermaster squeezed the bridge of his nose as he handed Ian a folded piece of paper, "You two have orders to report to Head Quarters over in the Trost District."

"Orders?" Ian repeated curiously.

Ryland adjusted himself on his cot, "What kind of orders are they?" Ryland was curious as it was normal for a whole squad or platoon to get called into Head Quarters, but it was extremely out of the ordinary for a squad with only two members to be called up.

The Quartermaster began to take his leave as he exited the room, "Don't know. Just make yourselves scarce within the next hour, before they send another runner to inform me that you two idiots never arrived."

"He's such a loving leader," Ian stated with a goofy smile as he got up and threw on his jacket. Ryland glared down at his feet as he slowly got up. Ian took the sight as he noticed the medic moving a bit slower than usual, "You think this has anything to do with the attachment for the Survey Corps?"

Ryland quickly looked up at him, "I wouldn't imagine. We're an undermanned squad, I'm sure they're just giving us some new replacements or something."

Ian nodded as he locked eyes with his close friend and squad mate, "If they offered you the chance of joining the attachment, will you take it?"

Ryland playfully shoved Ian away from him, "Don't worry they're not."

Ian roughly grabbed Ryland's wrist and pulled the medic forward, his eyes piercing Ryland's eyes as they both glared at each other. Ian spoke up once again in a serious tone, "Would you take the position?"

"I don't know," Ryland struggled to find the words as he avoided eye contact with Ian.

Ian exhaled loudly as he threw Ryland's jacket at him, "I guess we should head over then. No reason to keep them waiting for the notorious 13th Squad!"

The Trost District was busy as civilians of all social classes wandered the streets and Garrison soldiers continued their daily patrols throughout their familiar routes. Not far from the main gate of Trost was a large fortress which was used by the Garrison as a supply depot and also housed several offices for Garrison officers that were kept busy with the daily duties of maintaining the walls and the security of Trost. With their horses at the front stable, Ryland and Ian made their way through the fortress. Passing by countless Garrison soldiers they struggled to find the designated office they had been instructed to meet at. Their eyes scanned every name plate on the door, passing by countless storage rooms and offices that were occupied by Squad Leaders who were giving their soldiers a piece of their minds for visiting the unauthorized bars while off-duty. Finally, they reached at the door number they were suppose to report to, on the door there was no name tag and no rank insignia located anywhere.

Knock! Knock!

The two soldiers waited for a confirmation for entry, but it never came. Standing in silence for ten seconds the two finally decided to enter at their own risk, a sudden blinding light fitting their faces as they entered. As their eyes adjusted they were pleasantly greeted by a simple office room; the room had a set of windows in the back they allowed a stream of sunlight into the doorway, a large oak wooden desk, a collection of books that were scattered loosely on the wall of bookshelves, and a small table with a chess board setup on it with the pieces scattered throughout the board. However, the sight that caught the two soldier's eyes was the young faced girl who stood in the center of the room.

The girl wore the basic uniform of a Garrison soldier, along with the additional arm band of a field medic. Her skin was healthy and fare, her silky smooth black hair was cut right above her shoulders, and her eyes were a crystal icy blue that nervously glanced at the two. His posture was erect and stern, it was obvious she was not use to being summoned for new orders and probably was newer to the military unlike the other two.

"Riley Fletcher, reporting as ordered!" She exclaimed louder than expected as Ryland quickly shut the door behind him as he didn't desire to gather any unwanted attention.

Ian swaggered his way across the room, "So you were ordered here along with us?"

"It would seem so," Riley gaze him a forced nod, "Not exactly sure why though."

"What unit you with?" Ryland asked curiously, "We're with the 13th Field Medical Squad."

Riley gave the two of them a surprised look on her face as he she was almost surprised to hear the squad they were from. Reaching into her pocket she shuffled around for a few seconds before pulling out a neatly folded piece of paper. Extending her arm out she handed it over to Ian who stood closer to her, "I was originally suppose to be with the 34th Logistics Company."

Ian scanned through the orders before his eyes became wide, "These are orders for her new assignment with the 13th Field Medical Squad."

"Huh?" Ryland chirped out as he was caught off guard and quickly took a look at the orders, "It says that you were reassigned as a field medic and only just completed the medical course a few days ago."

"That's correct," Riley admitted, "I was suppose to be sent to another unit, but was offered the position as a field medic instead. It seems when the need for field medics was released, the higher ups decided that I would take a crash course medical test."

"Crash course," Ian groaned, as he realized this only meant she had the minimum training in the medical field.

Ryland groaned lowly, "Didn't have much of a choice, I see."

Riley nodded with a slight shrug, "I can't complain."

Ian raised an eyebrow up at her, "How so?"

"As far as I see it being a medic will give me a chance to give back to humanity," Riley explained cheerfully, as Ryland felt his stomach cringe slightly at her response but had to admit it was refreshing to see someone actually showing hope within humanity in such a way. Ryland examined her orders and took note of her training records, he knew she was inexperienced as a medic but they'd have to make due with her as the squad was extremely undermanned.

"Well names, Ian Alder!" Ian happily called out, firmly taking her hand in both his hands and shaking excitedly. Ian was always complaining about the lack of members their squad had, due to the need of medics everywhere their squad had been one of many that had suffered the sudden withdraw of most of their members in order to better aid humanity in the fight against Titans.

"Ryland Winters," Ryland added on, giving Riley a more gentle and less excited handshake than his close friend.

"Nice to meet you two," Riley smiled, "I know I'm not a rookie soldier but I'm new to the medical field so I hope you two can show me the ropes!"

Ryland forced a smile, "You seem pretty eager so I have no doubt that you'll catch up quickly."

Ian smirked widely at her, "We may not look like it and our ranks might not show it, but Ryland and I are some of the best medics in the Garrison's southern region!"

"I'm glad to hear that!" A voice called out, as the door to the office swung open and three uniformed soldiers entered the room. Ryland quickly took note of the fact that the lead soldier held the rank of captain and he quickly snapped to attention, Ian and Riley followed his lead. The other two soldiers took their positions at both sides of the desk and entered parade rest. The Captain sat at the desk as he shuffled in his seat uncomfortably, Ian took note of the bags under his eyes and the unkempt facial hair he had. Than it hit him like a ton of bricks, he knew very well who this man was.

Captain Kitts Woerman, leader of the Garrison's 1st Division Elite Force.

The 1st Division Elite Force was known for being the Garrison's best soldiers within the southern region, they were known throughout the Garrison for their skills and innovation. The unit was currently stationed within the Trost District and after the fall of Wall Maria had gone under great change, before the fall they were simply a unit who were slightly above average and didn't get drunk on the job as often as the regulars. However, now they were the pride and joy of the Garrison. Their leader Kitts Woerman was a questionable man though, his skills were good enough for him to get into the Elite Force and later on before the fall he was able to get a commission to become an officer. Yet, with the chance of Titans now over everyone's heads the man had became more jumpy and nervous all around.

Ian was not a fan of his, but he respected the 1st Division's Elite Force greatly.

"I'm glad you three were able to gather here on time," Kitts started off the briefing, his hands all over his deck as he tried to keep them busy with shuffling around paperwork. His two assistants rolled their eyes as they waited for him to get to the point of the briefing, "As you may know there was been a rapid decline in medical support for both the Garrison and Survey Corps."

Ryland tapped his foot impatiently.

"Your unit the 13th Field Medical Squad is one of many that has been depleted greatly in numbers," Kitts added on as he cleared his throat loudly, "Even my unit has seen a decrease in manpower."

Ian wanted to just yell at the captain to get to the point.

"The Survey Corps has requested for an attachment of medics for their upcoming expedition," Kitts finally reached the point he had been jumping around, "With the sudden rise in supply runs made by the Garrison over the wall, we have decided that a successful expedition by the Survey Corps will allow us a chance to decrease the number of supply runs we must make and decrease the casualties we have been suffering."

"So by giving the Survey Corps some medics they hope it'll increase their survival rate and success over the wall," Riley chirped out as her face had been taken over by shock as she hadn't expected to find herself in such a situation upon becoming a medic for only a few days.

"That's correct," Kitts responded, doing his best to avoid eye contact with her. Motioning towards one of his assistants he was handed a sheet of paper and loudly he cleared his throat, "Ordered by the Commander of the Garrison's Southern Region, Dott Pixis. He has authorized the assignment of twenty field medics from the Garrison's 1st Division to join the attachment and aid the Survey Corps in their upcoming expedition."

The room was silent.

Ryland's throat became to close up as he was unsure how to react to this, he was being feed the chance to watch over his brother but at the same time he would have to go over the wall on an expedition. Ryland had gone over the wall many times before, but it was always for short periods of time never for an extended time like the Survey Corps.

Ian's legs became weak upon hearing this as he could barely even process what was going on, he had no idea how to react to all this. He had joined the Garrison so he wouldn't have to go over the wall and while as a medic he had ventured over into Titan territory it was never as risky as what the Survey Corps had done.

Riley nearly dropped to her knees, she truly did want to help humanity and she was ready to fight for her loved ones. However, she had spent the past year sitting at a supply depot, where her skills as a soldier had became rusty and she was fearful of her inexperienced ability as a medic getting someone killed. She was unsure of her survival over the wall.

"Due to your squad having low manning I felt it would be best to send you three along with other medics selected from other units," Kitts explained, as he continued to avoid eye contact with the horrified soldiers who stood before him. His two assistants gave their looks of pity as they could see how unfair of a situation the three soldiers had been thrown into, "We simply can't send a fully manned squad. This is for the best."

"Understood," Ryland forced himself to say.

"I also have these for Ian Alder," Kitts added on, as he extended his arm out with a set of silver collar pins on them. Ian weakly stumbled forward and examined the pins. His heart nearly sank at the sight as Kitts forcefully placed the pins into Ian's hands, the young soldier shocked and horrified by the sudden event. Kitts cleared his throat, "Due to this squad not having an official leader it has been determined that as of today, Ian Alder will be promoted to the rank of Team Leader and given the leadership of the the 13th Squad."

The room became silent once again as Ian was shocked by the sudden promotion. Ryland could see the horrified look in Ian's eyes upon being informed that he would be given the new job as leader. A job that was usually meant for the rank of Squad Leader and they were gonna give him control of a squad as a lowly Team Leader. A pain surged throughout his stomach as the realization that he now had both Ryland and Riley's lives in his hands. The lives of his best friend and a complete stranger now rested within his responsibility.

"Team Leader Alder," Kitts called out, as he forcefully pinned the metallic pins onto Ian's collar, "Your squad will report to the Survey Corps' headquarters at 0930 starting in two days. You will work alongside with the soldiers there and provide sufficient medical support when out in the field!"

Ian hesitated for a few seconds for snapping to attention and throwing on a shaky salute, "I'll do my best, sir."

The barracks was silent as the three of them slowly began to pack their stuff, Riley stood aside as she had never even had a chance to unpack her stuff. Ian hadn't spoken a single word since the briefing of their new mission and his unexpected promotion. Throughout the barracks most of the soldiers held simple ranks; with only one Squad Leader, two Senior Team Leaders, and a few Team Leaders residing in the barracks. Ian hadn't exactly the best mentors around as most leaders were from other squads and rarely even spoken to them. His confidence as a leader was something he could puff his chest out and stand proudly of.

"You'll do fine," Ryland broke the silence as he shoved his extra uniform into his bag.

Riley quickly backpacked onto the comment, "I mean I'm sure they wouldn't pick you if they didn't think you could do it."

Ian slowly released bis bag and allowed it to fall off his cot. His eyes were wide and his mouth hung loosely, "Why did they pick me and not you?"

"Could be because I have a brother in the Survey Corps and they didn't want my position within leadership to interferer with our duties," Ryland explained, as he knew that the reason was a complete lie. The reality was that Ian was a better suited leader, Ryland enjoyed helping others but he got annoyed and frustrated with others far to quickly. Ian was better with helping people without getting annoyed and he had the type of personality that most people were simply drawn towards.

"Don't lie to me," Ian spat angrily, "This isn't fair of them to ask of me!"

Riley watched the two with sorrowful eyes as she was unsure what to do. She had only met the two of them a few hours ago and before they could even get to know each other they were being sent off on a dangerous mission. She truly desired to help humanity, but now that she was in the position she was unsure of her ability to do so. She was afraid of becoming Titan food and she was even more horrified of being lead by a Team Leader who obviously didn't want the role.

Ryland angrily pushed Ian as he was becoming frustrated with the soldier, "Shut up already!"

Ian flashed his teeth as he hissed angrily, "What's your deal?"

"You're my best friend, damn it!" Ryland cried out angrily as he locked eyes with Ian, "We've been together since the beginning of training and now look at us! I have never put my fate in the hands of someone so many times and every time I do so I make it out alive! You may not realize this, but every time we go over that wall on a retrieval mission or supply mission, you're in your element! I may of have saved your life countless times, but you've done the same for me and hundreds others! I'll follow you to hell and back, I don't care what happens I will follow your every order because I trust you!"

The words slammed into Ian hard, the whole time Ian had been worrying about himself and how being promoted to Team Leader would effect him. He never realized how much Ryland trust him, his fear of getting his friend killed by his own orders slightly soothed by Ryland's words. Without wasting a moment Riley quickly joined in as she could see a change in Ian's confidence, "I may be new here! However, I can see how much you two trust each other and I'm prepared to do the same! I may be new and inexperienced, but please show me the ropes!"

Ryland flashed Ian a smile as the newly appointed Team Leader threw his bag over his shoulder, "Alright squad! Lets move out!"

Ryland smiled as he left the room, apart of him still thinking about his brother and how he would react upon seeing him as one of the members of the medical attachment. Ryland knew that Ethan would probably react badly, but in the end Ryland didn't care anymore. Ryland was gonna protect his brother no matter what, even if Ethan didn't want his help.