A heavy thud rang through the room. It was easy for the sound to carry, the small space being filled with little more than a bed, set of drawers, and a table framed by two wooden chairs. The occupant of the bed bathed in sunlight marginally raised their head. "Is that the report?"
"Ah."
Hange strode to the room's only window. She folded her arms on the window sill, resting her chin as her lids narrowed against the sun. This was the only haven she had to take a break without judgment. It's easier to let one's guard down around someone who could relate to one's troubles.
"If you're looking for an excuse to linger," Erwin said, tilting his head toward Hange. "Then I'd be more than happy to play the part of an enraptured audience."
"Most of what's in the report you've heard already," Hange said. Her eyes adjusted to the light as she tracked a chicken pecking its way through the yard outside the window. There was a small green barn in the distance flanked by a fishing pond. Clouds reflected off the pond's surface, the picture shifting from the warm breeze. It was a peaceful scene.
"Besides," Hange continued, straightening. "The first duty assigned to your new assistant is to dictate this report. It would be a disservice for me to steal his thunder."
"Is that so?" Erwin said. He lifted his arm toward the glass of water sitting on a side table. His movements were carefully observed as the cup was brought to his lips.
"You've improved since my last visit," Hange said.
"I've had plenty of time to practice," Erwin said. He lifted a finger to tap on the bandages wrapped around his head. They were necessary to protect the skin still healing from where his eyes had been torn out of their sockets during his extraction from the Armored Titan.
"The spasms in my right arm and my legs are what's giving me more trouble," Erwin said. "The doctors are hoping I'll regain a greater level of function as the muscles fuse back together. Until then, I'll have to settle for depending on my left arm and a wheelchair."
"You sure are a stubborn one," Hange said. She pulled up a chair to take a seat at the side of the bed. "You kicked the live-in nurse out after only a week of recovery."
"I value my privacy."
"That's taking it a bit far," Hange said, unamused. "All I can say is you better not kick out this assistant. I assigned him here because he … he doesn't appear fit for the line of duty. Not yet."
"Understood," Erwin said. He turned his head toward the table by the door. It was as if he could feel the very presence of the report bearing Annie Leonheart's full statement. "Sometimes I dwell on how I will never be able to truly look at those who've been trying to kill us for so long. Do you think I'll be able to tell if the people of Marley are monsters just from their voices alone?"
Hange lowered her head. Her mouth drew into a thin line as she regarded the floorboards.
"I don't know."
A long pause followed. She glanced up to see Erwin now facing her as if he were perfectly capable of reading her expression. Considering how long they'd known one another, there was little doubt he didn't need eyesight to know exactly what Hange was thinking.
"I would welcome your pity more if I were dead," Erwin said.
Hange groaned. "Sorry, Erwin. I'm being a total asshole, huh?"
"Your judgment is unnecessary, but I still prefer your company over most of those who've walked through that door." Erwin drew back the covers over his legs and let out a low grunt as he turned. His bare feet touched the floorboards; for a moment it looked as if he may stand. There appeared to be some contemplation before a slight dip to Erwin's shoulders indicated that wouldn't be the case.
"Something feels missing," Erwin said. His hands gripped the edge of the mattress, fingers sinking into the material. "Of all the parts taken from me … it isn't something physical. I don't like not being able to identify what it is … or was."
"Do you remember more about what happened?" Hange said. Her attention remained locked on the veins protruding under the surface of Erwin's hand. His frustration was nearly tangible. The former commander's expression of helplessness had nothing to do with his physical state. A sign of such weakness from a man she once considered untouchable left a sour taste in her mouth.
"There are only flashes of what happened after Bertholdt Hoover transformed," Erwin said. "It was like trying to make out a scene through pond water. There were figures I believed to be Eren and the Female Titan. I recognized Wall Sina. The other sensations were clearer, especially the pain of hitting the barrier. The one thing that alludes me the most is Reiner Braun's words. I know he spoke to me, but our conversation falls away from my memory like waking from a dream. I'm growing impatient."
"You've been waiting for answers for a long time, so you have a right to be impatient," Hange said. She let out a sigh. "We're still not entirely sure what happened to you, so unfortunately there isn't much help I can offer. Even Annie's stumped - she can't recall hearing anything similar happening before back in Marley. You might be the only person in history to partially fuse with a Titan and live to talk about it."
"The novelty is lost on me," Erwin said.
"Me as well, surprisingly," Hange said. There was no use fighting the weariness creeping into her voice. "Things are changing a lot more than expected."
The tension in Erwin's hands fell away as the silence stretched on. A person didn't need the gift of eyesight to know a change of subject was in order.
"We'll approach the subject again when more information comes to light," Erwin said. "Hopefully sooner than later." His back straightened, returning Erwin to an air Hange was more familiar with.
"I've heard the new Special Operations Squad will be headed into Rose, soon," Erwin continued. "I commend your plan – conducting experiments on Eren and Ymir's abilities while further training them to combat in Titan form can only be a benefit. Assigning a member of the Technical Department to observe and draft plans for Titan-sized armor and weaponry was also a good move. Am I right in assuming you suggested Celine Bodt for the position?"
Hange dipped her head to stare at the scuffed floorboards between her boots. "That is correct."
Erwin nodded. "You two work well together; I'm interested to learn what you come up with."
"We won't be working together," Hange said. She plowed on before Erwin could get in a comment. "I'm far too busy; Moblit has been handling communications with Celine. He'll also be the one acting as the head of security for the Special Operations Squad. I trust his ability to operate as a reliable liaison and keep me up to date on their findings."
A tilt to Erwin's head indicated an inquisitive nature. "I'm surprised you don't plan on being involved in any of the experiments."
Hange pursed her lips. Her knee began to bounce. "You know what I have to deal with. I'm still busy coordinating nearly a quarter of our forces aiding relief efforts. The void left behind by the members of the Military Police and Garrison who were killed or injured the night of the attack three weeks ago is still acting as a detriment. There's nearly no one left to spare to investigate the Titan we found in the wall so that's come to a standstill. On top of that, Nile and Rico are at each other's throats over how to proceed with the search for Reiner Braun. Our lack of any promising leads on that front is only raising the tension. I leave most strategy meetings feeling like an exasperated mother after playing peacekeeper for two hours straight."
A nod indicated Erwin understood entirely. "In the short time since you've assumed my position, you've already had to deal directly with the other two Commanders more often than myself. It was rare for Nile to tear himself away from paperwork, and Pyxis never sat still long enough for the three of us to congregate."
"He's the head of the whole operation …" Hange said with a sigh. "… and he's still that way."
"You have a lot on your plate, but you seem to be handling things well."
Hange was grateful Erwin couldn't see the look on her face. She wondered if he would have something different to say if he could, or if she was doing half as good of a job making it appear like she wasn't tearing loose at the seams as she hoped.
Each little fray felt like a part of her was being tugged in a different direction – every piece being held by someone screaming for her attention. The only piece that stayed quiet among the cries for supply runs and mobilization requests was one attached to a short figure clouded in shadow. This figure stood frozen and mute, but would stare back at Hange as if daring her to approach like it was a wild animal in a cage. Hange was more than a fool enough to stick her hand between the bars. The problem now was that her arm being bitten off meant creating a wound she didn't have time to treat. It was just better to turn her back and let things be … to push any thoughts about Celine far enough down that Hange could concentrate on the big picture.
"Hange?"
"Hmm?"
"What is it?" Erwin asked. His brows furrowed together above his bandages as he waited for an answer.
"Going through life with one arm would be difficult," Hange said. She slowly shook her head. "Now, especially, wouldn't you think?"
Erwin was making an expression similar to what Hange used to witness when she would approach him with her more unique ideas concerning Titan research equipment. That look rarely had anything good attached to it.
"I wouldn't know," Erwin said.
A saving grace from the awkward stillness came in the form of a door opening down the hall.
"Uh … excuse me!" a voice called.
"In here," Hange said. She got to her feet, carrying her chair back to the table by the door.
"I appreciate the visit," Erwin said. "It's nice to know my new official role as a consultant isn't going to waste."
"Don't worry," Hange said, the corner of her mouth turning up. "I have every intention of utilizing you to the fullest; don't even think for a moment you're headed for a cushy retirement."
"I couldn't imagine," Erwin said. His head turned as a short figure appeared in the doorway.
The young man lifted his head, thumping his hand over his heart in a salute. "Conny Springer, reporting! I apologize for being late! A beet farmer's wagon wheel broke on the road and I stopped to help him switch it out. But I know that's still an excuse! If you'd like I can–"
"At ease, at ease" Hange said, placing a hand on Conny's shoulder. "If you haven't done so already, move your personal possessions into the guest room you passed down the hall. Report back to Erwin when you're finished so you can begin your first assignment."
"R-right," Conny said. His shoulder's stiffened when he looked back at Erwin. He saluted again as he raised his head. "It's a privilege to be serving you directly, sir! I might be … a little unsure of what my duties here will be, but I promise to execute whatever they are to my best ability!"
"Some advice, Conny," Hange said, giving Conny a reassuring pat on the back. "Erwin can't see you salute, so you can save yourself the trouble of the formality."
Conny's eyes widened as he grimaced. "I … I didn't mean …"
"I would like you to familiarize yourself with the house's layout after you fetch your luggage," Erwin said, grabbing the boy's attention. "You can spend some extra time in the kitchen as you brew a pot of tea. Once tea is settled, you can proceed with the dictation of Annie Leonheart's statement. Dismissed."
"Sir!"
Conny scurried out of the room and down the hall. The sound of swift footfalls over wood faded as Hange leaned into the doorframe to watch him go.
"Is it important for me to be aware of the nature of Conny Springer's discharge from active duty?" Erwin asked. He waited for an answer as Hange mulled on the question.
"There have been four instances of hysteria during the past few weeks; mainly at night," Hange said. Her eyes tracked Conny as he reappeared with a worn, leather suitcase. The young soldier shot her a nervous smile before he slipped into the guest room and out of sight.
"The combination of his friends' betrayal, what happened to his village, and losing a particular comrade put him in this state," Hange continued. "I don't foresee it being permanent." She turned to Erwin with a grin. "I simply noticed two people in need of help and decided to kill two Titans with one stone."
"Efficient," Erwin said. "As to be expected of the commander of the Scout Regiment."
"I'm glad you think so," Hange said. She gave Erwin a nod as more of a reassurance to herself before turning to head down the hall.