Chapter Two
Loophole
"Lewis!" "Yeah?" I called down from the ladder, continuing to jot down the number of size eight boots we had in stock on my clipboard. "Can we have a moment? I need to talk to you." I looked up from my paperwork and down to my squad leader, Hilton, as he rested a foot on the first step of the ladder. He looked up at me and waited, the expression on his face silently telling me that I wasn't going to be able to make an excuse to get out of the meeting for a random dip-out. So I sighed and gave in without a fight, climbing down the ladder and passing off my tallying to Jackson, who was conveniently waiting nearby for the predicted switch-off.
"We'll talk in one of the offices. We have a few people who would also like to speak with you." Hilton said. Oh great, did the rumor really get that out of hand? I nodded without discussion, and we walked to the nearby HQ building. It consisted of the entire battalion that controlled the Survey Corps, everything from the Scouts cooks and laundry personnel leadership to the soldiers on the frontline squadron authority, including Commander Erwin Smith. We walked through the desolate hallways, the echo of our boots clanking against the wooden floors.
"Tell me, sir. What's this about?" I asked, eyeing my squad leader. Considering that this little meeting had to happen right after I spoke with Jacob and after my little "spat" with Oruo from Captain Levi's squad, I can only assume this has something to do with either one or both of those scenarios. "We can discuss it in the office. We're almost there." dismissed Hilton, his tone a little more harsh than normal. Okay, that's out of the ordinary. He's usually pretty calm unless I've pissed him off. This definitely has something to do with Levi's squad. No question about it. Hilton probably got chewed out by Levi.
I pouted at his dismissal, but accepted his response nonetheless. The remainder of the short-lived walk was quiet and awkward. But as we walked into an unfamiliar office, I wished we had another twenty miles to hike because I would rather be doing that than stand in the office with the other occupants. In the office was Commander Erwin Smith and Captain Levi in the flesh. "Gentlemen." Hilton greeted as he walked in. "Hilton Greene, so good to see you." Erwin replied with a smile as they shook hands over the wooden desk. I awkwardly stood in the doorway, watching the scene unfold. I looked to the door and saw the name etched into the wooden tag, doing a double-take to ensure I knew basic human literacy. Commander Erwin Smith, Survey Corps. What did I just get myself into?
"Hey." a voice called over. I turned to see Captain Levi and he didn't look very pleased at my presence. It appeared he had been trying to get my attention for a few seconds and he was already annoyed by my lack of observation and astuteness. "You just gonna stand there and hold the door open? Or are you gonna come in and be a part of this meeting?" he asked dryly. "Oh, yeah. Sorry." I mumbled apologetically as I clumsily stumbled in and closed the door behind me. "So who do we have here?" Erwin asked as I approached the men.
I felt so tiny compared to the others, even Levi. I knew others had said he was short-statured but knowing his reputation as 'Humanity's Strongest Soldier', Levi was definitely awkward to be around. Especially with the way his eyes seemed to scowl and the way he had just scolded me. Levi was indeed unfriendly. I knew I had just said the night before that I wasn't intimidated by Captain Levi. But at that moment in time, standing in that office in such a close proximity to him, I was eating my words. Erwin, on the other hand, seemed like the complete opposite. He stood tall as if presiding over a justice court. He was huge and seemingly well-built. Definitely a lot bigger than when I saw him just passing by. Erwin Smith held a much kinder and welcoming demeaner compared to his counterpart. They were polar opposites. I guess that explained why they complimented each other so well.
"Abigail Lewis, sir!" I managed to spit out clearly as I gave him a proud military salute. He returned the salute with a chuckle. He then outstretched his hand which I unsteadily took. "This is an informal meeting, Ms. Lewis. No need for such military greetings." Erwin assured, his smile slightly fading as he shook my hand. Even though his tone was soothing, his facial expression led me to believe otherwise. My stomach did a flip, causing its contents to want to vacate. Okay, maybe not so different from Levi...
"Now, please. Have a seat." Nearly hyperventilating and wishing I had a glass of water to quench the thirst I didn't realize I had, I took a seat at the offered chair. Hilton sat beside me. Levi stood off to the side and leaned against the wall, watching all of us quietly. He was like a fly on the wall, gathering intel and looking for any reason to pounce on a potential threat. Something was definitely going on and I didn't like it.
"So, Abigail. Is it okay if I call you Abigail?" Erwin began, looking down at the paperwork in front of him. "That's fine, sir." I replied, twiddling my fingers together. Levi's eyes flickered to my nervous impulse, raising an eyebrow. Is he always so uptight? "Alright, Abigail. Tell me, how long have you been in the Survey Corps for?" Erwin asked, his cerulean blue eyes bearing deep into my own. "About ten years sir, disregarding the three years of Cadet Corps." I replied, my voice cracking. "I see. And...no tours outside the walls?" he asked, leaning back in his chair and intertwining his fingers together.
My voice caught in my throat. Well damn. So, this is what's going on... "Uh, no sir." I managed to spit out. "Why not? Isn't that the point of being a Scout? To venture out and support the mission of the Survey Corps?" Levi stepped in. I looked up at the captain, his steel cobalt eyes burning into mine. "There are reasons why I haven't been outside of the walls. My contract states that-" I began. "Contract? What contract?" Hilton butted in, leaning forward and trying to look at me square in the face. I avoided his questioned gaze. "Yes, the contract. I have it here." Erwin said as he pulled out a piece of parchment from a pile of documents in front of him. "It states that you are only allowed to be in the Survey Corps on the condition that you must remain within the safety of the walls. No exceptions. I wonder why that is. Care to explain?" Erwin guessed, cocking an eyebrow.
I sat in silence, my fists clenched together. I stared at the desk littered by papers. I didn't want to be in this position. Anyone who found out and said something to the wrong people could force my resignation from the Scouts and make me return to Wall Sina. I couldn't have that. At the risk of exposing my noble heritage and essentially getting politics involved, it would send the aristocrats in an uproar and question the military as to why the elite are involved in fighting the wars on the frontlines. It wouldn't look good for anyone, particularly the Survey Corps. They could possibly lose all funding for entertaining the idea.
All eyes were on me and my silence. My cheeks were turning red, I could feel the heat radiating off my skin. "Levi, Hilton. Leave us." Erwin instructed, looking at the two men. "But sir-" Hilton argued. "You heard the Commander. Let's go." Levi said as he began walking towards the door. Reluctantly, Hilton stood from his seat and joined Levi out in the hall. The door shut behind the two men with a click, and the Commander and I were left alone in silence.
"I didn't know about this contract until just recently. Forgive me, Mrs. Lewis." Erwin apologized as he rose from his desk. I looked up from the floor and to the blonde. I quickly noted his change in demeanor, as well as his change in my title. The heavy weight I had unknowingly been carrying on my shoulders seemed to lift. The tension in the room vanished. "It's not like me to overlook such a document, especially when it inhibits one of my soldiers in such a way that she can't perform her duty to the fullest extent, even when I can tell it bothers her so." He turned to the window behind him and neatly settled his hands behind the small of his back.
"A few of your comrades had questioned your commitment to the cause, seeing as you have never been outside the walls. A few others and I, without you knowing of course, conducted our own investigation, and that's when I came across your contract. Once I saw your father's and husband's signature, as well as Commandant Shadis', I could only assume it was because of your heritage and estate. I remember your particular case when you joined the ranks. It was an odd one, to say the least. But Keith Shadis could never turn down a promising candidate for the Scouting Legion." Erwin explained as he looked at me through his peripheral.
"I'm sorry, Commander Erwin. I know me being here and my inability to contribute to the Survey Corps' mission causes a lot of issues, especially when others question my lack of support beyond the walls." I explained. "It's not your fault, Abigail. It's your father and husband that keep you chained here." Erwin replied. "I talked to Commandant Shadis a few months ago when questions of your service came into question, and received your real scores from your time at the Cadet Corps. I know what you bring to the Survey Corps and the potential you have."
I expressed both concern and shock, and he smirked at my response. "I don't know how you managed to get Keith Shadis to falsify your test scores. But according to your real ones, you should have placed fifth in your graduating class. Now I don't know why you wouldn't want to be given the opportunity to live in the Capital as a military police soldier, closer to your husband and live a life of security and luxury. And quite honestly, that's none of my business."
Erwin put the paper with both my Survey Corps contract as well as my verified test scores on the desk. I glanced at the parchment. And sure enough, they were accurate. Nearly perfect scores in every category that was given, in both solo-practical exercises and academic. The two things I lacked in was the physical portion and self-assurance. I struggled to keep up physically with the others performance-wise. I was small-statured and lightweight, a klutz in every aspect of the term too. I weighed close to nothing, soaked and wet. I messed up a lot when it came to practical exercises, always overthinking the mission or not thinking it through enough. I questioned myself a lot, and it always backfired on me.
The instructors always got on my ass when they saw that I was doubting myself. They knew I could do it. It was just the matter if I believed in myself enough to get it done. But I was quick on my feet and fast with my ODM gear. And I was dead-on when it came to my parring blades. So at least I was accurate when it came to kills, hypothetically at least. I wouldn't know for sure until I killed a live Titan that actually moved.
"But whatever the case may be, the real issue remains at hand." Erwin looked back at me. "And...what is that sir?" I asked. "We need more soldiers to join us in the ranks. Especially those who are skilled. Your talents are wasted being stuck behind the walls. We need every able-bodied soldier to mount up and help us advance against the Titans." he explained. "But sir, my contract. If my father and husband were to find out-" "And they're not going to." Erwin cut me off. "Sir?" "Your contract clearly states that you are not to set foot outside the walls for any reason, training or military mission, correct?" Erwin asked. I nodded. "It doesn't, however, state that I or any of the Survey Corps superiors are required to report any and all of your training or mission-related activities to them either. That is where our loophole lies." Erwin grinned.
My eyes widened at the realization. "I'm not clear as to why such a foolish contract was drawn up or signed in the first place. However, I'm not going to waste your talents and I'm sure you don't want to waste them either. Right?" Erwin said. "Uh, no-no sir." I replied. "Then we've come to an agreement. In two weeks' time, I want you to accompany the regiment outside the walls. This will not be reported to your father or husband. You will be with the supply wagons, the safest place in the formation. I'm sure you have studied the tactical formations, correct?"
"I have." I answered. "Excellent. Then there should be no issue. Make sure you get with your squad leader to work out further details. I expect to see you first thing that morning with the supply wagons ready to go." Erwin said as he gathered the paperwork into a pile and began to place the stack together. "But sir, what if my husband and father find out?" I asked as I stood up and placed my hands on his desk. "I'm afraid you don't understand the implications of what can happen if they do. Given my station as a noble-" I warned. Everything was happening so fast. From one moment being worried that I was getting in trouble to being told I was going outside the walls, now having to worry about my husband and father finding out about the breach of contract. Everything, my life as I knew it could unravel. I could lose everything.
"I can assure you, Mrs. Lewis. Your family will not hear anything of this little loophole I found. Nor will they hear of any ventures you go on outside of humanity's walls. The secret of your contract and its contents will remain between you and I. Hilton will sign a notice of non-disclosure to ensure he will not speak a word of your contract to anyone. Captain Levi will do the same. You have my word." Erwin vowed. "Thank you, sir." I said, even though the uneasiness of the conversation stayed with me. "You're excused. As of this moment, you no longer report to Hilton. You'll fall directly under me until I can place you with a squad. Understood?"
"Yes, sir." I nodded and bowed my head and turned on my heel. When I exited the room, Hilton was pressed up against the door, attempting to eavesdrop. "Is that really necessary, Hilton?" I asked dryly, a stern frown pulling down my lips. He gave me a nervous chuckle before stepping back and allowing me to exit into the hall. "Captain." I said as I passed Levi, giving him a nod of respect. He didn't say anything in reply, but his dark bluish grey eyes seemed to want to say something. But he remained silent. "So what did the Commander say?" Hilton eagerly asked as we walked down the hallway side by side. "Wouldn't you like to know?" I replied with a roll of the eyes.
"I'm your squad leader! I'm ordering you to tell me!" Hilton demanded when I gave him nothing in response. "And I don't have to tell you anything. If you want a full report, Commander Erwin will fill you in." I bit back with a scowl. "My orders are clear. And as far as I'm concerned, I don't report to you. If you have an issue, you can talk to Commander Erwin about it." I continued. Hilton glared at my defiance. He hated it when his soldiers stepped out of line, especially when they refused to obey his direct orders. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have a warehouse that's gonna need some organizing before the next mission." I said, nodding my head before walking away.
I really hope that Commander Erwin is right. I really can't afford for Andrew or my father to find out about this. It's one thing for people here to find out I'm a damn aristocrat. But it's another thing when politics come into play, and two high-rollers wanna make sure their cash-cow doesn't die and leave them with nothing.