Chapter 23: First Friend
"The Scout Regiment does conduct missions outside the wall to reclaim land occasionally. With the fall of Wall Maria, those are more frequent. However, the Military Police and Garrison delegated teams to keep the peace. As you know, the Garrison is responsible for defending the wall, as laidback of a job that has been the last hundred years. They are now partially responsible for reclaiming parts of the wall now in titan territory. So, while the Scouts do look to build fortresses and make more room for humanity, our primary purpose as of late is to learn more about the titans."
Another eager soul raised their hand. "But how do you study the titans?"
"One of our captains, Zoe Hange, is an expert in such matters. Sometimes, her experiments are merely observations. For example, we used a stakeout operation some months back to observe a single titan for a whole month. Other Scouts stood lookout so Captain Hange could make the best use of her time. She concluded that titans don't sleep, but are merely dormant at night. We haven't concluded whether it's a cooler temperature, lack of sunlight, or another biological component that causes them to cease movement."
Another young girl inched forward. "So, if you join, you won't definitely fight the titans?"
"Garrison troops rarely see the field of battle, neither do the Military Police. They both serve in different, still meaningful, ways. However, once you've chosen a branch, you're there for life. So if you're even doubtful of the Scouts, you should turn the other way."
"That's intense," someone murmured. "But don't a ton of people get killed on Scout missions? How are you still around?"
"The casualty rate stands at 30%, currently. We sent about thirty troops on the average mission and welcome back about twenty-one. Not every mission is included in that statistic, though. Many field missions launch with just four or five elite Scouts and yield results which make the next missions safer and more successful. And with every mission, a single Scout grows stronger and more capable, not to mention more sure of themselves. If you want to survive, it's up to you."
"So, what is it really like outside the walls? Are there titans crawling over every square inch?"
The Commander's eyes glazed for a moment, and a slight smile dance across his face. "The titans cannot take away beauty, and the outside world is beautiful. Beyond Wall Maria are lush forests, calm lakes, and…" He leaned forward, and everyone with him. "…waterfalls, huge ones, where water crashes down off a rocky ledge into a small pond. One of my captains found a drawing of one in an abandoned home beyond Wall Maria."
The interested group had moved inside since, to avoid the bugs and wandering eyes, and to be closer to the cookies and leftover entrees. It started as a formidable set, with twenty-five listeners, and weaned off as parents called them home. Eight o'clock bled into nine o'clock, and only fourteen stayed. Nine o'clock bled into ten o'clock, and a core three remained. Edie sat on the porch, listening to her parents, Lana, and Karmen talk and talk. Their conversation was nice, but excited bursts followed those who left the panel.
"The Scout Regiment isn't so scary when you know more about it," someone said. "Maybe I could be a scientist that helps out, as well as be really strong and swift, like Captain Hange. She seems super cool. It'll be a lot of training, and sure, I could die, but aren't the rewards worth it?"
"Jamie's still insane, don't get me wrong," another said to their mother. "But maybe the Garrison would be a good career path. We could still be helpful, but be safe. I know the Garrison didn't have the best of luck when the Colossal came through, but…it won't come back anytime soon."
Soon, it was just Jamie and the Commander, and their conversation was certainly quieter.
"It'll be three years of training, then the Scouts, right?"
"That's right."
"What should I focus on?"
"Everything, all at once." His chair creaked. "But ODM gear is a good beginning. If you can move around a titan, you can kill it. Your swordsmanship will need adjusting to the blades, too, though I've been told your man-on-man combat is exquisite."
"How do I survive the first few missions?"
"Survive training first. Not all do."
Karmen and Lana realized how late it was with a start, and both jumped up with loud voices. While Karmen and Larmie went immediately to ready the horses, Lana and Hajule stayed attached for five more minutes, saying goodbyes and sharing last minute news.
Hajule unlocked one arm to wave at Edie. "And you heard about Edie's upcoming date? She's attracted two gentlemen's attentions, but only one made a definite move."
"Did you share this with everyone?"
"Only the important people."
Lana clapped her hands together. "How exciting. Really settle into it, alright? There's a lot of difference between living with your family and living with just a man."
"Lana, we're not moving in together."
"Well, not yet!"
"Jamie!" Hajule called. "Come say goodbye to your aunt and uncle." Lana and Hajule stepped down, heading toward the barn. "Jamie! Now! They're heading back to the mountain shortly."
The two finally emerged. The Commander looked pristine as ever, but Jamie's eyes were blinking quicker now. He yawned. "Where's mother?"
"Down by the barn."
"I'd better take my leave," the Commander added. "We'll see you in three years, if not…sooner."
"Thank you." Jamie hurried down the stairs, breaking into a run.
Edie watched him go as the Commander took a seat on the porch. She stared at him strangely. "You know, people who take their leave typically just leave."
"Your opinion of me hasn't changed, then."
"My opinion?"
"As I recall, you consider my conversations as manipulation to gain more support and manpower for the Scouts."
She huffed a laugh and hopped onto the railing. "My, Scouts do talk."
He smiled. "We do indeed. We're in the business of sharing information."
"But it is a business. And if you don't have enough fodder, then the important people start getting eaten."
"You'd fault a man for discussing his profession?"
"Of course not. Although it seems that the military invites themselves to even family gatherings."
"Your cousin's wedding was a torrid affair. They have the Scout regiment's apologies, at least."
"He's not my cousin. Just a fellow rescue. Besides, they're perfectly happy now and certainly aren't looking for retribution."
"That's good to hear. As for myself, Captain Levi and I received invitations. He had to send his regrets, for what is, I assure you, a legitimate reason."
Jamie. He had taken care of the invitations that were sent out of town. "And your speeches are certainly welcome with my brother, so why bother with my opinion?"
"Because you have a date secured with one of my close friends, and like it or not, your opinions have weight."
Edie took a deep breath. "It's a date. Not a covenant." The Commander pressed his lips together and nodded; leaned back, and sipped his tea. "What? Have I disappointed you?"
"Rather, you have confirmed a theory."
"That is?"
"That his attachment is far deeper than yours."
"It is. He is the one that asked, you'll remember."
"Furthermore, you treat this attachment flippantly. As if it will go nowhere."
Edie thought for a moment. "I…think he'll get bored of me. I'm a farm girl who had one moment of lucidity, and after a date or two, he'll realize that and move on. You Scouts must have swarms of companions with your unusually higher salary."
"With less personnel, we can afford it." The Commander set his tea down and clasped his hands. "I have known Captain Levi for two years. I'd say he joined the Scouts around the time you joined your family."
"You've done your research."
"I always do." His eyes narrowed. "In the two years I've known him, the Captain has been the center of attention, known as humanity's best soldier and a titan killing machine. He has the best survival rate for his squad and moves forward with ruthless efficiency. He cares deeply for his soldiers. Swarms of fans cheer his name at the end of each mission, certain he will return. He receives love letters and proposals from rich fathers, yet in the whole two years' time, he has never acted on any of those initiations."
"Perhaps he's just not interested in…you know?"
"I theorized that, but then came you."
Edie sat up straight. "So this was your purpose in coming. What would you have me do?"
"Search the depth of your attachment and be honest. I can't research your character as easily, but from what I've seen in Jamie and yourself, you're a kind person. I would ask you to be open with the Captain and not let it collapse due to time."
"You don't want him to get hurt," she inferred. "You're a good friend."
"And you," he stood, adjusting his coat for the ride, "would still make a decent Scout."
