(Star Wars X Attack on Titan) Attack of the Clones on Titan

Ilse's Notebook

The Commander of the Survey Corps sat silently across from the leader of the Special Operations Squad. With the clones having proven themselves effective in combat and worthy allies, Erwin had seen fit to incorporate them in squads normally reserved for the most seasoned members of the Corps. However, given the unique nature of one such squad, he felt it would be best for its leader to ask for clone assistance rather than be assigned. Hence, the reason for their covert meeting.

The Colonel before him studied and sifted through the documents before him, separating them into two piles, until he eventually had three remaining. He laid them out and leaned back to ponder, but Erwin couldn't help but wonder why he had rejected certain combatants whose skill could come close to matching his own.

As if he read his mind, the glum man said, "Some of these sound like package deals. I don't care how good they are, I only want one on my squad."

"It may be tough to convince them to break one of their pairs," Erwin reasoned, but the man shook his head.

"From the way I see it, they came to us to offer their assistance. If breaking up one buddy system is a condition for us to accept that help, they'll have to live with it," he explained and eliminated another candidate. "Speaking of only wanting one..." he stopped shuffling and looked the Commander in the eyes. "Erwin, you really only need one clone with your squad. Pixis has two aides, sure, but he normally brings along one. Besides, you're not that old sot and it would save the other poor sap from having to attend meetings with you."

"Are you suggesting the one that remains complete the broken pair?" Erwin raised a brow.

"Sure, something like that," he returned his attention to the two remaining documents. After a final scan, he slid one forward and proclaimed, "This one."

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249

"Think about it, Erwin!" Hange slammed her hands on the table. "I understand that setting up supply bases takes priority, but uncovering the true nature of the Titans has always been our primary objective! I'm sure you're aware of that!"

"Squad Leader..." she heard Moblit timidly speak up, the anticipation of whatever he had to say already adding to her agitation. "...it's probably not a good idea to talk to the Commander in that tone-"

"Shut the h**l up!" she snapped, making him jump back, and she could've sworn it elicited a flinch from her clones. She turned back to the Commander and continued, "We need to capture a Titan above anything else! I know that it seems impossible. After all, the last time we took one alive was more than fifteen years ago, and more than twenty people died in order to pull it off." She paused briefly after realizing how many negatives she had listed, but she couldn't back down. "But we cannot get any intel if we are afraid of making sacrifices!"

Erwin looked to another soldier and explained the plan for the next leg of their journey before turning to her. "Do we really have to go through this again?" he asked. "We don't have the manpower to spare for a capture mission! Even getting this far today already cost us seven men."

"I know that, but-" she wanted to remind him of the new resources at their disposal, but he said her name and cut her off.

"Your proposal is rejected," he said sternly and left the tent.

"Hey!" she chased after him, but he wouldn't stop. "Wait, Erwin!" she called desperately, but to no avail.

She slumped in defeat when Ec informed her, "Jet shut us down in there too. Said we should listen to the Commander. But Ani and I have got your back if you try it anyway." The Squad Leader forced a smile.