Shadows of Command-Erwin Smith

chapter-two

The first rays of dawn slipped through the narrow windows of the Survey Corps headquarters, casting a muted glow across the wooden floorboards. The aftermath of the 54th expedition hung heavy in the air, and Reign found herself immersed in the endless sea of reports, data, and casualty lists that chronicled every grueling detail of their latest journey beyond the walls. The documents, filled with grim statistics and tactical assessments, demanded her full attention. Yet, despite the harrowing content, Reign welcomed the distraction. There was solace to be found in routine tasks, and the work provided her with a sense of purpose she desperately needed.

Across the desk, the Commander was similarly engrossed in his duties, his gaze focused intently on the reports spread out before him. Though she had been working in his office for several days now, the initial intimidation she'd felt hadn't completely faded. Erwin was an imposing figure, not merely in stature but in presence. He commanded respect effortlessly, his quiet authority making itself known in every decision, every word. And though Reign had begun to grow accustomed to his presence, there was still a part of her that felt the weight of his expectations whenever she was near him.

The steady scratching of quills on parchment was interrupted by the creak of the door opening. Hange burst into the room with their usual energy, a wide grin stretching across their face. The commander and Reign looked up, curious about the sudden intrusion.

"Good morning, Erwin, Reign!" Hange chirped, practically bouncing into the room with a stack of papers clutched to their chest.

Erwin set his quill down, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Morning, Hange. You seem particularly lively today."

"Lively is an understatement," Hange said with a chuckle. "I've got some new theories I've been working on, and I think they could be pivotal for our next mission. I was hoping to get both of your thoughts."

Reign's curiosity piqued as she watched Hange spread the documents across Erwin's desk. Hange was known throughout the Corps for their unorthodox ideas, which often straddled the line between genius and madness. But as far-fetched as their theories sometimes seemed, they had proven invaluable in the field more than once.

"What have you come up with this time, Hange?" Erwin asked, his tone tinged with interest.

Hange's eyes lit up as they launched into an enthusiastic explanation of their latest findings. The theories were complex, involving everything from Titan behavior to the strategic use of terrain during battle. As Hange spoke, Reign couldn't help but be drawn into the possibilities they were outlining. The ideas were bold, innovative, and exactly what they needed to turn the tide in their ongoing war against the Titans.

Erwin listened intently, occasionally nodding or asking questions to clarify certain points. His focus was unbroken, his sharp mind clearly evaluating every aspect of Hange's proposals. Reign found herself speaking up more than she had anticipated, her own thoughts and insights bubbling to the surface as the discussion grew more animated. There was a certain thrill in being part of such a high-level conversation, and she relished the opportunity to contribute.

Just as the discussion reached a critical juncture, a sharp knock on the door interrupted them. The door swung open, and Captain Levi entered, his expression as impassive as ever. He surveyed the room with a quick glance, taking in the scene before him.

"Am I interrupting?" Levi asked, his tone indicating he was ready to leave if necessary.

"Not at all, Levi," Hange said, waving him over. "You're just in time to weigh in on some new strategies we're considering."

Levi raised an eyebrow as he approached the desk, his interest clearly piqued despite his typically stoic demeanor. He scanned the documents, his gaze sharp and critical.