exsilium | 1st Plan; voice

[The voice is measured, disciplined, but rather young:]

This is Armin Arlert, cadet of the 104th Scouting Legion, reporting. I arrived to an unknown location approximately one week ago, and have yet to meet any others from my group, or anyone with knowledge of our war with the titans. While I have currently determined the situation to be safe, even hospitable, all evidence suggests it will not remain so. Should anyone out there who serves under Generalissimo Dallas Zackley receive this message, please respond! [A pause, and there's a slight break in that resolve.] Please... I-I can't have been the only one to...

[After a moment, Armin clears his throat. He is shaken, but continues:] To everyone who arrived here prior to this month, I would appreciate any assessment of the situation or perspective on the war and the time-and-space transportation that appears to have taken place. Suggestions for further reading on the subject would also be appreciated.

[It's clear he's a bit worn out by making this message, though fighting to sound brave.] Thank you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Here's a voice that's bright and chipper and doesn't possess even the least hint of nerves or uncertainty or sadness or any of that.]

Hi. Sofiya Karimov. How's the city been treating you?

[Armin immediately wonders why someone would sound so happy to be here. But again and again he keeps meeting people like this, or people who say they are better off in this city than wherever they were. And while Armin knows it would be unwise to admit it, the provisions here are a little more comfortable than what he's grown accustomed to in the military barracks, they themselves almost luxury compared to working the wastelands as a refugee. He gives his reply some thought.

It seems like something that would happen to most people, if they were trapped on the wrong side of something long enough. Naturally, one adapts to whatever situation they're in to preserve their hearts and minds. But there must be more to life with the Initiative, they can't simply hope that everyone will serve them through attrition alone.

(And why not? People forget they're caged so easily...)]

It's been perfectly hospitable, all things considered, thank you.

[Each word steps carefully, like a child testing stepping stones across a river, not sure if the next movement will keep him upright.]

Neat.

[Her response comes quickly, smoothly, and altogether without any surprise that the kid had waited an awkwardly long time before speaking and his response is awkwardly thoughtful when he does speak. Indeed, she sounds every bit as chipper now as she did before.]

Anything you're missing out on? When I first got here, I was craving coffee, but I didn't know a good place to get a cup until I was about two weeks in. Can I steer you towards anything?

Neat? Coffee?

[Armin sounds a little confused.]

No, I - all of the food is perfectly fine, thank you! [There he goes, awkwardly thanking someone for something that she probably had no control over. He just doesn't know what else to do, so he's polite.] I just wish to be reunited with my companions, if any of them are here. Barring that, I want to know everything I can about this place, especially how we were brought here and the more specific details of the war and past battles. I have been to the library, but if you had any suggestions as to a good book to start with...

[She interrupts - ]

Okay, hey hey hey, those are all really good goals, but - slow down a bit.

[Good job. You got him to suck in one long breath.]

Sorry.

Hey, and don't apologize. You didn't step on my foot; you're fine.

Look. That's all a really fine ambition, but take a few days to settle in. Get a groove, settle into it, then look to start making waves. You don't launch a boat until you know it's waterproofed.

I think a week is long enough to remain in ignorance of the situation. [Armin hisses out. He's youn. He's lived so much brutality in his short life. Every moment could be his last. That's not an attitude that's easy to shed.] Whatever course of action I decide on, it can't be made without a full understanding of this world and this war. I appreciate what you are trying to say, but this isn't about launching the boat. This is about determining which tools and materials I have, as well as the nature of the river, so I can know which kind of boat I should make.

[Wow, take a chill pill, Hissy.]

Sure. As you like.

[Armin almost apologizes but then remembers Sofiya doesn't seem to like that.]

...So what is coffee, anyway? [Weak come-back from the lecture, but he tries.]

[That's enough of an olive branch for her to let go of her annoyance. For him, at least. She does have a bit of a soft spot for the kids.]

Huh, you don't know what coffee is? You're either in for a treat or a mouthful of disgust.

I suppose I should try some and find out for myself. I guess there can be... some kind of up side to being kidnapped away to a strange world.

You said you knew a good place?

A decent place. How about I buy you your first cup?

[A pause.] Okay. That'd be nice. Thank you.

Neat. I'll text you the address. I'm the dark-haired girl with the blue scarf.

I'll see you soon, then.

[OOC: I can set up a log if you'd like to play this out, since this post is already getting a little bit?]

[OOC: That would be lovely! :>]

[OOC: here!]

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