Uprising(1)

Inside the Survey Corps Headquarters, a certain man had been tirelessly at work trying to surmise the intentions of humanity's enemies. As the commander of the Survey Corps, he was already envisioning the course they needed to take in the long term.

The facts were pointing to an ominous fate that awaited mankind within the walls.

He was well aware by now that the government was not the only enemy humanity had to overcome in order to survive. Well, at least for the humans within the walls.

There were clearly humans outside who were hostile to them and cared little for their lives. Any future diplomacy with them would be extremely difficult. The fall of Wall Maria had already proven enough. He wouldn't be able to face the souls that had been lost under his command if he did that, it would be making a mockery of their sacrifices.

However he couldn't help but wonder, with such strength at the enemy's disposal, why were they taking such pains to slowly choke them to death? They could have done so easily many years earlier. The rifle that Hange studied gave hints that the technology outside the walls were miles ahead of theirs. It had to be because they were after something - they were after Eren. It had to be something special about the titan power Eren had, every titan shifter he'd seen so far all possessed a unique power.

The titan shifters that came from beyond the walls … surely the enemy force had more of them. First, it was the Colossal and the Armored, then the Beast. What was going to come next? How many more did they have? Questions continued to run through his mind with no answers.

He had to get to that basement Eren spoke of. He had to see the evidence that confirmed his father's theory was right. What he had seen so far had only further convinced him more and more of that possibility. The Survey Corps would now have to overcome their next big obstacle to reach there …

"In the end. The worst enemies are not the titans … but humans." He shook his head and closed the book; deciding to finally take a short rest.

"Stop! You can't just ent-"

"Move it."

The doors of the office slammed open as a group of Military Police Soldiers barged in, surrounding Erwin's desk.

In the midst of them stood a tall man with a small mustache. The person didn't carry exactly an imposing aura, but anyone who knew the hierarchy within the walls would not want to offend him.

"Nile … it's good to see you."

The Military Police Commander ignored the greeting and proceed to unfurl a piece of paper, reading its contents aloud.

"By the order of His Majesty, Erwin Smith is suspected of inciting treacherous acts against the government and to be put on trial. All Survey Corps activities are to be suspended - effective immediately."

Erwin listened to the words, not letting a hint of emotion show on his face. The government's statement was pure nonsense.

"You really believe this?"

2 MP's approached him, while the others started to search his office.

"I'm just following orders. I advise you to comply." Nile said.

Erwin raised his hand and let himself be handcuffed without resistance - Not that there was any point since he had only one hand left.

This date was bound to come sooner or later, given the movements of the government; but what surprised Erwin was how the Assembly didn't even bother to come up with a proper reason to carry out the arrest and the swiftness they moved to carry it out.

It was fortuitous indeed that he managed to meet up with Zackley in Mitras way before this occurred. Otherwise, he wasn't sure if he would have enough time to make the necessary preparations.

The MP's began to march him out of the room but after a few steps, he stopped beside the Military Police Commander.

"Arresting me is fine, but how about Eren? Of all his feats, he had once saved the entirety of Wall Rose population by fighting back the Armored Titan at Trost. The gates would have been breached if it weren't for him."

Nile's hand shook, sweat forming on his temples. "All I do is carry out my job given to me, it's not my place to think about that."

"And do you think handing Eren over to them will end the crisis within these walls? As the Commander of the Military Police, you know better than anyone else the real cause behind everything."

"What exactly are you trying to say, Erwin?"

He whispered. "The time will come soon, where we'll all be faced with a decision." his voice turned even lower. "I've entrusted it to Pyxis. When it happens, I'm going to sit there and watch, it'll be up to you to make a decision. You … and them."

Nile didn't reply, his face twisted in confusion.

The corner of Erwin's lips curled into a subtle smile as the MP's led him away.

(800+ words)

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A/N: There's going to be a switch in my writing style to 3rd person omni instead of 3rd person limited.

Enjoy the chap and thanks for your support :)