strongside | [Video]

Another world, is it?

[ The feed comes on to show a young woman's face on the screen, looking at the Gear with an idle sort of wonder. In her other hand is a common, and familiar, handbook, one which she quickly glances back to as soon as the Gear is turned on. Seems like someone is trying to make sense of all this... technical jargon. But it's somehow able to make sense. Somehow.

After several moments of silence, she snaps the handbook closed with a sigh. She brings her attention back to the Gear. ]

Is there even a point to being "the best"? [ Does it involve you going back home? ] The book doesn't mention titans, but how much is this book not telling me?

[ Skeptical? Just a bit for all that the dubiousness shows on her impassive face. ]

I need to find my friends. If anyone knows a boy named Armin-- [ Pause. No, there's too many to list. She glances down to her arm and lifts it up to show the insignia of two swords crossing over a shield. ] If anyone has seen anyone with this jacket and symbol, please inform me immediately.

As for where to go... [ She trails off. She has a journey, but no destination. And the fact that she's alo-- a small roaring sound from outside the screen lifts up her head. ]

... Right. I need to find berries, too. [ I need a distraction. ]

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[ His gestures and explanation are enough to stop her from asking, yes. She nods in understanding, gradually working the pieces together. ]

Thank you for the information, sir. [ Dealing with civilians, man... ]

Sure, anytime. I've been here long enough to get used to this bullshit.

[and hell if that isn't depressing.]

Name's Lieutenant Carter Blake. Police, back in the real world.

Mikasa Ackerman. Trainee.

[ Though he's stated the department he belongs to, she knows rank. And while she doesn't officially have a rank of her own since titans attacked Trost...

He's not really a civilian, then. He's someone she could talk to another form she's used to. She even sits up a bit straighter. ]

That would still make you my senior. In a few ways.

[His face scrunches up at the name] As in es su casa?

[Then Carter brightens up a little] You a cop too? Strange uniform, but I've seen weirder around here.

[The prospect of being respected for his rank never fails to buoy his spirits.]

[ Sloooooow eyebrow raise. She doesn't get it. She shakes her head, but moves on to his other question. ]

Military. However, there's a branch in my world known as the "Military Police" that are charged with protecting the king. Only the best go there.

Oh, so there's something like...

[Blake's brain catches up.]

Wait. King?

That's a weird kind of police you got there. Sounds more like Secret Service.

Who the hell has kings anymore?

Mine, obviously.

[ Was that an attempt at a sassy joke? Maybe. She tries to clarify: ]

The year is 850 in my world.

In that case, I'll give you a free hint from the future: feudalism doesn't work for shit.

You don't look that old-timey. The getup's a little funny, but believe me, there's streets where I've seen a lot weirder.

[It strikes Blake a second later that it didn't even occur to him to doubt her claim.]

Whether or not it does depends on whether the human race manages to survive to test that "hint."

[ She's pretty much long since accepted that her world is crappy and crappy. Having lost the one person that made it bearable didn't help matters much. ]

They were doing pretty good last time I checked. Haven't managed to wipe ourselves out yet.

You in the middle of the medieval cold war or something?

[Human beings just keep on going.]

More on the brink of extinction by titans that wish to devour the remaining humans that hid behind colossal walls.

[ Not trying to be dramatic. It really is the state of her world. ]

[There's only one thing Blake can say to that.]

What?

[ Sighs. ]

Humanity is being devoured to extinction in my world.

[ It's kind of a touchy subject. While she planned on no longer giving up, the reality of the situation in her home is still shit and shit. ]

People are getting eaten by...giants.

I just wanna confirm I heard that right.

Yes.

[ She'll even give a nod to try and show she's honest about this. ]

Huh.

[Blake's not sure he believes it, but he might as well humor her.]

Sounds like a lousy hometown.

It's the only one we have. If I ever get back, I'd defend it with my life.

However shitty it is, it's yours, huh?

[A wry smile twists Blake's mouth.]

You sound like a cop all right.

[ She blinks at his smile and words. ]

I am a soldier, after all. Still... thank you?

[From Blake, it's a compliment.] Sure, kid.

Let me know if you run into any trouble. I'm an old hand at this crap by now.

[ She tries one tiny smile at that, followed by another nod. It's good to know that people in this world seem... nice? ]

I'll keep that in mind, lieutenant.

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