○ upper yang district

[[ UGLY SOBBING YOU TWO ARE SO BRILLIANT AHHHHHHHHHH WHY CANT I WRITE LIKE THIS ]]

[[ not even near as long as yours CRieS ]]

@♞ Zhang Ziyi [Yang] "Perfect. We're right on time." Simon nodded, answering the only statement he really cared about. She was a very careful officer- or so he gleaned from his observations. Every sentence was worded precisely, meaningfully vague, keeping a neutral undertone to each statement. Efficient and responsible, Ziyi was not an ordinary run-of-the-mill Military Police officer. She paid attention to her surroundings and tasks- having learned the court case more in-depth than he had. He lapsed into silence, not one for conversation and small talk. They were almost to the courthouse, and his assignment was to sit through the hearing, not make friends with the officer tasked with escorting him and his troops. By the time his shined boots tapped the marble surface of the courthouse, just about ten minutes had passed, leaving him and his troops around ten more minutes to settle into place and wait for the mind-numbingly boring case to pass.

The judge announced the official start of the hearing by banging his gavel down several times, and Simon was tempted to drop his head down and take a nap, and let the rich men do the yelling and the deciding. Sorely tempted, he blinked and rolled his shoulders in a feeble attempt to keep himself awake. Sighing softly, he shifted his weight slightly and focused on a spot near the judge's head to give the appearance of being attentive. Having fooled the general public, he relaxed slightly and let himself drown in his own thoughts, momentarily coming up for air and amusing himself with the red-faced wallist, who insisted that all involved with crossing the holy wall be executed.

There was much to do in the Survey Corps. His Special Operations team was comfortable and able-bodied, with the exception of maybe one problem officer. Either way, he still had to assess the crew members and the newer Corps members to see if there were any more talented people better suited for the position in his selective team. So far, it looked fine to him. Ral, short and sweet in stature and nature, was terrifying on the field- he was sure to keep her. ( Easy on the eyes, too. ) He tamped down any other roving thoughts, reminding himself that relationships were forbidden in the Survey Corps. There was the recent new addition, Lee, who seemed to be struggling with actually killing any titans, chickening out and ruining the carefully planned formations. Jung ( Daehyun, from his trainee squad and one of his only 'friends' ) was struggling with holding down any individual kills but had more assists than any other on the team.

He ran through all the team members in his head, assessing their shortcomings and faults as well as their strengths. Finally picking out two to be swapped, he focused back on the court case which seemed to be simmering down to a close. He checked his watch. 1700. They had yet to tally up the decisions and release the final decision, but the judge looked worn out and so, Simon waited patiently for dismissal.

@☤ Simon [Yin] [ oops, pretend that's addressed to you. OTL SO MUCH FAIL IN POSTING. ]

Although the comment was directed towards her, she assumed that his prejudice wasn’t against her or her faction alone, attempting to understand the connotations associated with the statement. She wasn’t disciplined in the analysis or interpretation of conversation, preferring to distance herself from social interaction and thereby inhibiting her sense of empathy. The implication of his words eluded her, implying a meaning more significant than a mere, offhand comment on service – one that escaped her minimal knowledge of subtleties. His tone was casual yet almost imperceptibly critical, meant to dismiss cynicism and suspicion as an innocuous comment. Whether the Commander intended the comment as a testament to her wit or a snide remark at the hypocrisy of her actions, she redirected the conversation and responded in misunderstanding. “Many assume that your own needs are serviced when possible, Commander.” Contrasting to the possible aggression in Simon’s comment, she spoke carefully, politely, searching for clarification while indirectly expressing her assistance. “Though comfort is a commodity we all seek and a commodity we all work for.” Though caution and strategy were her defining characteristics, each word was spoken without predicting the reaction, phrased purposefully vague and dissociative should Simon mistake her words for her thoughts. He seemed quick to assume, easy to mistrust, punctual and efficient, though that was her perception of his character and she was seldom an accurate judge.

“It’s my responsibility,” She repeated in a pleased tone as Simon turned away, features composed into solemnity and the briefest moment of satisfaction, chin tilted and eyes concentrated forward. Granting the Commander and his entourage some privacy for discussion, she stepped several paces ahead though monitored their movements out of the corner of the eye. Out of courtesy, she redirected her attention away from their conversation, instead concentrating primarily on clearing the final passage to the courthouse. The courthouse was constructed at the center of the city for maximum protection and security, ensuring that trade and businesses remained within Yang. It concentrated and endorsed the wealth that motivated the civilians now surrounding them, narrowly maneuvering around the entourage as Ziyi stepped ahead.

Registering the end of the Commander’s conversation and the return of his attention onto her, she acknowledged his question with a curt nod and subtle glance behind, noting the female soldier as she realigned herself among her comrades. “Yes,” Her attention was divided among debriefing the Captain and guiding the soldiers through the streets, approaching the widest and most populated street that’d end in their destination. “A soldier in the Garrison was accused of smuggling Yin civilians into the lower Yang districts, distributing 3D maneuver gear and weapons for defense without registration. It is suspected that she divulged information regarding upcoming plans for construction and the missions tasked to the factions.” Clearly distracted, she phrased the information more blatantly than before, though respectful and wary of the reaction the information could evoke. From her previous attendance at court hearings, she understood that differences in wealth and economic standing was a sensitive topic rarely approached.

To alleviate the potential tension, she glanced at her own watch then stared ahead, attempting to assess the remaining time until arrival. “We should be there within 10 minutes. The court hearing begins at 16:00.”

[post deleted by owner]

@♞ Zhang Ziyi [Yang] It wasn't his first time in upper Yang, and it most probably wouldn't be his last time. Not if he continued to stay in his high position, lording over the Survey Corps. He nodded tersely, listening to her assurance of the treatment of his troops. "It must be nice, having everything seen to by other people." It was, admittedly, an underhanded blow, sniping at what was probably a Yang background. Disguised as a simple offhand comment, of course. As ( makeshift ) Commander, Simon had to tread a lot lighter than when he was in his younger years. Despite the passive aggression in his comment, he showed no other hostility towards the officer. It was not quite individuals he hated as so much the condescending manner of the general people- he had heard many a time that "such a promising figure must have been born in Yang". He adjusted his cape slightly, too aware of the public eye. No matter that these were all rich merchants, he had a burden of appearing exactly as the public wanted. They called him 'Humanity's Strongest' or 'Humanity's Hope', yet wanted him to abandon all semblance of humanity. They wanted him to be ruthless and become a killing machine- although he was one already, regardless of what the people wanted. They wanted perfection, someone who fit in every single category as perfect. They wanted him tall, dark and handsome. The masses wanted him stern and disciplined yet giving and kind. They wanted him to represent humanity by tearing every shred of his humanity- or what was left of it- apart.

They wanted a god.

"Thank you." He dipped his head simply, saying nothing further and offering no other conversation. He turned his head to slightly face the team loyally trotting behind him. The hard-edged facets of his face softened slightly- after all, there are only so many titans you can face together without becoming friendly. "Ral." He beckoned to the short soldier. She was short in stature but a menace on the battlefield. Her face lit up with a slight smile and he allowed the slight upturn of his own lips. He bent down, tall frame dwarfing her, to relay the information that Ziyi told him and ordered the girl to tell all her comrades as the crowd got progressively louder and conversation became harder and harder. He dipped his head in a quick bird-like fashion, and sent her on her way before turning to face the front completely. "Do you know what the court case is on, Ziyi?" He knew what it was on, generally. It didn't really include him or his faction, but it was a formality for him to turn up anyways. There was something about a traitor in the Garrison, but what exactly said traitor did was unknown to him. Not like it really mattered to him.

He checked his watch quickly. 1541. He lifted his head up again proudly, and looked down slightly to maintain eye contact with the veteran officer.

[[ yeS ral was a reference ]]

@☤ Simon [Yin] Through her guidance and occasional instruction, the Commander and the Vanguard proceeded further into the city, amassing more curious glances and admirable stares, indistinguishable whispers quieting as Simon’s mere glance silenced rumor in reaffirmation. Although she didn’t see the critically acclaimed qualities rumored in his presence, she would admit to his intimidating stature and unnerving stare, unaffected as she used similar qualities to warn against naïve optimism. She assumed there was a cause for his caution, as there was one for hers’, observing as his jaw tightened and clenched, teeth gnashing and pausing to shift again as eyes assessed each movement. As she navigated the familiar streets at a sustainable pace, they gathered an entourage of admirers and critics, bystanders and soldiers, distinguishable green capes contrasting against her pressed beige jacket, emblazoned with the symbol for the Military Police. Their interactions were minimal, regulated and tense, and though she hadn’t intended to establish a connection or extend beyond expected hospitality, she wasn’t inclined to worsening faction relationships. There was a strategic advantage to improving the relationship between the Survey Corps and Military Police – one that would ease the sectional tensions between the wealthy and the unfortunate, opening opportunities for citizens regardless of economic class and clarifying misunderstanding.

“I am.” Speaking over the background noise of merchant transactions and personal conversations, she respected the frequent lapses in Simon’s attention and the infrequent intervals at which Simon addressed her. “It’s my responsibility as your to guide you to and from the courthouse.” She was compelled to ease the tension straining his shoulders and preoccupying his thoughts, extending assurance through the means she was familiar with – responsibility. “You and your vanguard shall be provided the same provisions as other attendants, and I shall see to the proper storage of your supplies and transportation throughout the duration of your visit.” He seemed mistrustful of their surroundings for personal reasons, showing little concern for the condition of his troops. However, whether it was caused by her, her position, her allegiance or economic and faction differences were unknown; a concern best left unaddressed. She lacked the coherence and empathy necessary to approach such a sensitive subject, instead feigning ignorance to her observations.

“The court ruling is expected to be delivered tomorrow afternoon,” Her tone was professional, informative, debriefing him on miniscule details in attempt to indirectly incorporate her assistance. “In your interest, I will also relay any request for provisions you have on the behalf of your faction.”

@♞ Zhang Ziyi [Yang] The crowd only got bigger and bigger as seconds wore on, it seemed. Children shoved their way to the front, eyes shining up at him, jaws slacked in wonder. A muscle jumped in his jaw, uncomfortable with the hope and dreams shown in their wide, innocent eyes. It was expected that he was glorified and idolized. It happened everywhere he went, whether returning from a failed expedition or just wandering the streets on an errand. It was disconcerting, to say the least. Just as he was uncomfortable, he was also unfamiliar. The territory so easily tread on by all these children was a nonexistent memory for him. Even from a young age, all dreams were smashed to pieces by the crushing reality of his family's poverty.

He had once aspired to be in the Military Police when young. To escape from harsh realities and painful situations, he imagined the day he went into the army to serve in the Police- decently dressed, well fed, never having to worry about survival, unless it was against titans. He dreamed of living among the rich, the merchants. But it was all for naught, for no matter how rich the families were in Yang, not one spared even a penny for the straggling families in the outskirts. The moment the Military Police came and spat on him, shoved him out of the way, hoping to get back into inner Yang as quickly as possible- that was the moment everything he had ever wanted was crushed and rebuilt. They looked down on him for being poor, for being a Yin. Why were they any better? Because they had money?

The childish, skinny boy was no more from that moment on. Simon grew to be ruthless, grew to be uncaring. His parents wasted away and their last words would haunt him to the grave. 'Anyone who isn't us is your enemy.' Military Police. The most elite of the elite. Joining them would prove all the snobbish Yangs wrong- Yin could be just as elite. This drove him to 1st place, drove him to be hailed as a prodigy, not money. Shaking his head both to answer her question and clear his head, he answered, "We're all going to the court hearing." He wet his lips, still feeling the burden of all the children's naive gazes on his back. "Are you?"

@☤ Simon [Yin] The suppressed agitation training his attention away from the resplendence surrounding them betrayed his unease, shoulders tense and footsteps brisk in approaching her. Although easily mistaken for formality, she detected subtle differences in appearance suggesting otherwise – eyes surveying the crown, purposefully avoiding the increasing attention their presence was garnering. However, the Commander seemed pleased enough at her current performance, though first impressions and satisfaction were unnecessary worries unless at the expense of the King. She merely strove to sustain her position within the innermost Wall, and if that demanded the service and of a Commander, then she’d complete her assigned duties to the extent she was capable.

His eyes were reserved, calculating and decisive in the qualities expected in a leader, assessing her ability to execute the task and deeming her responsible enough to guide them, though mistrustful by association. The Military Police was notorious for corruption and abuse despite the inherent talent within each soldier, established as the safest, if the most inadequate faction, by selection – qualities the Survey Corps despised. Similarly, most soldiers thought that the Survey Corps was for trainees with more strength than common sense, with aspirations greater than they could ever achieve. Countless casualties and the highest percentage of soldier deaths established them as crazed dreamers, far more dangerous and reckless than the practicality of the Military Police accepted. Yet Ziyi never participated in circulating rumors, thinking competition unnecessary when there was a far more considerable threat – one she’d rather fight together, if fought by them at all.

She dismissed his potential thoughts and spared a delicate smile, concerning herself with his objective: punctual arrival at the courthouse. “The pleasure is mind, Commander Simon.” She reaffirmed his suspicions with another formal nod, angling herself and gesturing aside as she began walking, gradual enough to allow him the choice to walk beside her or several paces behind. “Though many other soldiers and civilians are knowledgeable of you, as well. It seems your reputation precedes your arrival.” She selected each phrase carefully as trivial commentary wasn’t her strength, attempting to maintain a polite, conversational tone though noticeably inexperience. Lapsing into preferable silence, she spared a brief glance towards the troops, using the silence as an opportunity to direct the conversation to a more familiar subject – planning. “Will you need any accommodations for your soldiers or are all attending the court hearing?”

[ i'm as awkward as she is i'm sorry. ; A ; ]

@♞ Zhang Ziyi [Yang] 1531.

That was when the arrived. A single glance told him everything he needed to know-- his shallow knowledge additionally supplemented by her brief introduction. This was no arrogant novice, rather an older soldier, one who could properly bring his troop to the courtroom. It was obvious enough that she - Ziyi, was it? - wasn't one of the more corrupt and self-serving officers either.

Those officers could be spotted from a mile away. Slouching and shifty-eyed, always looking to find profit for their dark dealings- to think that his main goal as a trainee was to join them. Of course, it wasn't until the previous Commander pulled him aside to chat with him personally that Simon decided to join the Survey Corps, much to the surprise of his... peers. A voice broke through his thoughts, and he focused on the officer before him.

Nodding firmly to the soldiers behind him, Simon strode over to Ziyi, keeping his strides moderately paced, not fast enough to make it seem like he was pleasing her, yet not making it a point to dawdle either. "I will go ahead and suppose you know who I am, since the Military Police always brief the escorts."

"It's nice to meet you." He added on as an afterthought. He gestured forward for her to lead the way. "It seems like Commander Lee finally decided to grant us a proper ."

A bit tardy, but nonetheless able-bodied and finally competent. She was new to him, though. Despite him being in a different branch of the military, he knew most veteran soldiers in all branches and yet, he had never met the woman in front of him.

@☤ Simon [Yin] For several days preceding the announced arrival of the infamous Survey Corp soldiers, rumors were circulating among the citizens about their reputation – their death count upon each return, their seeming insanity and disregard for danger when fighting titans, their cowardice that overrode the courage when confronting death. She remained indifferent towards discussion, even when soldiers in the Military Police claimed their mission impractical – a fool’s errand – as she stepped beyond the barracks.

Throughout her service as a soldier, she’d heard countless rumors, claims to salvation and destruction, seen the reality in bloodied carts and downcast features, disappointment in failing to achieve an impossible goal. She assumed no different of the Commander of the Survey Corps, undoubtedly talented and intelligent enough to persevere and succeed as Captain, yet untrue to the tales acclaiming greatness. As Simon emerged the prodigal soldier, the people referred to him as humanity’s last hope, glorifying him and his accomplishments with each successful return.

Although Ziyi hadn’t interacted with the Commander before her assignment to the vanguard to the courthouse, she was skeptical of his capabilities, despite his success in leadership. She dismissed his strength and skill as exaggeration by word, rumors and poorly concealed whispers growing steadily more incredulous as she maneuvered among the bustling streets. Surrounded by curious eyes and figures feigning importance, the Survey Corps Commander stood distinct and stoic among the citizens, annoyance shown clearly across his features. In respect, she nodded her head once towards him and again towards the rigid soldiers aligned behind him, features revealing nothing beyond polite disinterest.

“I apologize for the slight delay,” She maintained eye-contact when speaking her apology, head tilted slightly to compensate for the difference in height. “I’m Zhang Ziyi, veteran soldier of the Military Police, and I shall be your today.” Preferring to keep introductions succinct and simple to ensure the quickest arrival, she cleared and folded her arms behind her back in continuation. “Shall we depart?”

[[ * s hitty. gdi i forgot it censors ]]

Checking his watch rather impatiently, Simon stood tall and rigid, appearance styled to a degree of perfection. He was a man of details, and needed everything to be as close as perfection as possible. One could say that the rather obsessive need to be perfect was derived from his time spent fighting titans as one sloppy mistake, no matter how minuscule, could result in death.

The military police promised him an at precisely 1530. It was 1530, and he was not happy to be left waiting. Green cloaks billowed in the wind as he and part of his team waited for the to the court room. No one moved a muscle as they waited. Rich business men and merchants scurried around, occasionally stopping to gawk at the well disciplined soldiers in green. Simon tamped down the urge to snarl at these men, leading their comfortable lives, never having to worry about anything unless it was what color of their shoes went with their suit. He remained impassive, even as a child tugged his mother to look at him.

He heard small whispers in the crowd discussing the arrival of Commander and Captain Simon, exchanging fancied numbers of the amount of titans he had killed.

12, 14, 29, 30.

46, he wanted to correct. Simon was a man of details, and these rich men were screwing up his details. He sighed inaudibly through his nose and continued to wait and think of threats to send the Commander of the Military Police if another _____ty Yang novice was sent to his team, again.