Attack on Vader

Chapter 44

Zachary: I hear Hange's been roaming all over the place.

Armin: Yes. Hange been looking into a few leads we dug up.

Setting behind Zachary was Armin and Mikasa.

Zachary: I know. I give her permission to take one of the detained volunteers. But...

Zachary turns to face them.

Zachary: I'm afraid that I can't give you two permission to meet Eren.

Armin: Why not, sir?

Zachary: Because we've just confirmed that Eren communicated with the volunteers in secret. This is likely what incited him to attack Marley, and for Anakin to leave us for a short time. It's certainly something he kept quiet about leading up to the event. We're currently in the midst of an investigation to see what all was said, and who all was involved in this meeting. Eren has maintained his silence his brother interviewed him. Furthermore, we're still completely in the dark about what he did during his time alone in Marley. I'm sorry to say that we believe that Eren is being manipulated by Zeke. I wouldn't have shared these secrets with you if you were anyone else, so I'll ask that you keep them to yourselves.

Mikasa: Dose Anakin know about this?

Zachary: Sadly no, shortly after Anakin interview with his brother Eren. He left, and no one has seen him since then.

Zachary then walks over to the chair that was brought into his office that morning.

Armin: You really think that Eren would—

Mikasa: So what now? What will you do with him?

Both Mikasa and Armin look at Zachary before looking at the chair next to him.

Mikasa: Is that—?

Zachary: Hm? Oh, it's nothing. There was nowhere else to store the thing so I had some recruits bring it up here this morning.

Armin: Please hear me out, sir. We've known Eren ever since we were kids. If he refuses to talk to you, that's all the more reason to send us in. I know there's no guarantee that we can get him to tell us the truth, but... There isn't any harm in trying, right?

Zachary: The situation is too delicate right now. This conversation's over.

Both Armin and Mikasa leave Zachary office as they walk down the hallway.

Mikasa: Why? You're right that there'd be no harm in letting us talk to him. So why would he forbid it?

A group of Military Police walk pass them as they continue on.

Armin: If I had to venture a guess, it would be that the Military has already decided he's a lost cause.

Armin and Mikasa look over there shoulder's as the three MP's knock on the door to Zachary's office.

MP 1: Excuse us!

The door then opens as they walk in.

Armin: If I'm right about that, then they're probably looking at candidates to replace him with.

Mikasa: I'll listen-

Erwin: Armin, Mikasa.

Both Armin and Mikasa turn back around as they see Commander Erwin walking towards them.

Armin: Commander Erwin! What are you doing here?

Erwin: Looking for Anakin, I thought he might be with you two.

Armin: Sorry Commander, but we haven't seen him.

Erwin: I see. Wel-

They were introduced as a huge explosion went off in Zachary office. Erwin grabbed both Armin and Mikasa as he shielded them from the blast. Outside the onlookers watch as Zachary's dead body landed in front of them. Inside Armin was coughing as Mikasa helped him.