Jean: “Hey, you there. Newbie.”
New Recruit: (nervously) “Uh, yes? That’s me. I mean, sir.”
Jean: “Don’t ‘sir’ me. I’m Jean. Just Jean. Save the formalities for the brass. You’re here to learn, right?”
New Recruit: “Yes, Jean. I mean, just Jean. I want to be the best soldier I can be.”
Jean: “Good. Because this isn’t some fairy tale. Titans don’t care about your dreams or your backstory. They’ll chew you up and spit you out. So, listen up.”
(Jean points to the maneuver gear hanging on the wall.)
Jean: “That thing? It’s your lifeline. Learn it. Love it. And when you’re dangling from a tree, praying not to become Titan chow, remember my words.”
New Recruit: “I will, Jean. But what if I freeze during combat? What if I mess up?”
Jean: “What if? Look, kid, fear’s natural. But it’s what you do with it that matters. Fear can paralyze you or push you forward. You choose.”
(Jean’s eyes narrow.)
Jean: “And don’t expect any heroic speeches from me. We’re not here to save the world. We’re here to survive it.”
New Recruit: “But what if—”
Jean: “Enough with the ‘what ifs.’ You want to impress me? Train harder than anyone else. Prove you’re worth more than a name on a roster.”
(Jean walks away, leaving the recruit wide-eyed.)
New Recruit: “Jean, wait! What if—”
Jean: “What if you stop asking ‘what if’ and start doing? Titans don’t wait for your existential crises. Now move.”