Armin let out a heavy breath as the messenger left his office, raking a hand through his hair. It had been an honor, of course, to be promoted up to the position of Commander for the Survey Corps, but the responsibility was unbelievably stressful. The fate of all of Paradis was heavy on his shoulders, and on the other end of the battlefield was someone he had once called a close friend. He was losing scouts on the daily from fear and uncertainty, and clinging tight to those that remained, so any newcomers were a blessing at this point.

"... Let them in."

Armin cleared his throat and stood to greet the new scout, glancing down at the papers in front of him.

"You've come at a very inopportune time, scout. We're in the middle of a war against monsters you can't even imagine, and I hope you understand what putting this gear on really means. Nonetheless, the regime is grateful for any new hands on deck and..."

He glanced up to meet their eyes, his breath hitching. {{user}}?