[It'd been no small relief to see Erwin's name on the resident list - luckily by this time, Levi's gotten enough practice with the way the communication system works (even if it is no small amount unnervingly creepy to hear someone else's voice in your head) that he contacts him without hesitation.]
[Staff Sergeant Nadine Nike, as revealed in the full-length mirror beside her desk, is a professional-looking woman with smooth brown skin, tidy brown hair, and intense brown eyes. Every crease of her green guard's uniform is pressed to perfection--every button, shining; every wrinkle, nonexistent. It's obvious that she cares a great deal about her appearance while in uniform.]
Good afternoon, Mr. Erwin Smith, [she says, her tone firm but still pleasant.] On behalf of the city guard of the City of Ariel, I'm contacting you with regards to your application to join our ranks. First, I'd like to thank you for having a desire to protect the greater welfare of the citizens here. Not every Newcomer is willing to contribute their time and attention to this purpose.
[ Having submitted his application very recently, this is a prompt response. The woman who contacts him is impressive-looking, stern and well put together. He admires the pride she clearly takes in her uniform, can identify with that. Today, however, he isn't in uniform himself--hasn't been, really, since his arrival--and he's looking less than flawless, having just finished up a day outdoors doing construction work. He'll appear in a floor-length mirror set on the wall in a starter apartment bedroom. Even out of uniform, however, it's easy to read 'military' in his posture. ]
Good afternoon.
[ A clipped but cordial greeting. ]
No thanks is necessary, ma'am. I applied because I feel it is my calling to serve, regardless of where I find myself.
[That's a good answer to give, judging by the thoughtful nod of Nike's head. After their initial exchange, Nike steps back and sits down at her desk, careful and controlled, before reaching for a pale plastic folder in the corner. It contains Erwin's submitted application.]
I am Staff Sergeant Nadine Nike, [she says, flipping open the folder,] and I have been a member of the city guard for nearly nine years. I'm part of a concerted effort to bolster our ranks and improve the overall retention rate. You can imagine how fortunate I feel to have found someone with similar militaristic experience. Oftentimes we're dealing with green recruits who don't know how to hold a baton, much less when and where it's appropriate to use one.
[She smooths her fingernails--no colors, no gloss, but well-manicured--down the first page.]
This is a mass text message to all Newcomer members of the city guard.
Listen up, recruits. The City of Ariel needs your cooperation in monitoring certain individuals during the upcoming Festival of Scylla. If someone is spotted wearing pale colors - WHITE and shades of GREY in particular - please report them to HQ as soon as possible. They are spitting on Scylla's memory by refusing to wear the bright, beautiful colors that she was so fond of.
Do not take any further action against these individuals unless they're in violation of our legal code.
You are free to enjoy the celebration otherwise, unless you have specifically requested patrol work.
That will be all.
STAFF SERGEANT NADINE NIKE
[ooc: Please read this post for a full understanding of this mini-plot.]
[ Erwin's spent most of his life around military types, and he generally knows the sort of answers they like to hear from their subordinates. It's best to remain respectful, deferent, and understanding. He gives a stiff nod as she introduces herself and listens in attentive silence as she speaks, though he does allow himself a hint of a smile when she references green recruits. Still, he only replies when he is asked a direct question, and by then he is all business. ]
Correct, ma'am. While I am trained to deal with human enemies as well, my comrades and I fought primarily against giant humanoid creatures called Titans. Despite their resemblance to people, they did not possess anything by way of human intelligence, but seemed driven only by some instinctive need to devour us. I will spare you the grisly details in the interest of being succinct, but in short, violence was often a necessity in order to defend ourselves and those who depended on us.
We're not familiar with the "Titans" of your world, but the monsters wandering outside of the City will be comparable to your worst nightmares at times. They've been known to grow to gigantic sizes, too, depending on the severity of a storm, which further complicates our efforts to subdue them. Under no circumstances must they ever be allowed to bypass the city gates. [With a slight nod, Nike concedes,] So it would be beneficial to have your expertise on the team.
[However, there's much more to being a member of the city guard than brute strength and battle experience.]
And what about nonviolent measures? What do you know about diplomacy, tact, and discretion?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[voice 7.25]
[It'd been no small relief to see Erwin's name on the resident list - luckily by this time, Levi's gotten enough practice with the way the communication system works (even if it is no small amount unnervingly creepy to hear someone else's voice in your head) that he contacts him without hesitation.]
Where are you?
no subject
Levi.
[ This form of communication will take more getting used to, but it is awfully convenient. ]
Botanical gardens, Level 2. I'll wait for you.
no subject
[voice] 8/3
[ He sounds crisply excited about this. ] I've got the pictures you made! Wanna see?
[voice] 8/3
[ It's clear from the initial tone of his voice that he's surprised, but pleasantly so. ] I would like that very much. Where would you prefer to meet?
9/3. video.
Good afternoon, Mr. Erwin Smith, [she says, her tone firm but still pleasant.] On behalf of the city guard of the City of Ariel, I'm contacting you with regards to your application to join our ranks. First, I'd like to thank you for having a desire to protect the greater welfare of the citizens here. Not every Newcomer is willing to contribute their time and attention to this purpose.
9/3. video.
Good afternoon.
[ A clipped but cordial greeting. ]
No thanks is necessary, ma'am. I applied because I feel it is my calling to serve, regardless of where I find myself.
no subject
I am Staff Sergeant Nadine Nike, [she says, flipping open the folder,] and I have been a member of the city guard for nearly nine years. I'm part of a concerted effort to bolster our ranks and improve the overall retention rate. You can imagine how fortunate I feel to have found someone with similar militaristic experience. Oftentimes we're dealing with green recruits who don't know how to hold a baton, much less when and where it's appropriate to use one.
[She smooths her fingernails--no colors, no gloss, but well-manicured--down the first page.]
It seems you're not a stranger to violence?
9/7, early in the day.
Listen up, recruits. The City of Ariel needs your cooperation in monitoring certain individuals during the upcoming Festival of Scylla. If someone is spotted wearing pale colors - WHITE and shades of GREY in particular - please report them to HQ as soon as possible. They are spitting on Scylla's memory by refusing to wear the bright, beautiful colors that she was so fond of.
Do not take any further action against these individuals unless they're in violation of our legal code.
You are free to enjoy the celebration otherwise, unless you have specifically requested patrol work.
That will be all.
STAFF SERGEANT NADINE NIKE
[ooc: Please read this post for a full understanding of this mini-plot.]
no subject
Correct, ma'am. While I am trained to deal with human enemies as well, my comrades and I fought primarily against giant humanoid creatures called Titans. Despite their resemblance to people, they did not possess anything by way of human intelligence, but seemed driven only by some instinctive need to devour us. I will spare you the grisly details in the interest of being succinct, but in short, violence was often a necessity in order to defend ourselves and those who depended on us.
no subject
[However, there's much more to being a member of the city guard than brute strength and battle experience.]
And what about nonviolent measures? What do you know about diplomacy, tact, and discretion?