bravenewworld | [video]

It has come to my attention.

[The feed is of Garen, in his office, wearing his uniform and looking like a million dollars; everything that needs polished is, not a hair out of place, crisply pressed--the works.

However off setting this is his expression. It is flat. It is neutral. It is...clearly hiding emotions underneath. As always, his first Pokémon--now a Doublade hovers over his right shoulder, and flanking his left is his Magneton.]

That perhaps I need to reintroduce myself. I am not one for public speaking but I also feel that I need to apologize, and inform.

My name is Garen Crownguard, Sword of the Savior. My family name if not familiar to you need not have any weight, nor should my rank within the Swords need to be expressly stated; for we are all citizens of Union.

[He folds his hands together on his desk, and glances down at them a moment before looking up again.]

That being said, I need all of the current members of the Swords to message me privately--I wish to review some recent activity, and talk about our plans going forward for the sake of Union's well-being. As for apologizing, as we do represent Union itself each time we are in public, let me apologize on behalf of the entire Swords of the Savior for our conduct recently. We will make swift amends.

I would also like to discourage the alarming number of hints I see that we are harboring vigilantes. While I can admit our laws may not always seem to serve your interests, and I will receive a formal complaint if you wish to submit them, our laws exist for a reason. I can not condone seeking your own version of justice because if you are not operating by a set of rules then you are capable of anything--including corruption.

[Private for the fon ~~fuckups~~ Fabres~]

The previous message is for you two especially. We need to talk about your public conduct.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Eren growls a little, showing his fangs and folding his ears] If you have the power to change things and don't take the chance, then you're just as bad! You should climb up the ranks and teach all those good for nothings what the Swords' job really is!

Using my power now could easily go to my head and not change anything. I am doing what I am able--without abusing it.

Plus it is a manpower issue. More people wish to join the Rangers and see outside of Union than remain inside to protect it.

[he rolls his eyes a bit. A self control issue? Really? But he doesn't say anything else on that matter]

... You really have issues with getting enough people? [wow. Eren didn't even think about that...]

[Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Garen doesn't want to give himself a chance to fall into that trap.]

Yes, recruitment is a serious problem. Take yourself for example. You're young, ready to see things outside the walls. Picking the Rangers, which make very frequent trips further and further away to scout, and the Swords, which rarely, if ever go out, and essentially give up what few freedoms they might have to keep Union protected. I do not blame anyone for choosing the Rangers; the best and brightest of us should be looking for new ways and places to live.

[This of course leaves the Swords with the Nobility; those desperate to stay in some form of power over the "common people". To the point that many are terrified to leave the safety of the walls and lose their status, so they send their children, unwillingly, to the Swords to help themselves stay in power. Garen of course will not comment on such social observations for many obvious reasons.]

[Eren isn't quite so noble. He'd leap on that opportunity in a hot second]

Yeah, but not everyone wants to go outside the walls. It's dangerous as hell out there. Some people aren't suited for it. And don't the Rangers offer a lot of benefits? You're sure not living paycheck to paycheck on those wages.

I would hate for someone to join simply for the money rather than to serve Union, but yes the pay is good. Still, the Rangers offer something the Swords don't. It is indeed true Union is much safer, but for those who want to challenge themselves, the Rangers are perhaps the best bet. I will look into a recruitment drive soon to see if the Swords can compete with the Rangers in some way for more members.

[Eren feels a little bad, now. Just a little. He sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. He had no idea that the swords were so hard up for recruits] Well uh... good luck, I guess.