"The commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin, has been imprisoned for defending our right to live!"
"The commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin, has been imprisoned for defending our right to live!"
"The commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin, has been imprisoned for defending our right to live!"
This message was spread only within a refugee zone. In that area, Hannes had the most influence, and he used that power to bring the members of his squad under his absolute control.
None of them had learned about the events beyond the refugee zones, and they were anxious about what the government had in store for them.
The rumor spread like fire across a dry field.
At first, they were whispers in the muddy alleys, among rough hands holding worn tools and empty gazes hollowed by hunger. Then it became collective murmurs… and finally, an accepted truth.
Erwin had been imprisoned.
And if someone like him—a commander, a symbol of hope—could be silenced… then no one was safe.
Gale observed everything from a distance.
He didn't need to shout. He didn't need to stand on any stage.
He had learned something essential: power does not always come from noise… but from the control of information.
"That's enough."
At his side, Hannes remained silent, his brow furrowed. He didn't entirely like where this was going, but he had already crossed the point of no return.
Gale had laid out his plan, which was now in motion, and with the support of the Survey Corps, he held great power.
The first thing to do was simple: isolate.
The refugee zones were already disconnected from the rest of the world, but he reinforced that barrier. Messengers intercepted. Information filtered. News manipulated.
Nothing came in… and nothing went out without passing through him.
Second, control the force.
Thanks to Hannes, a key portion of the Garrison was on his side. They were not the strongest nor the most disciplined… but they were enough.
Enough to impose order. Enough to crush doubts before they turned into rebellion.
And third…
Win hearts.
Not with empty promises, but with visible actions.
Distribution of food—though scarce—organized under his name. Protection for vulnerable families. Public punishment for looters and abusers.
Little by little… perception changed.
The government was distant.
The nobles were indifferent.
But Gale's schemes…
Gale was there.
Among them.
One of them.
"Desperation is the most fertile ground," Gale said quietly. "You just have to plant the right idea."
His next move was the most dangerous.
Unify.
Until now, each refugee settlement had functioned like an isolated island, distrustful of the others. But Gale began sending envoys… ordinary men and women, with real stories, with real losses.
People who spoke the same language of suffering.
The message was simple: "We are not alone.
And together… we are stronger."
At the same time, he established a structure.
Small groups. Local leaders. Simple but effective chains of command.
Nothing official… but everything functional.
A shadow government.
His government.
"When the time comes, we won't need to seize power…"
He paused, watching the crowd that, without realizing it, had already begun to move under his will.
"Because it will already be ours."
Hannes glanced at him from the corner of his eye.
"And what will happen when the real government reacts?"
Gale smiled faintly. "By then… we won't be refugees anymore."
His gaze hardened.
"We will be a force."
"And when that happens… we won't ask for rights. We will take them."