If you had asked Levi anything regarding Jake Peralta and him suddenly showing up, he would have questioned that man until kingdom come. He had watched the man known as Jake grow in his time with them, he never regretted working with or for the man in his plans against the Gonzalez Foundation. Even if he detested killing, no matter who it was, he knew that Jake had the right way of handling the situation with them. 

He controlled Eren enough to the point where he did not go off half-cocked, ready to bring about a third world war. He respected Peralta, recognizing a man that had a fair amount of knowledge regarding the subject of his men and women that wanted to be free underneath the foot of their oppressors. 

Now here he was, inside the medical facility where Jake Peralta was currently being worked on. He had not yet seen Jake, he had been talking with the nurses, doctors, even some people that were here to see their own children who were soldiers for them. They had all told them the story of how Peralta had been cared for by a mysterious blank-faced woman. She had asked for Doctor Kingston, now this had Levi on edge. 

This meant that Peralta had assistance from a soldier of the foundation, a female no doubt. For a second, Levi wondered if the former pervert of a man had started collecting women for an odd little move of his. Still, he had brushed that off, remembering that Jake had to put some distance between himself and his true lady love. Fighting wars, as well as men who would use loved ones and family against him, it had to be hard for the former detective. 

"Levi Ackerman, I presume?"

Turning his head with a risen eyebrow, Levi motioned with a head that he was in fact himself. He allowed a small chuckle to escape him, usually, he was recognizable by his deeds and hairstyle. Now he was just here because of one thing, the true matter of how Peralta had survived. He couldn't have survived that without a few injuries. 

"I assume that you can realize why I'm here. A dear comrade of mine, Jacob Peralta was rumored to be in your care, Doctor Kingston. I would like to see him if that is at all possible."

Kingston looked at Levi with a small smile, chuckling to himself that it would be allowed. Only before Levi could stand up, wanting to head there right away. He was stopped when Kingston placed a hand on his shoulder, not wanting the captain to head anywhere else for now. 

"I need to inform you that Jake Peralta has lost his right arm, due to the explosion and infection, we had to surgically remove it. Moving on, his body has been heavily burned and scarred. He has healed some of it but we ask that he take some medicine two every day. If he wants to gain some function in his life."

Levi released a sigh, as long as he wasn't dead. He would like that well enough, he wanted to make sure that he was well of and prepared for this. Peralta was one of the best of them, he had a steel will and no one was going to be breaking him down anytime soon. He learned from some of the best, bowing his head still, he knew that this would affect him mentally. He would believe that he had no future leading them into the battle against the foundation.

"Going forward, does that prohibit him from doing anything vital? Will he be able to fight?"

Kingston nodded his head, he knew that Jake would be able to fight. Kingston knew what Peralta did for a living and it became something that he found interesting, the rebels as certain cities had taken to calling them turned out to be a godsend. Jake Peralta was a paragon of kindness, someone that people had to admire and take certain advice from. 

"Alright, thank you. Can I be able to see him now?"

Kingston waved his hand, bringing the once fallen Ackerman to the room of Jake Peralta, he led him through the double and Levi could only utter two words.

"Holy Shit!" 

"Levi, I expected my condition to be something of an eye-opener. I shall be never be next to bombs again."

Jake tilted his head back, laughing a little at the expression on the captain's face. Still, he felt a bit exposed. He was scarred and mentally drained from all he was doing, he had been the leader within their little group. The one they looked to like a commander, even Erwin had needed him this much.

"Well, it certainly does not make me feel good for the future. I've got some news from up top. Want to hear this out?"

Jake leaned, gesturing with his left arm for him to come forward. He knew this was a bit difficult for Levi to see, sure he had seen gore and a lot of blood in this line of work. Only most of the people had died after, it seemed like Jake had nine lives, He looked like shit but he was still working like he had not missed a day of the regime in his life. 

"Come on, let's see what's on the agenda for today. I hope it's something good, otherwise, I wasted that cool left arm gesture for nothing! I worked on that."

Levi was happy that the man still had his humor, it was amazing that he had it after all this time. With all the shit they did for the war effort, Jake always found a way to make them laugh, even during the darkest of moments. He was a good guy but Levi hoped this wasn't a front, he wanted to make sure that the guy realized he was special to all of them. The hero who swept them up and protected them from the ruthless foundational enemy. 

"Well, Annie Yeager has some suspicions on who the new War-Chief of Movement is for the foundation. She believes it to be Joshua Graham, you've heard of him I take it?"

It was here that Levi noticed the oddly dark features on Jake's face, normally calm and humorous, there was a stoic mask that looked ready to freeze over with nothing but cold emotionless eyes. He had seen them for himself, he could not believe it, this was just something else, it was amazing and now he had looked at them, Levi imagined this was like looking into the eyes of the devil himself. 

"Joshua Graham, are you sure? This cannot be anything else Levi, she has to be one hundred percent certain that it's him. He's a dangerous foe, one that has the knowledge and strength to change the course of this battle with one simple move."

Levi cautiously moves forward, already he had noticed that Kingston had left the room, possibly to see to other patients. Levi placed a hand on his gun, ready to act if he saw anything suspicious. 

"And what would that move be? He would have to know that you're here Jake, he believes you are dead. Nothing else can touch you, just relax and know that I would never allow that. You have the full military support right here, we need to know, what are your moves from here? They are all waiting back at Command Ops, they are wanting to know when and where we can enter the fray, with effectiveness."

Jake sighed, with the attack at the Marley, they had lost a capable amount of their forces during the battle. Now, this left him in a difficult position, Graham would not attack with the strength of his army. He would attack politically, something that Jake was never skilled but Santiago was...he knew how they could adjust this battle with words.

"Bring me Amy Santiago, Levi. I have a way to counteract Graham before he even begins to realize that I am back and playing the game. He would need to kill me and Erwin with a simple move, although he does not know where our headquarters are. He needs the advantage, right now, we have it, we can switch the narrative from terrorists to war-heroes. I know the way that we are going to do this."

Peralta looked at Levi with a crooked smile, Levi seemed to be a bit uncomfortable. He turned away, walking out as Jake muttered to himself...

"So old friend, you've come back and you're leading a group of warriors. You haven't changed at all..."

Joshua Graham was not a man that usually distrusted his people. He knew that he had to have some kind of trust in his men, the leaders that worked underneath him and he did not wish to become like his former leader. The man that had led his people down a path of no return, Caesar was many things, a leader was one of them. 

He was a man that had the charisma to lead them into the new age and become the next kingpin who would rule the underground, only his life of sin was what led to his inevitable downfall. He was known to partake in acts with whores, he did not discriminate and became something of a god within the eyes of the women he had relations with. He paid for their children's occasion, he was a man that did not wish his legacy to be stained. Only that had already happened. 

The siring of many base-born children in the eyes of the more noble governors and mayors, it was not something to look at and be proud of. Maybe Caesar was different, he admired that about the man. He did not wish to be the one that held back his entire household, when he was brought into the legion. He became it, he made sure that people remembered his name.

Caesar, loser of his legion and shot between the eyes on the orders of Hector Gonzalez, it was here that Graham's life had changed. He was the former Legate of the Legion, the one they looked too and some people still looked at him like he held the title. He respected that and made sure that they would be treated with respect, guidance, and given the true training of a warrior. 

When Graham had heard of the warrior unit in the foundation, he immediately found them to be a bit different from his own men. Only he knew that he could still use them and give them the guidance that only he could bestow upon them. Joshua knew that his reputation had preceded, he did not intend to let that make him different, he was no Caesar. He was better. 

"War-Chief Graham, we have a Reiner Braun here for you. He wishes to discuss the war effort against the Eldian organisation."

Graham raised an eyebrow, he knew of Reiner, the kid had a scary determination to be one of the very best assets to the foundation military. While he found that this was admirable, the kid screamed of desperation and approval. Maybe he could remove that from him and make him a true warrior, these men and women in the unit would get eaten for dinner by some of his people. He needed them to be better. 

"Send him in, stay outside Vulpes. This does not concern the legion or our movements."

His second nodded, allowing Reiner inside as he stayed by the door. Vulpes could not help but notice the nervous glint in Reiner's eyes, he was scared for the things to come. In truth, they all were. They just knew to hide it better than others. 

"Reiner Braun, its a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard great things, your war against the Eldian movement, you've taken the driver's seat in that regard. You are the foundation second on that, risen to that after the betrayal of Zeke Peralta. You've started to recruit more members, hmm. I have to say that I am impressed with your performance thus far, you have my respect for taking the reins so easily."

The foundation second-in-command of Movement bowed his head in thanks as a tiny flush polished his cheeks, making him look like a child in front of Graham. 

"Thank you sir, I've come to you regarding a few things. As you know the Eldians are wanting to move in, strike us when we are weak. I remember the battle sir, we gave as good as we got. The Eldians would have to do a lot of rebuilding before they can launch an attack like that again but I think they may gain help in the form of the Asian Clans."

Graham bowed his head, rubbing his head in thought and he did believe that could be a problem, the Asians were next to nothing in the form of martial prowess. Only what they lacked in martial prowess, they made up for financially. Their businesses ranged from drug-running to running whores on the corners. They made sure that they made money, they would not be the ones to lose out on business and they always made sure that they got their due. 

"Hm, that presents a problem young Reiner. I want you to approach Satomi Warashi, head of the Twelve Tails. She operates the Asian Clan over here, they all answer to her. Bring her to see the benefits of allying with us. Do this and I will make sure that I see you justly rewarded."

Reiner nodded, he would make sure that he completed this mission. It would not be for nothing, he would make Graham proud and bring the Asians onto his side.

Santiago could not believe her ears once she had got the call, her rival and partner was alive. It was a miracle, he really had a way of surviving things out of this world and he showed it now. Amy wanted to rush to his side and begin to hunt down the bastards that dared to harm him. While the Wardens were slowly leaning into the political side of work, they knew now where Jake stood and would follow him into the gates of hell itself...

"Santiago, we got something for you. Jake wants you to head a turnaround for us, he wants to host a parade throughout Seattle. He says to make sure that everyone knows about, make sure that you bring Gina in on this too."

Ever since the loss of her mother, Gina had become different. She had not been the same, people worried that they lost the former star of the wardens within a single move. Now though, she had taken up a gun of her own, she wanted to shoot the warrior known as Reiner Bran. He would feel the wrath of Gina Linetti, her mother would be avenged. 

"Terry, we got anything on the Eldians? Recently, I've heard some chatter. Got reports of people moving in and stating that a family reunion is happening soon, you know what that could mean?"

Amy knew that she had no reason to be curious about a family gathering but with how things had been moving lately, it seemed that something was up. With the attack on the foundation recently cooling things down, people were antsy, they waited for the next big attack on the part of the terrorists known as the Wardens but nothing would ever come from their camp once more. Jake was in the hospital and they did not respect his brother enough. 

"Nah, want me to look into it?"

Amy nodded, she knew that it might be nothing but she herself did not know about Armin Arlert. She didn't know his moves and so she would question everything, paranoia worked well sometimes but she knew to not let herself get too caught up within it. 

"Santiago, we got Mikasa Ackerman here to speak to you in private. She's in Jake's office."

Rosa had walked up to her, favoring her left leg and it was something that people had to notice. Rosa Diaz was a rather intimidating and beautiful woman, just like Mikasa Ackerman.

Amy motioned for Rosa to follow her into the office and once they both entered, they noticed the trained soldier within the Ackerman. She nodded to them in respect, possibly for being the ones to guide Peralta into this position but they both knew that they had nothing to do with this at all. 

"Mikasa Ackerman, It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard many things, they say you helped out in the battle of the Marley. I hear many of our comrades died that day, I am sure, no I can guarantee that we will avenge every soul we lost.

Mikasa's shone with a touch of emotion, showing that she appreciated Amy's words as Diaz simply nodded in her direction. She understood the woman, not one for emotion but would be ready to help them in the future regarding projects. The Ackerman stepped forward with a hand on her waist. 

"Amy Santiago, I thank you for your kind words but currently, now is not the time for them. We currently need to move our soldiers out of battle, any military action on the part of ourselves will simply look like terrorists defending themselves. I already know that Jake gave you the assignment, we are changing the narrative. We are giving ourselves a voice, we will explain everything, the truth, the battles, and the losses on BOTH sides."

Amy could see what Mikasa was getting at, she did want them being biased. She needed to provide full detail of the former wars, attacks, and bombings. Hopefully, it would gain some forces onto their side and the foundation would see some steady decline.

"I am assuming that I will be getting some assistance with this, correct?"

Mikasa gave her a strained smile that looked almost sympathetic. She had to be informed of who she would be working with on this little project. 

"You will, you'll be working with Annie Yeager, witness and perpetrator of the attack on the Warden's Waterfront posse."

Amy could not believe it, she had to begin working with the true terrorist. The one that had started this whole war, even Diaz found this disgusting and now this was something that they were supposed to just pass up? It couldn't be let go, for all they knew, she could have been involved with the murders of their three friends mothers. 

"Mikasa, this can't be allowed! Annie Yeager is one of the warriors, she was someone that even joyfully looked us down as she aimed her gun upon us. She showed no mercy! How is she allowed to assist us now? Hm?"

Mikasa looked at Rosa and Amy, she could see the outright hatred for the Yeager matriarch. Something that she herself did nothing to even prevent, she disliked Annie and she was someone that she had considered a sister. She had fought with the enemy and then became something else entirely, the person that she knew was a lie, Annie Leonhart was a false identity for the warrior beneath that exterior of hers. 

Mikasa remembered the moments before the attack on Waterfront, it was all too peaceful, never knowing that a secret war was being waged and they were kept from traveling until the true war broke out...their parents killed and half of their populations lost to the warriors. 

"I do not blame you Santiago, I do know of the nature that is Annie Yeager. She is someone that is not regretful of her actions, do not believe that she will apologize to anyone unless you're her husband. This is because Jake wishes to bring her back into the fold, he needs to know that he can trust her. What other way is there than for her to give the true account of events? What led to it? This will inspire people, we are not the bad guys! We are the ones fighting for justice!"

Mikasa knew that she had lost herself a bit there, she bit her lip and breathed through her nose, wanting to make sure that she was a bit calm in this matter. She knew that she had usually presented herself as calm within all areas but these past years, even months. They had broken her down, she was nothing more than the sword without a hilt. 

Even sparring with her cousin did nothing to lessen her own worries, even if she was not an official Eldian or a legacy within the group, she had been trusted. She was someone they looked too in order to gather their own strength, people like Jean and Sasha, the ones who had their own strength but refused to see it. 

"There is more to this, isn't there? Something that Jake hasn't told us, we know that we don't have the men, nor do we have enough to make a big move on the foundation like before. So this is another play, a political one, changing the narrative as I keep hearing."

Mikasa smirked at Rosa, she could see her skill in the matters of deduction. Jake ran a tight ship, he did not simply want anyone working with him. He wanted people that he could build something with but that he could trust in their skills, Jake was a planner in war and action but when he did not have those, he could fall back on his other associates.

"This is, Jake is preparing for something from the newest War-Chief of the Arlert Foundation. Joshua Graham, he was said to lead the former Caeser's Legion before he had been killed. Unsurprisingly, he had taken part of the remaining forces and became a mercenary for hire. He's now taken a permanent job with the foundation."

Mikasa noticed the twitch of Rosa and Amy, they had already been reaching for their guns when they heard the names. Good, they were prepared. They needed to be, otherwise, they would be swept over without anything they could do in the meantime, it was truly going to be an uphill battle.

"There is one good thing in all of this, the foundation won't be able to parry our true statements. We have the account of Annie to back this up but also Zeke Peralta, we should be able to place the foundation in the center, all the attention will be on them for a while and it's only then that Peralta says we strike, understood?"

Amy and Rosa nodded, heading off to do their own duties. Amy wanting to prepare herself mentally and psychically for the warrior, while Rosa wanted to do some research on this Graham. She wanted to know if there was anything that they could use against him, something useful. 

"Hm, maybe these guys are more than just former detectives, they would have made damn good Eldians."

Mikasa's own comment lit something within her, maybe just maybe, they could see that in the future.

Annie Yeager could say that she imagined worse moments, only she never did. She could never say that she felt more naked here than in the conference room with all the Eldians looking at her.  Now here she was with former detectives, this was worse for her, she needed to give the first account, the very account that gave her the reputation that she was known for.

As she walked in, she could already feel the eyes of the detectives on her, people who hated her more than Reiner. People who had trusted her with deep secrets. She was nothing more than the bitch who ruined their peaceful existence, had she been in the right to do so? Was she truly right to do so? She believed that at the time she was, Annie was in the right. Annie had been a soldier, one that followed orders and when following orders, one had to do things that usually people did not really want to accept.

She could say that she did them for her people, to keep them safe but that would have been seen as a lie. She was not doing that for her won people, she did it to protect her family from dying. Now she was here, the very people that had once fought her, she had to give a first-hand account on that day. 

"Annie Yeager, we know that you're here to tell us the events regarding the bombing of Waterfront. We'd like for you to start from the beginning. Leave out no detail, you are crucial to the truth being revealed, nothing remains hidden forever. If you feel the need to leave the room, do so and then come back inside."

Amy spoke with a neutral voice, something that Annie would clearly recognize as her trying to not allow hatred to win out. She understood and would even allow it, Annie was a monster of the highest order. She had befriended so many of them and then blew up their home. Annie did not need to be told to leave the room, she would not, she had to deal with that she did and for her, she knew that this was punishment. Annie had to atone for her sins, this was step one. 

"I assumed that one of the Eldians would be here, am I correct in that?"

Amy shook her hood with a raised eyebrow, she knew that this would be uncomfortable for Annie. If she showed any signs of it, Annie would have to step up outside to allow a clearer account of the necessary things that needed to be said. 

"No Mrs. Yeager, this does not involve the Eldians as directly beside the bombing. We are wanting to know the motives behind the Warriors, why they did what they did and who gave the order."

Annie was already feeling more comfortable, she knew that she had affected the wardens as well at the time but she did not build a close personal bond with them. She had to tell the truth, no matter what.