maskormenace | II. Video

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II. Video

[Erwin clearly looks tired today. Tired and grumpy. There dark smudges under his eyes and he doesn't look to be in very pleasant mood. But that's not the point of this inquiry.

No, the point of his inquiry this early morning is the vacuum cleaner on the floor behind him which had been sliced cleanly in half, laying in two pieces. He clears his throat before speaking.

Val, those new blades work beautifully, by the way.]

It seems our vacuum cleaner has broken.

[His expression doesn't encourage anyone to point out otherwise. He's been woken up in the early hours of the morning by that thing far too often after only a few minutes of sleep. Though, he also knows how someone feels about the vacuum. So here he is, this is almost his way of apologizing to maybe overacting.]

As I am not familiar with all the technology available and the options, I am seeking an alternative which doesn't make as much noise to replace the vacuum cleaner.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Sorry, Levi.]

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I might check with the manufacturer, in your position. They are called "roombas", after all.

I appreciate the warning, though I think a roomba wouldn't be too difficult to manage on its own. Or, so I would hope at least.

[Case in point, vacuum cleaner's fate.]

Well, I don't doubt your prior accomplishments, with regards to cleanly utilities.

[It's hard to argue with the facts.]

Given the context that this technology is different for you, might I inquire what you're more used to?

Oil lamps and horses. Electricity and indoor plumping are a luxury I wasn't familiar with before, as is living in a world which allows for more freedom.

[Well then.]

That sounds rather depressing, actually. I suppose this is a testament to your adaptability?

It is, considering the circumstances. [Which is the understatement of the century where he's from, really.] Adapting is necessary no matter the circumstances

How highly organized of you. [Organized behavior in the face of trauma has been a point of interest for Chilton, needless to say.] Is that a common mindset, coming from your world?

Yes, if one is to survive that is. [Erwin's voice is composed as always as he says that, it's simply reality.]

Dare I inquire what environmental, or perhaps social, threats must be inherent?

Threat of extinction from the Titans, which have wiped out most of humanity already, a threat which this world doesn't face. [For now, that would change if Titan shifters ever showed up.]

[A beat ensues.

A long beat.]

I see.

[Extinction of humanity?]

What a relief, then, for you to find yourself here.

A relief? That is not quite the word I would use. It's the world we have fought for humanity to achieve though, I can appreciate it for that alone.

[Because he can't enjoy this place personally knowing that the fight for humanity's future was still looming, not after all the sacrifices he had made and those he would make in the future including a trusted friend.]

Ah. Perhaps the adjustment is, in itself, traumatic?

Perhaps that may be accurate, yet each time we ventured outside the Walls into the unknown, it was necessary to take on and overcome any surprise. This is no different, even if this this is a world which is vastly different than even those in the inner walls, let alone those who were devoured, could ever hope to realize.

I can certainly appreciate the gravity of your position, even if the details are -- well, only abstract. [A beat.] I specialize in psychological adaptation [of abnormal psychology, but] if ever you feel the need for, well, additional tactics.

There is no possible way to understand without firsthand experience, I know. [Erwin sounds intrigued when he speaks again, not quite sure what he's referring to.] Additional tactics such as?

Coping mechanisms, to preserve your own sanity. Release from that traumatic reality into something quite different might be as damaging as the reverse. You might manifest symptoms of PTSD, I mean.

[A beat.]

Post-traumatic stress disorder.

[Because he's not going to discuss this out in the open, and while he's still wary, he's at least willing to hear Chilton out.]

Post-traumatic stress disorder? How does it typically manifest?

There's a laundry list of standard symptoms: violent flashbacks, nightmares, hair-trigger fight-or-flight responses, avoidance, induced emotional numbness, uncharacteristic angry outbursts.

[A beat.]

Anxiety-based. There's an emphasis on emotional reaction.

It's no longer a highly disputed disorder, though that isn't to suggest that everyone exposed to trauma will develop it.

I see.

[Though, if he thinks about it, those are things which could be said for a great many in the Survey Corps. But there it was simply how things were, something so ingrained after years of being through hell and back that it's a part of who they are. They all had their particular ways of coping to face the days ahead.

The usual methods aren't working here though, Erwin knows that all too well. He knows Levi isn't getting much more sleep than he is.]

And how would one treat this, if applicable?

Often cognitive behavioral therapy is the foundation -- you would discuss things with a professional. With me, in fact, as I am a psychiatrist with imPort psychological experience. The methods we advocate would "retrain" your brain, essentially, to translate that anxiety inherent to your circumstance. Those tactics I've mentioned, and other healthy coping mechanisms. However -- [He clears his throat.] Dialogue-based therapy can be limited, if the trauma requires a more neurochemical solution.

I can prescribe medication.

Edited 2014-05-13 06:11 (UTC)

Very well. Then we shall meet to discuss further details and treatment options. This seems like a condition which could interfere in carrying out one's duties which is what I prefer to avoid if all possible.

[Though Erwin still hasn't decided if he trusts this man offering help, if he's going to have him treating him or any of the others of the Survey Corps who may suffer from the same condition should they show up here.]

I have an office, if you'd like to meet there. [A beat, as he clears his throat.] However, sometimes individuals prefer a more "neutral" rather than "professional" ground, and I am certainly open to that option. If it's a concern.

Your office would be acceptable, so long as our meeting remains confidential.

I'm bound by patient-doctor confidentiality -- and if we consider this our preliminary meeting, well. Then it's all official.

II. Video

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