**Beyond the Shadows of Trauma**

The commander's enigmatic smile lingered, a subtle invitation to step into the unknown. Hange's eyes never left mine, a steady anchor that grounded me amidst the turmoil of emotions. I felt a sense of trepidation building inside me, a mix of fear and anticipation that threatened to overwhelm me. "What is this task, Commander?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The commander's gaze drifted to me, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in my fragile state. "It involves...research," he said finally, his voice measured. "A certain aspect of the Titans that we've been unable to understand. I believe your...unique experiences make you the ideal candidate for this task." Hange's grip on my hand tightened, a gentle warning that I shouldn't commit to anything without careful consideration. "What kind of research?" he asked, his voice cautious. The commander leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together in a gesture of contemplation. "We've been studying the Titans for years, but there's one aspect that continues to elude us: their origins. We have reason to believe that there's a connection between the Titans and the walls that protect our city. I need someone with...your partner's skills to help us understand that connection." I felt a shiver run down my spine as the commander's words hung in the air. The Titans were a constant threat, a reminder of the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of our walls. But what did they have to do with the walls themselves? "I'm not sure I understand, Commander," I said, my voice hesitant. "What makes you think I'm the right person for this task?" The commander's expression softened, a glimmer of empathy in his eyes. "Your experiences with the Titans, your...connection to them. I believe that gives you a unique perspective, one that could help us unlock the secrets of the Titans' origins." Hange's eyes locked onto mine, a spark of hope flickering to life in their depths. I knew that he was thinking the same thing I was: this could be an opportunity for me to prove myself, to find a new purpose in a world that often seemed hostile and unforgiving. "I'll do it," I said finally, my voice firm. The commander's smile grew, a small, enigmatic gesture that seemed to hint at secrets and possibilities. As I stood up, Hange's hand still wrapped around mine, I felt a sense of trepidation building inside me. What lay ahead? Would I be able to cope with the challenges that came my way? But I knew that I wasn't alone – Hange was by my side, and together, we'd face whatever lay beyond the shadows of trauma. The commander's voice cut through my thoughts, his words a reminder of the task that lay ahead. "I'll have the details sent to you. Be ready to start tomorrow." As we left the commander's office, Hange's grip on my hand tightened. "We'll face this together," he said, his voice low and reassuring. I nodded, a sense of determination building inside me. I was ready to face whatever lay ahead, as long as Hange was by my side.