Erich frowns a moment, developing a somewhat faraway and pensive look.
"My family is-- Was a fading example of a middle-class wealth demographic within Rheinland. I was born on Neu Berlin and was a top student at Cologne University there... I had the wealth and the... Political connections to be a decent candidate upon my graduation."
Erich orders a beer this time, rubbing his forehead as he drinks, then continues speaking.
"I did a report on the Bundschuh and Hessians, specifically, their history and motives. But I endeavored to be truthful. At the time, I legitimately thought they were the entire reason that Rheinland was in crisis. But... My findings challenged that view profoundly to the point where my finalized thesis was a scathing criticism on the Bundesrepublik's regieme."
"To make a very long story short, I was imprisoned at Vierlande for at least three months, before I was put on a transport without being told where it was going or why. I was put in a stasis pod... And the next thing I knew, unfamiliar men were dragging me out of it. They were Hessians, and they had freed me and as many others as they could. I was later told that they stopped the transports within Stuttgart; they were headed to Omega-11."
Erich looks up at her, brow furrowed.
"I never could have imagined that those events would lead me to where I now am; leader of the Vereinigte Widerstandsarmee. I never could have been myself becoming a Bundschuh. Nor would I force such a thing upon you or attempt to coerce you into helping us. No doubt you do not fully trust me."
He then glances back to his drink.
"If you do ever change your mind, I will always be available to offer an ear. Unless I've been captured or killed."
