Edward and Alphonse dashed from the room with vigor. Alphonse led Edward down a long spiral staircase and into another maze of tunnels. They navigated the maze and descended another staircase. Winry and Elysia greeted Edward and Alphonse in a small anti-chamber leading into the conference room.

"What's this meeting about?" Alphonse asked.

"We have no idea, but it's starting right now." Winry replied.

Alphonse nodded and led Edward into the conference room.

The conference room was huge. It was a circular room with high walls. The flagstone walls were covered on three sides by high rising benches and opposite the benches stood a podium. Alphonse found a bench near the back of the crowded room and was soon joined by Edward. Riza took the podium and the meeting began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I received word that a very powerful alchemist has been charged with treason and is now condemned to die. Although my military source could not reveal the name of the prisoner they could give me the serial number as well as the number of the train carrying the individual. I now leave the floor open to any three people that are brave enough to attempt a rescue mission. If you have courage enough to volunteer please stand so your name may be recorded, all others are dismissed.

Edward was the first man to rise. Inspired by his older brother's courage, Alphonse rose alongside Edward. The last to rise was Ryly. Riza beckoned them to fallow as she exited the room. She led the men into a small wooden room, locked the door and sat down at an old oak desk.

"Under no circumstances are you men to reveal the information you are about to receive." Riza ordered.

"Understood." They said together

"Now that that's out of the way we can discuss your objective." Riza said as she handed documents to Edward, Alphonse and Ryly. "Read these."

The documents were a court-martial report

State Investigations Office

Case #; 386-0984-KM

Officer#; K29067M

Commanding Officer; Gen. P. Mustang

Arresting Officer; Gen. P. Mustang

Charge; treason

Crime against the state

Attempted murder

Sentence; Death by firing squad

Logistics; transport 410 bound for Central

Edward was first to look up. He instantly knew the situation. This mysterious alchemist had attempted to assassinate Phoenix and now the individual faced his doom. The alchemist had stood up for them all and Edward was compelled to save such a hero. He stood and walked to the door silently.

"Edward, where are you going?" Riza asked sharply.

"We have an alchemist to save." Replied Edward as he opened the door and walked out, "We should be preparing shouldn't we?"

"Yes, we should, Al, forge a military I.D for Ed. Ryly assemble the strategy team. The train passes at nine tomorrow, dismissed." Riza said

"Ed, are you out of your mind? I tell you you're restricted to the outpost and the next thing I hear is you've volunteered for a rescue mission. You're a damn fool." Elysia spat.

"Elysia, shut the hell up. He's the most powerful alchemist we've got. You know as well as I do he's the only one aside from Russel to stand against him and live." Riza scowled.

"Be that as it may Mistress, he is critically injured. I've commanded him to stay here." Elysia said, her tone now calm.

"I am countermanding you and I hereby relieve you of your duties until further notice." Riza commanded.

"You know, I think your just countermanding me because you won't Edward to avenge Roy's death for you!" Elysia spat.

"Were you not Maes's daughter I would shoot you where you stood. Get out of my sight. That's an order." Riza commanded while tear fell down her face. "Edward fallow me to Winry's quarters she's built you a new automail arm."