The doctor sat down in the conference room, surround by Ed's closest relations. "I want to talk to all of you about Mr. Elric and ask for your thoughts and opinions regarding his care. Mr. Armstrong? You weren't here when Edward was having problems, but do you think he's back to his old self?"

"Well, I would have to say that if I didn't know what had happened, I would believe he was the same as always. So, yes."

The doctor inclined his head in thanks. "Mustang, sir, - pardon me for not using your title, but I find it so cumbersome, I hope you don't mind - what are your thoughts on Mr. Elric's wellbeing?"

"It's alright, doctor. As long as you don't mind me not using your name, since I find that 'cumbersome' as well," the room laughed and waiting for Mustang to go on. "I'm not sure what I think. He's always been a stubborn kid, but I don't know if that means he's stubbornly doing better or stubbornly pretending to do better." The room nodded in agreement.

"I see," the doctor replied thoughtfully. "And it seems that the rest of you agree?" He looked around the room as everyone nodded again. "Well, that puts us in a hard spot, since Mr. Elric would never admit to faking his health."

"Sir, if I may," Hawkeye spoke up. At the doctor's go-ahead, she continued. "Alphonse has agreed to live with Edward, and I think we all know Edward would never hurt himself in front of his brother. Perhaps if Alphonse keeps a watchful eye, Edward would stay safe?"

The doctor shook his head, "Thank you, but that would never work long term. We need to know if Mr. Elric is trustworthy on his own. Otherwise, I'm afraid we'd have to move him to Building C." Everyone stiffened and looked at the window, toward the psychiatric ward across the garden. "Judging by your reactions, I assume we'd prefer to keep Mr. Elric out of there. Any other suggestions?"

Armstrong began to raise his hand, "Sir, if our main concern is Fullmetal's trustworthiness, perhaps we could test him?"

"What would you have in mind?"

"Perhaps we could give him some more freedom. Or at least and illusion of freedom."

At this, Winry perked up, "I still have his arm! I could reattach it, and we could watch to see if he tries a transmutation?"

Mustang spoke up, "I don't know about that. What if he tries and no one can stop him fast enough?"

The room filled with suggestions and questions until Al's voice rose above them, "I have an idea." The room quieted and everyone turned to him. "Maybe we could let him wear it had a certain time everyday , and take it off when time's up. I know that Brother would do anything to get his automail back. Giving it to him in increments, and letting him know what we're doing, would probably be enough to motivate him. He definitely wouldn't try anything if it would stop him from getting it back. He takes all kinds of risks, but I don't think he'll take that one. He hates not having an arm."

The doctor sat back silently for a few moments before continuing, "Yes. I think that could work. And while he's wearing it, we can make sure to have people close by to stop him from trying to hurt himself. Eventually, should he prove trustworthy, we could let him have it fulltime. I am hesitant about the automail, but we cannot keep it from him forever. I will talk to him tonight and Ms. Rockbell?" Winry looked up, "Will you be able to reattach his arm tomorrow? And be ready to take it off after an hour or so?" Winry nodded vigorously. "It is settled, than. Thank you all. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to find me. If you'll excuse me, I must attend to my other patients." The doctor dismissed himself and left the others to discuss the plan.