I had probably dozed off sometime in the practical exam. I had gotten more than enough sleep, but I had also used my sleep time to acquaint myself with the new things in America. I had started swimming to build up muscle that I had lost in two and a half years. I was, once again, grateful that I knew how to swim, unlike my dad. He was in the Great Salt Lake once. Still managed to sink. I had wanted to visit the lake, but once I heard and smelled how bad it was, I refused. Having a keener sense of smell was a burden sometimes.

"Hey!" someone jabbed me in the ribs, and I came out of my semi-conscious state.

I grunted, shaking my head. "What the hell was that for? I was trying to catch up on my sleep!" I spat. "I'm too worn out, for the love of-"

"Shut it!" the Colonel hissed. "The kid's up."

I straightened up, watching as FullMetal came up. "I bet this is going to be good. I mean, he is a child prodigy, right? So I'm sure he's going to do something we won't forget anytime soon." I smirked, already knowing what he'd do. "Besides, if things get out of hand, I'll be right here, able to stop him with a clap of my hands. You? You'd take a good five seconds of time to get your gloves on, and another two to immobilize him. I'd say I'm more of use compared to you."

"Are you saying I'm useless in a situation like this?" Mustang asked.

I scoffed and shook my head. "Are you dense? That's what I was trying to be nice to say." My attention turned to the pipsqueak, who had clapped and started to transmute something. I tried not to smirk as he formed his spear. Once he was done, he paused and charged toward the Fuhrer. The officers and officials around me were startled and tried to move quickly to stop the kid. I merely jumped down from the little balcony, crouched, and prepared to clap.

He stopped charging a few inches away from the Fuhrer, and I straightened. I leaned against a pillar as the kid was scolded and his spear was sliced through. "Well, that's actually what I expected." I smirked and yawned again. I turned and left the room, already knowing what would happen.

I joined up with the three outside, a knowing smirk forming on my lips. As they walked, they started to talk.

"I have to say, you put on quite a show back there." Mustang chuckled as they left the building.

Edward, clearly angry, retorted, "Shut up. I should charge you two a spectator's fee."

Mustang just laughed. "You're lucky to get out of there alive after pointing a spear at the Fuhrer President like that, even if it was a practical joke." His laughter stopped. "If you get your license, you will become a member of the military."

I cut in. "But if there's any doubt of your loyalty to Bradley, your license will be revoked. Be careful."

Edward shot Roy a glare. "I should say the same to you two. When I pointed my spear at the old guy, you didn't seem to be alarmed, Colonel." He then turned to me. "And you didn't seem too worried that I'd attack him, either. Hardly the reaction of loyal subordinates."

Roy turned to Hawkeye, pointing at the kid. "He's got a point."

Hawkeye sighed. "Colonel, in those kinds of situations, you should at least act like you're worried."

Roy faced forward again, finger on his chin. "Yup! If you had done away with Bradley back then, it would have opened up a position for me."

"Hey, hey hey!" Edward got an evil grin. "What a juicy bit of gossip! Maybe I should snitch on you to the military command."

Roy just laughed. "And where would that get you? I've got some dirt of my own."

Ed just started at him, lost.

I sighed, shaking my head. "'Do not create humans. Do not create gold. Swear absolute loyalty to the military.' Those are the three rules that a State Alchemist must never break." I shot him a glance.

"Even though the process was incomplete, you guys did try to transmute a human being. If that were to come to light, your career would be over before it started." Roy gave Edward a superior smirk. "And your brother might even be sent to the lab for study. Catch my drift, squirt? You keep your past a secret and accept the license as if nothing happened. And my own stock will rise for finding another talented alchemist. As long as your little secret stays under wraps, we both win. So don't get any ideas."

"Why you lousy-!" Edward started.

I cut him off, shooting a glare at the Colonel. "You've still got a week till they announce your results, so just enjoy your week in East City and forget all about this little matter."

"And what are you going to do, Imitation?" Edward shot me a glare.

"Me? Oh, I've got to get back to Central. I've almost gotten this killer, you see. I've narrowed down what he does in the day, so it can't be too hard to find the guy." Not to mention I already know who he is. I sighed, shaking my head. "Looks like I'll have to get my revenge on Mustang some other time."

"Wait, what? You didn't get a hangover, Hughes told me!" Roy protested. "So why do you want revenge?"

I shot him a glare, one of my 'shut-up-or-I'll-kill-you-slowly-and-painfully' glares. "Because you walked over me to get promoted, you bastard. So I'm going to make you pay for that. I'm not the type of woman who forgives easily, and I'm going to make you regret meeting me, the Imitation Alchemist. After all, I did outsmart you a few times already." I smirked, turning my back to him. "Be on your guard, Mustang. I don't want this to be too easy."

"You really threatened Roy?" Hughes laughed. "I knew you had a crush on him, but that? Man, you're really playing hard to get, aren't you?"

I wanted nothing more than to stick my fingers in my ears and ignore his comments. "Hughes, I've already told you, I hate that guy's guts. He's a self-absorbed jerk that doesn't care about anyone but himself. He'll walk on people just so he can rise to the top, so why should I let him do it without complaint? Besides, I warned FullMetal about him."

"Who's FullMetal?" Hughes asked, glancing up at me.

I mentally cursed myself for my slip-up. Again. "The kid. It's going to be his codename."

"And how do you know that? Did you talk to the Fuhrer?" Hughes returned to his paperwork.

I sighed, sitting down on the floor. "It's a long story. I think you deserve to know who I really am, where I come from, and how I know these things."

Just then, the phone rang.

"Lt. Col. Hughes." Hughes picked up the phone. He quickly blanched and stood up. "It's what?!" he gasped. "Hang on, I'll be right there!" He hung up the phone and gave me a glance. "Call a doctor! My house! Gracia's having our baby!"

I watched as he ran out of the office, shouting something about being a dad. I shook my head with a smile, trying not to laugh. "Hughes, you're still insane." I mumbled.

A/N: Hey! It's me again! I had this chapter done shortly after the previous one. I figured you'd like a double update, now that we're finally nearing the good stuff in the Manga/Anime! I'll try to update when I can, but with school, work, and moving, it might be a little while. I'll still try, though!