It's a good day for Rusty fans! The first of his point of view chapters. I'm sure you'll like it.

And a note to all readers... if a feeling of general confusion follows your reading of this chapter, that's a good thing. It's what I'm aiming for. This was a little difficult to write, but it turned out to be one of my favorite chapters. Chapter 10 is my favorite still, though. Anyway, read and review please! I don't know when the next installment will be up. Hopefully it won't be as long as last time though.


The day continued just as hectically as it had been passing, each and every person slowly becoming more and more anxious about the press conference that had been delayed. Many rumors spread about that, as well. Some say that HQ couldn't explain the deaths with the lab results, so they were taking a day to come up with their own reason. Others believed the Fuhrer was sick, despite the argument that if he was sick, his secretary or Rusty would speak in his place. There was no official explanation from the HQ except that the Fuhrer was unable to speak.

Though the chaos had interrupted daily routines at HQ, many alchemists were still intent on passing their inspection, which had not been delayed. The inspections were set to begin on the 19th, which was the same day as the newly set press conference. The schedule was quick and rigorous, each department back-to-back on their examinations. Rusty was the overseer of the inspections, as he had been since elected as face of the military. He had volunteered, though it was nearly expected from him. Rusty had created a set of standards each alchemist must meet to receive a passing result, and that set of standards was never in need of replacement. Not before, not now, and most likely never again.

Today, Rusty had spent most of his time with the Fuhrer's secretary acquiring each alchemist's file. These files would be used in the inspection to affect the standards each alchemist must meet. Depending on the type of alchemist the person was, the standards would fluctuate accordingly. For example, a Physics alchemist would be tested more on accuracy and precision in an alchemic reaction as well as speed of an alchemic reaction than in the conversion of elements in an alchemic reaction. The test would be mostly power versus control. Only the best alchemists were allowed to work for the HQ, after all, and only the best could overcome the criteria of their examination.

After he had collected all of the necessary information, Rusty returned to his office. After clicking the lock open, he looked up at the door and saw an envelope taped to the door. He peeked into it, and saw a piece of paper with a special transmutation circle drawn on it. Rusty instantly recognized the symbol and stepped into his spacious office, re-locking the door. He cleared off his desk and laid out the circle. It flashed a bright sapphire color, and the room continued glowing that vibrant color.

"All clear. What's wrong?" Rusty spoke out.

The circle was a transmutation circle designed to manipulate sound waves to emit in another place instead of the current place. It was alchemy's telephone, but more secure. It was impossible to intercept. Only the sending circle and the identical receiving circle could even be aware of the change, though others around the reaction could hear the sound being emitted from the second circle. None near the sender would be aware of the sounds being sent, though. This technique was complex, though, and not many knew of it; and even if they were aware of it, few could master it.

"Is it true that the Fuhrer has postponed the public meeting?" a voice responded. It was distressed and slightly constrained.

"Yes. Rumor has it that he has fallen ill. The secretary let no confirmation out while I was with her today, though," Rusty answered.

"Surely he has not fallen victim as well! It's too early… The public will lose it!" the voice said, quaking.

"I'm sure everything is all right. Just be calm. I'm on the Board; I can figure this out or at least talk to people who can help me figure it out."

"But that doesn't make me any less worried."

"Well, why don't you come in and we can talk about it?"

"Alright, then, Rusty. I'll be there shortly. Thanks," the voice said, finally calming. The light from the circle died, and the room plunged into darkness. Rusty, not turning on the lights, sat down at his desk, carefully replacing everything he'd removed just a minute before. Then, he pulled up his files and began examining them quietly. In a few minutes, a knock came at the door.

"Rusty?" the voice on the other side said.

"Oh, sorry! Just a minute. I forgot it was locked," Rusty called back.

"It's all right! I have a key, remember?"

The lock clicked and the door swung open. Rusty was slightly confused and caught off guard. He decided to play it off.

"Ah, Ian. So, how are you?" Rusty asked.

"Less than contented. This whole issue with the Fuhrer is bothering me. What's going on?" Ian told.

"Nobody knows for sure. We must remain calm, though. The Fuhrer wouldn't want us to worry," Rusty replied.

Ian shut the door and crossed over to Rusty's desk.

"Rusty, how can we remain calm when there is something obviously amiss? The HQ keeps ranting about Tetanus, but I know the Board is wiser than that! Surely, you know Tetanus can't evolve! -"

"Bite your tongue, Rusty. Are you challenging the Board?"

"No, I'm challenging the Fuhrer!" Ian shouted.

"Ian, although we are close friends, and I have not minded before, my job must come first at a time like this. If you speak-"

"-against the Fuhrer, you will be prosecuted. I do realize that, but the public must know the truth! And since when have you been like this? You're not acting like yourself…"

"Times are changing, Ian. The HQ is suspicious of foul play and conspiracy among its alchemists, and the public caught on. They are watching for conspiracy as well. They believe some of us are aiding the rebellion."

"What does the rebellion have to do with the endemic?"

"They believe it's a move from the rebellion. And reasonably, at that. Only alchemists have fallen ill. I believe it could very well be an attack by rebels and ardent free alchemy supporters. Thus, I am bound to protect myself and the HQ by all means, including weeding out those who speak against the Fuhrer and all his supporters."

"So you rather protect yourself than defend the truth, Rusty?"

"It is my choice, Ian. Agree or disagree, you shall not sway me."

Silence overcame them. They simply stared at one another. In rage, Ian had slammed his fists over the desk Rusty sat at, and was leaning halfway over it as well. Rusty sat in his desk, calm and relaxed. Ian sighed, and turned away.

"What else is bothering you, Ian? Surely, the problems at HQ aren't the only problem," Rusty questioned.

"Nothing…" Ian said.

"I know you better than that, Ian." Rusty brought up.

"Oh, so suddenly, you're my friend again?"

"I never stopped being a friend, Ian. And I won't," Rusty told, "Now tell me… what else is bothering you?"

"Eva…"

"What about Eva?" Rusty asked, curiously.

"Something about her is bothering me."

"No, really! Ian, come on! Just tell me…"

"Her mood swings are becoming erratic," Ian finally told.

Rusty nodded, "I know how that goes. It troubles me when a woman does that, too. It's only because we fear what we do not understand, Ian. The human mind is afraid of incomprehension. It strives to learn all, and when it cannot understand, it becomes hysterical."

"Right…"

"Is there anything else, Ian?" Rusty asked.

"Well, she seems to be having severe abdominal pain," Ian replied.

Now Rusty laughed. Something had clicked.

"You do realize that Eva is a woman, right? They have periods, Ian! Both of those are common symptoms."

Ian felt stupid again. He'd pushed that explanation off once more and forgotten it. It had come back to him.

"That's right. Eva did mention that…"

Suddenly, the door swung open. A man stood in the doorway, a pile of papers under his right arm.

"I'm sorry! I didn't think you would have company, Rusty," the man said, afraid of making Rusty mad.

"It's fine, man. I'm about to head out anyway," Ian told, "See you later, Rusty. And thanks…"

"Sure, Ian," Rusty said, watching Ian go to the door, "Oh, and don't forget! Physics Dept. is up first for examinations! They start tomorrow, so you better be ready."

"Oh, I think you'll be very pleased, Rusty," Ian said.

The physicist finished his move to the door, gave Rusty a slight bow of the head, and turned the corner to leave. The man left in the office shut the door and then sat down by Rusty.

"Before you say anything, Michael, stop. Be careful about what you say. The Board is getting strict about their policies against treason against the HQ. Ian, that man that just was here, has become a suspect of investigation because he might reveal something the HQ might not want revealed. He could be against the HQ," Rusty explained.

"But surely he couldn't. It would be known!" Michael told.

"Sure, but it cannot be a good thing if it is not known. The Fuhrer has his secrets, you know," Rusty replied.

"Well, what will we do if there is a threat of knowledge?"

"Well, we're in a good position. Examinations are tomorrow. I decide who stays and who goes, you surely understand." Rusty elaborated.

"Right, right. So you would just fail him intentionally?"

"Not him. We need him here to keep an eye on things."

"So, then, what, Rusty? What is there to do?"

"The other target. Removal of her would distract some people," Rusty said.

"Removal?" Michael questioned.

"Removal," Rusty repeated.

"No!"

"It's our only choice, Michael."

"Well, have you spoken to the Fuhrer about this?"

"Yes, I've spoken to the Fuhrer about this! You think I would dare make a move without reporting to him first?"

"Of course not, Rusty! I apologize."

"Right. So, then, there is no other choice, Michael. It has been advised by the Fuhrer himself… It's the only thing to do," Rusty said.

"Alright, then, Rusty. If you need help, be sure to ask me. But make sure the Fuhrer is okay with it before you ask. I wouldn't want to cross him. What with all the accusations going around…"

"Well, then, it's settled. Now, let's go get coffee and look over these files. Shall we, Michael?"

The two stood up and exited the room. A blue light died out from underneath Rusty's desk as he locked the door, and Rusty hid a smirk. The two quickly departed the HQ building, gabbing between themselves intensely.