Author's Notes: Added some new content as of 6-13-07. This chapter is still too short so I might go back and work on it again in the future. If you have any ideas for improvements or if something doesn't seem right please let me know.

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Moving Forward

As promised Roy contacted headquarters the next day to express his desire to come back to work. Now the time was at hand and Roy stood before the court of Generals that would decide if Roy was suitable to return to active duty. He stood there well composed as they looked over the documents before them. He had been injured in the line of duty when Colonel Archer went berserk. Or so that was the story that was concocted to explain his many injuries. Although that was true, he had more injuries than just Archer could have inflicted.

There were some who were suspicious as to what exactly happened the night the Fuhrer's mansion went up in flames. Roy Mustang was supposed to be elsewhere that night so why was he not on the assignment he was given. According to a report filed by Lieutenant Hawkeye there were suspicions of treason in the ranks and there fore the need for the secret mission they were on.

She did not know the full extent of Archer's involvement since he had been killed in the ensuing fight. Thankful for a connection Roy had with a military doctor he had served with in Ishbal they were able to hide the nature of many of Roy's injuries. Surely the brass would question the massive wounds that could only have been made by a sword. He was reported to have broken ribs, lung damage, and facial trauma due to gunshot wounds.

Lieutenant Hawkeye who had been separated from the Colonel in the chaos was able to take Archer by surprise and had no choice but take him out. An extensive search of the Mansion turned up no trace of the Fuhrer. His son Selim was discovered on the front steps of the mansion apparently another victim of Archer's psychotic rage. Given what evidence could be found and what few witnesses that were still alive there was no choice but to believe all that was written in Hawkeye's report.

"Tell us something Colonel Mustang. Is it true that First Lieutenant Hawkeye stayed by your side the whole time you were on leave for your injuries?" The glare of one of the generals bore through him as the question came out more like an accusation.

"I don't know if I would use the term "the whole time". But yes, Riza was there attending to my needs and caring for my wounds. We were both on leave for injuries at the time. She was helping me out as a friend." Roy spoke with a passion that said he wouldn't back down.

"Either way I see you have requested your previous position as well as the subordinates that followed you. In light of your "relationship" I don't see how you can expect us to reinstate you with your previous subordinates in a situation like this. With your reputation I am sure it's something more than what you are letting on. Surely you can't expect us to believe you won't show favoritism to the woman you've been sleeping with." General Hakuro spoke this time, acting like the big shot he thought he was. "The rules specifically state that a commanding officer is not to be romantically involved with his direct subordinates."

How shallow people like Hakuro really are. Only seeing what was on the surface and that which people spoke about. He really had no idea what kind of man Roy really was. All Hakuro cared about was gaining power for his own personal goals, to make himself feel important. Most likely he thought Mustang was the same way. A shallow person who would use others any way he saw fit.

"Now, now gentlemen." It was General Grumman that spoke up next. "Let's not jump to conclusions. I think you are all making too big a deal out of this. If his subordinates are still fine with working for him then we should let them decide for themselves. Lieutenant Hawkeye has devoted her career to serving under Colonel Mustang. Do you want to risk losing such a superb officer by reassigning her somewhere else? You should all be so lucky if you ever have a subordinate that is as loyal and devoted as she is." He gave Roy an approving look and Roy gave an inner sigh of relief for his support. The General gave a slight nod and a slight smile at the young Colonel. At least they had a strong and supportive ally. Riza's grandfather was a good man.

General Grumman was well respected and no one had any idea that the Lieutenant in question was actually his beloved granddaughter. The session then continued as the Generals once again looked at the files before them. At various times different ones would shake their head in approval or disapproval. Then everyone fell silent as the lead general cleared his throat to speak.

"Then it is settled. The field status of Brigadier General is here by removed and we reinstate you as Colonel Roy Mustang. Return to your post and your prior duties. Your former subordinates will all be reassigned to you if they so choose." The General's voice reverberated in the large room. "Dismissed."

Roy gave a silent salute to the Generals before him, followed by a curt bow before he excused himself from their presence. "Please excuse me then."

He once again opened those large heavy doors to see her nervously waiting for him on the bench across the way. She impatiently twisted her hands in her lap. As soon as the doors moved she stood quickly and crossed to him. This all seemed so very familiar, like they were reliving an event from the past.

"Sir." She addressed him, remembering to keep her professional manner. She had been calling him Roy for two months now. She silently prayed she could remember to now call him Colonel.

Roy could only smile as this all felt so nostalgic to him. Next he presented that age-old question that he never really had to ask. "Will you follow me once again, Lieutenant?" A knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"You already know the answer Sir." She could do noting but reflect that smile back at him; making sure to add something more for good measure. "I will follow you anywhere."

With that they turned down the hall and walked on toward that familiar place. The office where once again they all would be the military "family" they had once been.

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Author's Notes: Ok, to explain a couple of things. General Grumman is the general that Roy is playing chess with in episode 26 in the TV series and Chapter 25 in the manga. He was confirmed in one of the Japanese publications to be Riza's grandfather. He has been seen in the manga offering his granddaughter's hand in marriage to Roy.

Field status- Brigadier General: I figure a lot of people might not pick up on this one so here it is. Toward the end of the series Roy is promoted to Brigadier General by the Fuhrer when he was being sent to the conflict on the boarder. During Winry's epilogue she refers to him as "Brigadier General". I figure they would remove that status when they put him back in his old position.