Title: "The Lies Have It"

Series: Manga, FMA:B

Characters: Grumman, O.M. Armstrong, and Mustang

Summary: Post chapter 108/ Episode 64- The new powerbrokers have a discussion about how much the people of Amestris should be told.

Warnings: Foul and obnoxious language from Olivier.

(****)

"The people seem to be eating up the story of King Bradley's heroic death, and it's really working for us. A stroke of genius!" Fuhrer Grumman posited. "Not to mention that it appeals to Mrs. Bradley. We need her on our side. You brought her over to us, Roy, but we don't want to lose her."

"I disagree with this tactic, Sir. The people should be told what really happened. Well, maybe not about Bradley and Selim being homunculi- that would not be believed by most; I can hardly believe it myself. But these lies are wrong."

"You're a naïve idiot, Mustang," interrupted Olivier Armstrong. "I was wrong about you being at all better than my crybaby brother. Oh, don't pout, Pretty Boy. That won't work on us."

"Olivier…" Grumman soothed. "Let's try to keep this conversation on point."

"Oh, you always defend your pet puppy, Grumman…"

"That's enough, Olivier. We're here to discuss policy."

"Yes, Sir," Armstrong insincerely conceded, her expression more sour than ever.

Mustang was determined to defend his position. "The people think we put down a military coup, but we were the coup. The truth will come out. I'm not the only one who opposes this untruth."

Olivier had a solution for this. "Who else is a weak fool who can't count his balls, probably because he doesn't have any? I'll take care of him."

Ignoring her nth outburst, Roy continued, head shaking side to side, "There are any number of reasons that could cause a person to expose the… misinformation. That isn't the issue. The issue is that if our pretense is somehow revealed, it will hurt us and damage our ability to lead Amestris. The public's trust in us will be eroded."

"He may have a point, Olivier. Journalists, power-seekers, and our enemies- they could find out and use it against us. The people's gratitude and trust are our strongest supports. The honeymoon would be over before we knew it."

"They can't handle the truth," Olivier grumbled.

"Don't underestimate the people, Olivier." This was from Roy.

"That would be impossible to do!"

"Come on, Olivier. Look at your Briggs soldiers. They're smart, strong, independent…"

"That's because I trained them. I can't train every damn moron in Amestris."

Mustang's head dropped, his chin banging his chest. "Why did you even support us, Olivier?"

"If you don't know the answer to that, you are even dumber than I thought, Mustang."

"Back to the topic, Generals, unless you want to be here all day." Grumman was not in the mood for those two's squabbling.

"In my opinion, it's our weakest element. We're heroes; we are the beneficiaries of tremendous good will. What we did was even better than what the people think we did. We, well, especially Hohenheim and the tiny teenager, saved everyone's lives. We shouldn't boast or brag, but the tale we told will be interpreted as a scam." Roy had to refrain from banging his fist on the table.

The three sat there in heavy silence for several seconds. Grumman looked thoughtful. Mustang looked patient. Armstrong looked like she wanted to smash in a face. Grumman's voice ended the lull with a sigh.

"It can't be done, Roy. We have to build our relationship with the citizens before we are that candid. To admit that we have already misled them would undermine the process. We need to prove our worth first. We stick with the program." The Fuhrer paused. Armstrong smirked victoriously. Mustang rolled his eyes.

"Well, then. The lies have it! Cheer up, Roy. I have some good news for you. Earlier this morning, I signed the order to abolish the fraternization rules."

"Pet puppy!"

(Grumman and Mustang in stereo-) "Shut up, Olivier!"