When Conspiring
Disclaimer: Characters and setting are the property of Hiromu Arakawa. I'm just borrowing them for a bit of non-profit angst.
Jean Havoc took his time considering the chessboard while he waited for his former general to consider the information Havoc had given him.
"Yes, I can see why you're concerned," the elderly commander of the Eastern Sector remarked.
Havoc moved his knight forward. "The last time I saw Roy Mustang he was on his way to put this information in front of the Fuhrer," he said, speaking around his ever present cigarette. "The next thing I know I'm being told that Colonel Mustang tried to assassinate Fuhrer Bradley."
The general shifted a pawn forward to free his bishop. "I always thought Roy seemed like a very responsible young man. The news came as quite a shock to me as well. You believe these creatures framed him?"
Havoc cleared a path for his rook. "At best," he said. "At worst we fear that they've replaced Fuhrer Bradley with one of their own. We need to get Colonel Mustang's side of the story but you know Frank Archer's reputation."
"He does have a habit of bring fugitives back dead," the general acknowledged.
Havoc nodded. "The way we see it Archer's being sent to silence Roy."
"I can't prevent Archer's appointment as the commander of your unit," the general said, "but I'm certain I can find ways to keep him distracted."
"That's the most we could ask for," Havoc said. "I don't know what we'll do if Roy actually confirms our fears."
"Young man, we will be obligated to take action against these invaders."
"I suppose we will."
They played in silence for several minutes. Havoc went to move one of his bishops behind enemy lines then hesitated with the piece still in his hand. "Maes Hughes has his people looking into this. If suspicions fall on any of them it would be good for him to know he has a safe place to transfer them to."
"Of course, let him know I would be happy to have them," the general said. "I may have to transfer some people back to Central to make room but that shouldn't be difficult. Quite a few people consider Eastern to be a punishment posting." He gave Havoc a sly look. "You could probably make a list of suggestions as to who should be offered a transfer first. The personnel roster hasn't changed too much since you left."
Havoc looked startled then grinned. "I could certainly manage that for you Sir."
"Concentrate on your game young man, concentrate on your game."
Choice time again: I'm going to be bringing some additional characters as Roy starts gathering allies, are their any characters people would particularly like to see? And, Wing Omega, I do have plans for at least one chapter featuring Sheska ;-) .
By-the-by, does anyone know the name of the General in charge of Eastern Command? I only remember seeing him in one episode and I don't think he was ever called by name.
