Not in chronological order, but the boys' ages will be listed at the top of every chapter.

Edward, 12, Alphonse, 11

Edward's first day in Eastern Command doesn't go as planned.

First Day

Edward had been given permission to go collect his brother before reporting to East Command. So far, Mustang seemed decent enough, though he was angry over Edward's test. Ed didn't really see why; the Fuhrer guy didn't get upset. He decided not to worry about it and just do whatever he was told until Mustang was over it.

They arrived a day later than Ed had meant to, but they had some things that had to be delt with at home before they could set out. He went directly from the train station to Command. This is when trouble started. He introduced himself to the guards and showed them his credentials. They didn't believe him, worse they refused to bother Mustang to confirm he was supposed to be there! Instead, they threatened to throw him and Al in a cell.

Alphonse, on Edward's instruction, left to wait in the library while Edward continued to argue with the guard who refused to return his credentials. Edward was frustrated. He just wanted to check in with Mustang, get to the room he was supposed to stay in, and find something to eat.

The guard, angered that Edward refused to leave without the watch and paperwork, had Ed drug off to a cell. He filed an incident report and promptly forgot about the whole thing.

Meanwhile, Mustang was growing concerned. Pinako Rockebelle assured him that she had put the boys on the train. The station confirmed that the train had arrived on time, and no one missed their stop. So, where were the children? He decided that if they didn't arrive in the next half hour, he would send Hawkeye to go find them. Surely, they couldn't get into to much trouble on the way from the train station. It was straight down the same road. He should have sent someone to pick them up.

Alphonse waited on the steps of the library for his brother, growing concerned the longer it took for Ed to arrive. Perhaps he should try to call Colonel Mustang. He dug around in the little pouch Ed gave him for some change then went in search of a phone.

Edward was angry. This whole thing could be cleared up quickly if they would just call Mustang. He probably should have called from the station so that Mustang knew when to expect him. As it was, he might be here for a while, and more importantly his brother was out there alone. He hoped Mustang figured out he was missing soon before Al had to spend the night alone. Al was sill afraid of the dark even if he denied it.

Mustang had had enough and was about to send Hawkeye and Havoc out in search of the boys, when Al managed to convince the front desk that he should be patched through to Colonel Mustang's office. Hawkeye of course took the call before passing it on to Mustang with a frown. As soon as Mustang took the call, Hawkeye told the others to behave and set out to collect the eleven-year-old from the park across from the Command Center.

Mustang talked to Alphonse for a few minutes where the young boy explained what had happened with the guard and may be in a jail cell right now because he hadn't come for AL yet and the man had already threatened to lock Ed up if he didn't go away.

Mustang sighed with frustration after assuring Al that Hawkeye would arrive in a few moments and that Mustang would sort out the guard. As soon as he hung up, he excused himself and went down to the guard hut personally.

It didn't take him long to reach the area, and the guards were playing cards and didn't notice Mustang's arrival until he spoke. "Which one of you detained a blond boy this morning?"

They all jumped before the guard in question stood. "I did sir. He was carrying a state watch and had paperwork claiming that he was a state alchemist. I told him to go home, but he refused to leave until I returned the fake watch and papers. I couldn't let him just pretend to be a soldier around town, so I had him put in a cell."

"Did he not ask that you call me then?"

"Yes sir, but I didn't want to bother you with a childish prank."

"It wasn't a prank. I'll be taking Major Elric's papers and watch now." Mustang said angrily. "In the future I suggest you call the officer they suggested could confirm them. If you get back on guard duty."

Not bothering with the paling man, Mustang took Ed's things and made his way to the cells, where he found the boy easily enough. Ed looked upset, both angry and like he was trying not to cry. Mustang had the cell guard open the door before he stepped inside himself. "I am sorry you went through this Edward. I will ensure it does not happen again.""

Ed nodded and followed out of the cells but was a bit disappointed that he hadn't seen the guard to slip past. Once they were back in Mustang's office the man turned back to him. "I am sorry Edward, truly. I sent Hawkeye to go collect your brother and take him to your room. Do not worry about reporting in tomorrow. I need to take care of the guards."

"Thank you, sir." Edward said politely, before his anger cracked through. "Why the hell would I fake being a state alchemist anyway? That guy was stupid!"

"Yes, he was. He's already been reassigned. I am talking to Grumman in the morning. Any other personnel that question you, just send them to me."

"I TRIED! I told him to just call you, but he said you were too busy to be bothered with it, and that he was having me arrested if I didn't leave. Then he refused to give me back my watch and my paperwork, so I refused to leave without it and he had me arrested!" Ed fumed, still hurt and embarrassed over the whole ordeal.

"You are a unique case Fullmetal. It will take some time for others to get used to seeing such a young soldier. However, I will not tolerate mistreatment of any of my men." Mustang said.

Edward was comforted by this statement as he made his way out of the building, being sure to stick his tongue out at the guard shack on the way. Perhaps working for Mustang wouldn't be as terrible as Granny made out. It didn't seem so bad after all.

In the coming days, his opinion would change of course, as he grew frustrated with his assignments and Mustang's sarcastic and superior attitude but for now the boy felt comfortable with his choice for the first time since he had been given his watch.