Disclaimer: Everything Fullmetal Alchemist is owned by Hiromu Arakawa
"Seriously, Mustang? Bodyguard duty?" Edward asked his superior officer, after reading the briefing sheet presented to him.
"Yes, Fullmetal. Bodyguard duty. Apparently, the subject is quite the influence in their society." Mustang answered, internally thankful that Edward did not put up much of a fuss yet.
"But their government thinks otherwise, so the kid's headmaster of all people asked a favor to the old man Grumman." Edward muttered.
"I never laid claim on their government's competence. But that is beside the point. Back to the case, you will be posing as an exchange student for at least one year unless ordered otherwise. Questions?" Mustang finished, hoping Edward won't ask one.
"Just one. Why send me? You know damn well I'm not gonna take being reassigned to another place sitting down. Outside Amestris. Of all places! What about Al! I can't just leave him alone!" Ed said, his voice starting to rise to dangerous levels.
"Believe me, if I have other personnel as young as you at my disposal—"
"And Armstrong? Isn't she of the same age?" Ed interrupted.
"As much as I would like to send her, Colonel Armstrong is not under my command but rather Brigadier General Hughes'. Besides, Hughes apparently sent her out on a research mission already so she can continue her schooling." Mustang continued.
"Damn, and I thought I can get away with it this time." Noticing a section on the briefing sheet, he asked "Hey Mustang, this says the school is expecting two students? Who's the other one?"
"I was planning to send both you and Colonel Armstrong but as I have said, Hughes sent her out on the field."
"Um, General Mustang? Is it possible for a civilian to take that spot? I mean, if you have no one taking the spot, I would like to join Brother at this school." Al asked the General rather timidly.
"Al!" Edward yelled, trying to cram all his displeasure at that one single syllable.
"Brother! I'm not letting you go alone on a possibly dangerous situation!" he yelled back at his brother. Turning to Mustang he asked, "Is it possible General?"
"Very well, you can take that spot. However, you will be documented as only an exchange student. You are not to be involved in this mission officially."
"What mission General? I believe I signed up for an exchange student program." Al replied, a look of feigned innocence in his face.
"Then it is settled. Here is the acceptance letter, school list and information sheet for both of you to fill out. You are to hand the sheets to your escort who will arrive tomorrow at 1100H. This escort will also help you purchase school supplies, after which you are to be sent back here until it is time for the term." handing out the sheets to Alphonse.
"Thank you. May I ask though, why do we need an escort? Can't we just order the school supplies from here?" asked Alphonse.
"According to the Fuhrer, the school uniform and miscellaneous equipment needs to be personally fitted. Since, the shops are outside Amestris, an escort is required." Mustang answered.
"Anything else we need to know?" Ed asked, already itching to leave.
Gesturing to a box beside his desk, Mustang said "One last thing. That would be the study materials from years one till your age level. Make sure to read up before the term starts."
Once they made their way out of the headquarters, they took the note tucked in the twine securing the box. It read:
The material may sound unbelievable, preposterous; even, but please try to suspend your disbelief as it would make things easier in the long run. Further reference material has already been sent to your dorm room for your perusal.
Colonel Armstrong
A/N: EDIT 10 JULY 2016
Thank you so much to my beta, TheUltamateBlastoise for going over the content. Like for real. Thanks and I love you, beta. I swear I'm working on the next chapters.