Shortly before 9, Cassie left Jean's apartment. She had changed out of her military uniform and was wearing her old training uniform consisting of black pants and a matching top. She had no way of knowing exactly how this night would go, so she figured she should wear something easy to move in. When he had quickly arrived home to change and prepare for his role in the evening, Jean had advised her to not wear the winter coat since it could make her easily identifiable. As unhappy as she was to leave it behind, Cassie knew Jean was right. Slung across her back was a duffle bag containing the Colonel's requested items. If anyone were to see her, it would look like she was just on her way for a late night workout.
Despite having concocted a potential alibi, Cassie stuck to the shadows and avoided anywhere she may be noticed. Luckily for her, few people in Central knew who she was, so even if she did walk by a person, they did not pay attention to her. Cassie supposed it was not luck and that one of the reasons the Colonel chose her to help with this is that no one would notice her actions. He may be an egotistical asshole, but even Cassie could not deny that he was a good strategist. Cassie turned into the alleyway she was supposed to meet the Colonel and found it empty. She walked far enough into the alley that no one would notice her on the nearby street and put down her bag. She reached behind her back and felt the handle of the knife she had secured there just in case something went south. She had absolutely no idea who their opponent was. She had a feeling even the Colonel didn't know. Cassie could only hope that this mission was quick and she would soon be back in the North.
Suddenly, Cassie was shaken from her thoughts by the sound of footsteps at the entrance of the alley. She quickly pushed her bag behind a bin and instinctively her hand hovered over the handle of her knife.
"Well," said a familiar voice, "what an unexpected sight. You actually arrived on time." The Colonel spoke quietly as he approached Cassie. She relaxed and removed her hand from her concealed weapon.
"Well, look who showed up here late. Really, if you're going to try and woe a girl in a dark alley, at least show up on time."
"Sorry, Lieutenant Keynes, you're not my type." He dramatically shrugged during this statement.
"Yeah, I guess you do prefer blondes." Cassie retorted and the Colonel's eyes narrowed.
"What?"
"Anyway," Cassie ignored the Colonel and grabbed the bag. "Here is everything you asked for." She opened the bag and took out the pork, ammonia, and carbon.
"So, have you figured out the plan yet?"
"You're going to make a fake body and by some miracle convince people that this human shaped thing is in fact Maria Ross." The smile on the Colonel's face gave away the fact that he was hiding a piece of information. "What?" She questioned.
"Go ahead and make the body before I tell you more."
"Why me? This was your plan." Mustang shrugged and Cassie felt the irritation building again.
"You are a state alchemist. Are you not able to perform such a simple transmutation? I suppose that's not much of a surprise, you weren't really ever useful."
"Shut up!" Cassie reached into her pocket and removed a piece of chalk. She had grabbed it before leaving in case she needed to use her alchemy at some point. She was so annoyed by the Colonel's comments that she almost snapped the chalk as she drew a transmutation circle. She was sick of him always acting like she was deadweight. She was made a state alchemist for a reason.
"Ok, how tall is this woman?" She asked through gritted teeth as she placed all the materials in the transmutation circle.
"Hmm?"
"We want this to be realistic, right?"
"She's about four inches taller than you." Cassie was not completely sure but she thought she detected a hint of a smile. Placing her hands on the transmutation circle, Cassie closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she concentrated on the flow of energy. When she opened her eyes, she was disgusted by what she saw in front of her. The fake body was rather emaciated and did not look at all like a person.
"Not too bad," the Colonel said from behind her. "Guess you aren't totally useless."
"Oh, and what is the next step in this genius plan of yours? Put a wig on this thing and call her Maria?" A sly smile appeared on his face.
"Have you ever seen a body burnt to a crisp?"
"No, we're not all pyromaniacs like you." The Colonel's lip curled a bit at this.
"Well, trust me when I say, no one will be able to tell this is not Maria Ross." He bent and picked up the body. "Open that bin." He commanded. Cassie opened the wooden bin near her and the Colonel dumped the body inside. As he closed the lid, Cassie picked up her bag.
"So, now what?"
"Now, you go find yourself a nice alibi and get ready for tomorrow." Cassie let out an exasperated sigh.
"You mean I can't even stay and watch?"
"No." He bluntly shut her down. Her jaw dropped slightly.
"I can't wait until this is over and I can go back north where I don't have you bothering me incessantly."
"We'll both be happy once that happens. Now, as your commanding officer, I am telling you to head back...where exactly are you staying?"
"With an old friend."
"Right," he said knowing exactly who she was referring to. "Go back to his place and prep for tomorrow. You remember where and when to go tomorrow, right?"
"Yes. I am capable, sir." Cassie emphasized the last word.
"I'll believe it when I see it. Now hurry up, there's not much longer before she'll be here."
Without saying goodbye, Cassie left the alleyway. She made sure no one was around to see her slip out into the main street. On her way back to Jean's, she stopped by a cafe and general store to pick up a few things and to solidify her alibi. She was leaving the general store when she heard a commotion in the distance. She knew it was the Colonel and just continued her walk back to Jean's apartment. He was not home yet from his portion of the plan, so Cassie ate her dinner and tried to convince herself that everything was going to plan.
A couple of hours later, Cassie found herself half asleep on the couch when Jean finally came back. She felt his presence hovering over her.
"Everything all set?" She asked. Without responding, Jean reached down and brushed some of her hair off her face. She opened her eyes to see the blond man staring down at her.
"The Elric brothers showed up, but everything went well." She immediately sat up.
"Fullmetal? And Al?" She had not seen them since she left for the north. Jean nodded and sat down next to her.
"It's been so long, I bet Ed's grown up quite a bit."
"He's not as tall as you'd expect." Cassie did not respond. She was thinking about how those kids were getting themselves wrapped up in so much trouble with this situation.
"Hey," Jean flicked the side of her head. "If you think so hard, you're going to get wrinkles."
"Thanks for your concern," she said dryly.
"Go to bed, things are going to heat up tomorrow."
"Is that a joke about the Colonel?" She asked with a smile. Jean sighed and pulled out a cigarette. Cassie leaned over him and plucked the cigarette out of his hands just as he was placing it between his lips.
"You're gonna be no use to us tomorrow if you're coughing up a lung." She said as she walked down the hall.
"Hey! If you're going to take my cigarettes, then you can sleep on the couch!" He yelled as she continued walking down to the bedroom.
Cassie woke up before the sun the next morning due to Jean bumping into the nightstand. Opening her eyes, she saw the muscles of his back before he pulled a black shirt on to match his pants.
"What time is it?" Cassie mumbled causing Jean to jump.
"Dammit, Cass, why are you awake?"
"You're too loud," she replied with her eyes half shut.
"Go back to bed, I have to head out early so Hawkeye and I can get into position without anyone noticing us."
""Mmmkay." She mumbled already drifting back to sleep. Her portion of the plan involved staying with the Colonel in the office, so she was going to need all the rest she could get before dealing with him. "Oh, Jean," she said having one last thought.
"Yeah?"
"Stay safe, ok? I need you." She drifted off to sleep before hearing his response.