Disrespect
Being in the military wasn't easy for anyone. Being a women in the military was even harder. Unless you was Riza Hawkeye. Her very presence demanded a certain display of respect and work ethic. Even the Flame Alchemist, Roy Mustang, despite being renowned for his cocky attitude showed her respect. This certain degree of respect however was confined to Central and the North where Olivier Armstrong reigned.
"Here sir, read through these and have them finished by this evening please" Hawkeye placed a stack of papers on his desk before turning and sitting at her own.
The door to the office opened and a tall, well built blonde man entered.
"Colonel Mustang? I'm Major Lambert, I've been temporarily assigned to you, my trial period for a permanent transfer" He said, arm raised in a salute.
Mustang glanced up, then at Hawkeye who raised an eyebrow, then back at 'Major Lambert'. Unsurprisingly Hawkeye knew everything going on in the office and unsurprisingly Roy didn't. He didn't know they were expecting a temporary transfer. He masked this well however and cleared his throat.
"Right, Major Lambert, we haven't had time to order your equipment or set up your desk however for now I'm sure Hawkeye can show you around. Is this your first time in Central?"
"Yes sir, transferred from the south"
"Okay, Hawkeye will show you around Headquarters whilst I chase up your files, it seems I haven't yet received them" With that he busied himself with the stack of papers on his desk.
Hawkeyes stood up,"Major Lambert, would you like to follow me?"
He looked at his, scanning her from head to foot before speaking,"And you are?"
The Colonel clearly stiffened at hearing someone speak to his Lieutenant like that.
"Lieutenant Hawkeye, Colonel Mustang just asked me to show you around" She raised an eyebrow,"Is that a problem?"
"I'm not following a women around. I outrank you and I refuse to let you feel like you have any sort of power over me"
She frowned, was this man really stupid enough to believe a simple tour would make her feel 'powerful'. The Colonel didn't look to impressed either, it was no secret he cared deeply for his Lieutenant. The whole room fell silent.
"Are you suggesting that I'm inferior to you Major? Is it because I'm female or is it my rank?" her voice remained calm as she spoke, not showing any sign of irritation.
He looked at her, then at Mustang, then back at her seemingly shocked by her insubordination. Mustangs glare was enough for him to realise he'd said something wrong.
"I-I'm not sexist!" He stuttered, turning red seemingly embarrassed at being caught out,"I just... come on lets get on with this tour" he bowed his head respectfully and followed Hawkeye from the office.
An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as they left.
"I should warn you, in Colonel Mustangs office theres no room for disrespect, all his subordinates are treated as equals regardless of rank or gender" Riza said as they passed a few offices.
"I see. I don't intend to ruin the system in his office but outside his office I expect to be treated like the rank I am and seeing as I outrank you I demand respect"
"Of course sir, I expected nothing less" She internally rolled her eyes.
She led him around the buildings, showing him where to find his superiors, the library, where people ate, the training grounds and so on, ignoring his snide remarks each time she spoke, before returning to the office. The Flame Alchemist didn't ignore the exasperated look on his Lieutenants face nor the glare Major Lambert was shooting Hawkeye. Was this guy really that much of a handful?
"You can all go on lunch if you want" Mustang said loudly, watching his subordinates depart.
"Thanks Boss" Havoc grinned, pulling out his box of cigarettes as he left.
Hawkeye remained behind, waiting till the door had closed behind the others.
"How was he? Worth keeping you think? Or is he going to bring the team down"
"He doesn't really understand that respect is earned sir, nor does he show respect. I suspect he's sexist to be honest with you" In reality the man had been utterly disrespectful, interrupting, talking down to her and making degrading remarks.
"I see, I don't particularly like him either Lieutenant, I feel like he abuses his position"
Slowly Mustangs team filed in, Lambert stood awkwardly by the door, not having been assigned a desk yet. Fuery walked past him, holding two plastic containers of food from the cafe. He handed one to the Colonel and one to Hawkeye.
"Wait, you have your subordinates bring you food?" Major Lambert said, the tone of jealousy laced his voice.
"I didn't ask him to. Fuery is simply kind enough to do so and to bring the Lieutenant food too. It's all about respect" The Colonel smiled coolly.
A vein twitched in Lambert's temple,"I outrank your Lieutenant yet I don't even have a desk whilst she's being brought food by your team. How the fuck is that fair!?"
Breda looked up lazily,"Wouldn't say that if I were you"
"Yeah I mean she's been here longer, no disrespect sir but we try to look after each other and she's an important part of the team and a friend" Fuery looked up, a small smile etched on his face.
Major Lambert glared. He was fuming.
"I won't be second to someone who is inferior to me and a woman at that. Theres a reason this room is mainly full of men!"
"You want this transfer don't you Lambert? Because you're making a shit impression. Tell me do you know any heroes of Ishval?" The Colonel growled.
He blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in subject.
"The Flame Alchemist, The Crimson Alchemist, The Hawks Eye-" he listed before Mustang interrupted.
"And can you tell me the names of these 'heroes' please" He'd stood up and walked towards Lambert, inches away now.
"Solf Kimberlee, Roy Mustang and then the Hawks Eye was a sniper but his identity was never confirmed"
"My Lieutenant is The Hawks Eye, I'm fairly certain her skills are superior to yours. Every member of my team I personally picked. You are not someone who's welcome here. I hope you didn't expect to stay in central long because your transfer is being denied" He watched in grim satisfaction as Lambert looked again at Hawkeye, shocked.
"You bitc-" He began but was cut of by Mustangs gloved hand around his throat.
"Disrespect in this office will not be tolerated. I want you out of Central in the next 48 hours or I'll have you charged with insubordination, harassment and misconduct on military sounds. Understood?"
Lambert nodded and as soon as the Colonel released him stumbled out of the office, his ego in tatters.
"Sir that wasn't necessary" The Lieutenant said, not bothering to hide her smile.
"That was more than necessary. Nobody disrespects my subordinates" He said, turning back to his desk, especially not my Queen, he mentally added.