Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist. I only own the plot, a laptop, and a really dark mind.


It felt like an eternity before Colonel Roy Mustang reached the office of the Fuhrer of Amestris. It might as well have been since the Colonel felt 10 times older than when he left his office only five minutes ago. He stayed up the entire night trying to figure out everything he could about Lucas McHugh, and the lack of sleep was really taking its toll.

Roy was barely aware of the two synchronized salutes that he received from the soldiers that were posted outside the Fuhrer's office, and only became aware of them when the shorter of the two stopped him. "Colonel Mustang, what is your business here?" the soldier said, cutting off Roy's path to the office. "The Fuhrer is not expecting you today."

Roy sighed. He really hated that he didn't have a higher rank. If he were a General he'd be allowed to pass without a second glance, but that, however, was not the case. "I wish to speak to the Fuhrer about some potential danger that the Fullmetal Alchemist and a civilian may currently be in."

"I'm sorry sir, but the Fuhrer is full until 1800 hours this evening." The other soldier said. "We will, however, inform his Excellency that you visited."

The Fullmetal Alchemist was potentially in life threatening danger, and the Fuhrer was too busy? Roy felt rage boil up inside of him, and it took all of his self-control to keep from burning the two soldiers to a crisp. They were only following orders, he reminded himself. Plus, burning people to a crisp is usually frowned upon, and would earn him a title of "Rouge Alchemist."

"I see," the Colonel said, making sure to keep his face void of any emotion. "Shall I come back at 1800 hours then?"

"Yes sir, we will alert the Fuhrer of your appointment."

With that, the Colonel turned on his heel and began the journey back to his office. The government was corrupt. Roy had known this for a while, but here was nothing he could do about it. His rank was high enough to gain some respect among the many military officials, but among the higher ups he was nothing more than a lapdog, and he hated that. He hated feeling useless, but that's why he kept on fighting. If he gave up, then he'd always be useless. Nothing more than a wet match.

So that's why when he arrived back in his office he, one by one, sent every member of his team to the Fuhrers office until he got a phone call directly from that very same office. Smiling smugly, Roy answered. "You have reached the office of Colonel Roy Mustang, this is him speaking."

"Persistent aren't you Colonel?" the voice of the Fuhrer said. "This better be important, I'm am a very busy man you know."

"I can assure you that this is a matter of utmost importance, sir."

"Very well Colonel get on with it."

"I am sure that you know about the mine inspection that the Fullmetal Alchemist is currently conducting in East City."

"I gave the order Colonel, I don't see what the problem is."

"I'm sure that you are also aware of the recent threats to him also."

"Is this what this is about Colonel? The Fullmetal Alchemist is a highly skilled alchemist and is more than able to take care of himself."

"And I'm more than aware of that sir, but with this threat it just wouldn't be safe-"

"That is enough Colonel Mustang. So far there hasn't been any reason to withdrawal the mission, and I don't think there ever will be one. Have a good day Colonel." With that, the Fuhrer of Amestris hung up.

Roy sat at his desk with the receiver to his ear for a long time. He couldn't believe it. Fullmetal was in danger and there was nothing he could do about it. He was a wet match in every way possible, but what he didn't get was why the situation wasn't handled with more urgency. Roy thought for sure that the Fuhrer would risk anything for one of the militaries precious State Alchemists. Something wasn't right here and Roy was going to get to the bottom of it.

"Team, get your asses in here!" Roy yelled, followed by a hurried shuffle in the outer office.

The door to Mustang's inner office was soon thrown open, and his team hurried in to stand at attention in front of Roy's desk. "Sir." They all said, in perfect unison.

"At ease." As soon as those words were spoken, Mustang's team withdrew their salutes and relaxed. "As I'm sure all of you are aware, the Fuhrer has continuously refused our attempts to remove Fullmetal and his brother from the danger that they face in East City. He claims that there is no reason to withdrawal the mission, but I'm not buying it. However, our hands are tied. We are under strict orders not to leave Central."

"But we've got to do something sir." All attention in the room was drawn to Second Lieutenant Havoc. It was no secret that the Second Lieutenant was the closest person on the team to the brothers. The three of them would often play pranks on various members of the office, much to the Colonel's annoyance. If anyone would be affected by the current events, it would be Havoc.

"Honestly Lieutenant, do you even know me at all?" Mustang let a smug grin settle onto his face, before taking a commanding stance. "Breda, Falman, I want any and all information on this Lucas McHugh. Don't stop until you know the color of boxers he put on this morning."

"Sir." The two soldiers saluted, before scurrying off to do exactly what they were commanded.

"Fuery, I want you to contact General Grumman at Eastern Command and don't leave the line until you know exactly where Fullmetal is."

"Sir." Squeaked the young sergeant before following Breda and Falman into the outer office.

Finally, only Hawkeye and Havoc remained. Mustang let his grin widen when his eyes met his Second Lieutenants. "Havoc, I would like you to continue to make a couple well timed visits to the Fuhrer's office. Make sure that by the end of the day, all of us are on a train to East City."

"I'll try my best sir." A wide grin that mirrored Mustang's own spread across the Second Lieutenants face. If anyone was capable of annoying the Fuhrer into action, it was Havoc.

The Second Lieutenant turned on his heels to fulfil his duties, leaving Hawkeye alone with the Colonel. "I expect you to make sure these orders are fulfilled, Lieutenant."

"For once, I don't think that'll be a problem, sir." The First Lieutenant remained formal as ever, though Roy could catch the smile in her eyes. Indeed, the outer office was unusually quiet, save for the murmur of Fuery on the communicator. Everyone was desperate to make sure that the Elric brothers returned to Central safe and sound.

"You're dismissed Lieutenant."

Once Hawkeye had left, and the door to Mustang's inner office had slammed shut, the Colonel allowed himself to relax. He really did have a great team. Roy made a mental note to take them all out to dinner once this whole fiasco was over.

Mustang leaned back in his chair and let out a breath. "Don't worry Fullmetal, we're on our way."


Hey...long time no see. I'm so sorry for the delay on this update. My computer was having issues and it made it impossible for me to update. Anyway, I was going to originally have part of this chapter be in Ed's PoV, but this just ended in such a great spot, so you'll have to wait for Ed angst until the next chapter. Also, sorry for any OOCness, especially around the Fuhrer phone call scene. I had an impossibly hard time writing that part while trying to do the characters justice. Well I guess that's about it. Until the next chapter...

-ThePsychedelicBean