It was almost time, Edward was about to become a dog of the military yet again, if only the line wasn't so damn long. Honestly, why were so many people joining up with the military. There were probable a few looking to get into the Police, a few patriots, and some who had no where else to go, but where were the rest coming from? "Even one more desk would make this stupid thing be over with faster," he said aloud, "it's not like they can't put more people on recruiting duty."
"Yeah," said a voice behind him, "there's bound to be plenty of people wanting a cushy desk job like this, but the guys in the Police don't even care. Honestly, they've earned the right to take it easy, but this level of laziness is just stupid." Edward looked behind him, and saw a young man with grey hair standing behind him. "You're telling me," Ed replied, "guess they only try hard in the beginning so they can put in no effort later on. Name's Edward, trying for the Police, but don't confuse me with those slackers." "Mine's Jean, I'm going for the Police as well, but only so I can live a nice, calm, stable life."
"I can respect that," Ed replied, "all most people want is to be able to live safely. Myself, I'm joining the Police because they have access to heaps of books, and I want to learn as much as I can."
"Listen, I reckon there's a shortage of smart people around this place, and you seems like you have a good head on your shoulders. What say we try to stick together, I could do with a few friends," Edward remarked. "Why not," Jean replied, "two heads are better than one, and I myself could use someone to rely on through the training."
As they shook hands, Edward arrived at the front of the line, standing in front of a bored looking drone. "Name, age, home, and family," drawled the man behind the desk. "Edward Elric, 15, homeless and none," replied the alchemist. The man looked at Edward over the desk, "You look a little small for-" he said, before being cut off with "WHO YOU CALLING SO TINY YOU'D NEED A MICROSCOPE TO SEE HIM!" Edward lept onto the desk before grabbing the man by his collar. Edward was about to raise his fist, before hearing the distinctive click of firearms being prepared, and looked around to see several men wearing Police uniforms aiming, what they considered rifles, at him. Ed released the man, and slowly raised his hands saying "Sorry, I have a bit of an anger problem, but you all heard him insult me."
"Stand down," said a distinguished, confident voice, and Edward turned to see an older gentleman holding a hip flask looking square at him. "Commander Pixis Sir, this kid attacked one of our men manning the desks, he needs to be punished," said one of the other demesne, saluting the man wearing a garrison uniform.
Pixis laughed, and said "If more people we're like this young man, we'd take back wall Maria with ease! Listen up young man," he said directly to Edward "If you promise to never assault an officer again, I'll let this matter slide, and you'll be allowed to join the military." "Commander, this is a Police matter and-" The Policeman was cut off by Pixis stating "I am in charge of the entire southern quarter of the walls. I say he's learnt his lesson, but if you insist on a bigger punishment, I'm sure a day in the stables will help him learn."
Edward thought about arguing, but he was being given a choice between some simple labour he could easily handle, or prison he could probably escape, but with effort, which would leave him a wanted criminal. The decision was easy, "Thank you sir, I'll try to avoiding giving out beatings to members of the Military Police from now on."
Edward was now stuck in a stable all alone. The Police had given him a splintery shovel and left him alone to clean the entire stable. Of course, he had alchemy, and it was time to cheat. He'd been slacking around for about an hour, and it was time to use his skills to remove all the thoroughly used straw and other crap. He clapped his hands and slammed them on the ground. Energy crackled, and everything covering the floors began to stack up. It was slower than usual, and as they piled up, Edward began to wonder why he was feeling so tired. When he woke up, it was getting dark, and he was lying on the ground face down next to several piles of straw and crap. He sat up, and as he was wondering what had happened, the Policeman from earlier came into the stable. "Well, you've piled up all the crap, but you haven't replaced it or moved the crap out back. Finish the job, and then you can go."
As Edward began moving the refuse, he thought back on what had happened. It looked like using alchemy was slower here, and took a toll on him, making him tired. It wasn't something he'd want to try again in a hostile situation, and even is a safe situation, he'd want to keep it minimal. Ed finished up the job, and got directions to the barracks where he was going to stay until the carts came to carry all the new recruits to the training grounds.
It was going to take some time, but Edward was going to find out how he'd got here, and how to get back.