Chapter 3: Unveiling the Darkness Underneath
Warning: Umm…, so we all know who Tucker used in his transmutation in cannon, so don't be surprised about where this goes.
On the third morning, Tucker prepared to go to the shop early and left the Inn as the sun began to rise. Tucker wrung his hands nervously as he approached the knick-knack shop. He was happy they were meeting before the shop opened and before most people were in the shopping district. His discovery the previous night that there were two State Alchemists in town rattled him.
Tucker knocked on the back door. The supplier opened the door cautiously and let the frazzled alchemist inside.
The supplier noted Tucker's nervous energy and, giving him a quizzical look, asked, "What seems to be the problem?"
Tucker gave the supplier a wane smile, "Do you happen to know about the two traveling alchemists in town?"
The supplier nodded, "yes, the younger is an apprentice alchemist. I see no reason to worry. The boy helped me fix some toys yesterday. They didn't seem suspicious. Why?"
"They are not master and apprentice alchemists. They are State Alchemists. I only got my first good look at them yesterday night at the Inn, and I recognized them. The older one is the Flame Alchemist, and the younger one is the Fullmetal Alchemist. You may want to be careful around them."
The supplier's eyes widened, "I see, so the story that they were merely a master and student was a cover."
The supplier began to stroke his chin, "thank you. Our business must remain under the radar. It is good that you were able to identify them so we can avoid suspicion, and as I supply… other individuals, who do not want the scrutiny of the government, you have been most helpful."
"Yes, will we proceed? Or do we…?" Tucker trailed off.
"We can proceed with the observation of the merchandise. When you leave, I will have you go out through the tunnels. You'll need to pretend you took an early morning walk in the woods. Your merchandise will be safe enough in the basement. We will ship it later today, as discussed. I will also keep an eye out for the two alchemists. When will you be leaving?"
"Tomorrow. Will we need to meet again?"
"I can confirm the shipment is on its way by contacting you at the hotel. Do you like this piece?"
The supplier gestured to a large dollhouse sitting on a shelf. "You mentioned your daughter. This may be a lovely gift. I can bring it by the Inn when I come to talk to you about your deliveries this evening. Since it has yet to be put out front, I can easily say I reserved it for you. It can be the piece we have been discussing these past few days."
Tucker gave the supplier a knowing smile, "Yes, I like that piece very much. I would be happy to add it to my purchase."
By this time, Mustang and Edward were beginning to wake up. Mustang wanted to be at the shop as soon as it opened. Henry's items were necessary for his training but not so important that Mr. Whitmore wanted it to be a priority. He wanted this particular trip out of the way nice and early so they could spend their last day in town before preparing to leave. However, Mustang wanted to be up as early as possible so he could search the shop without worrying about too many people being up and about to see him sneak inside.
"You sure this story will work?" Edward gave Mustang a skeptical look.
"Yes, Henry, it will. It makes sense to get the little things out of the way first. You'll be able to come back here and pack them away, and then between now and when we leave, we, as Mr. Whitmore and Henry, can focus our attentions solely on one more day in town today and then making preparations to leave tomorrow. Winter is fast approaching. So, tomorrow, you won't have time for Henry's shopping."
Edward rolled his eyes and pulled on his dark brown jacket, which replaced his red coat for this mission.
My useless shopping, not like I really need practice.
Mustang continued. "We'll leave together and then split up as if I'm going somewhere else, but…"
"We'll split up about two blocks from the shop! I know! I know! This is like the twentieth time you've gone over it! I got it, don't treat me like a kid."
Mustang took a deep breath and let it go.
Be patient and treat him like the soldier he is while remembering his age. Take it back to the mission.
"That's no way to speak to your Master," Mustang lowered his voice, "or your commanding officer, for that matter." Mustang returned to a normal volume, "If I choose to reiterate our daily plan, then I will, and you will respond with a 'yes sir'!"
Edward grimaced and turned away in a huff, opening the door.
"I'm ready to go!"
Mustang quickly finished correcting his collar, "I'm not…"
Mustang stopped to put on his shoes and walked quickly out the door, shutting it behind him all the while watching Edward walk down the hall.
"Henry, if I ask you to wait, then wait."
Mustang kept his tone as neutral as possible, but the underlying warning caused Edward to slow and throw a smug grin over his shoulder.
The supplier led Tucker to the basement, where three older teenagers sat huddled in a small cage. The basement was small, dingy, had a packed dirt floor. Only a few crates stood against the opposite wall from the teens. In the back of the basement, opposite the stairs, a dark opening led deeper into the earth.
The supplier gestured to the teens. "These are your purchases. Are the products to your full satisfaction?"
Tucker walked around the cage, observing the cowed youths, "yes, they will do. They will do perfectly."
The supplier nodded, "we can also discuss payment when I bring your item to you."
Although the supplier was not worried about the merchandise hearing their conversation, he knew enough that if by chance something went wrong, he did not want the merchandise to have too much information.
"I cannot thank you enough for all of your help," Tucker turned to the supplier and nodded in approval.
"You are most welcome," the supplier nodded as he guided Tucker to the back of the basement.
With a final goodbye and confirmation of the shipment and their next meeting, the supplier directed Tucker to the entrance of the tunnel nested in the back of the basement.
"Continue along the tunnel and do not take any of the side passages. The main tunnel leads out into the woods. Be sure that the cover is in place before you leave."
Tucker nodded once, and then, proceeding down the tunnel, disappeared into the darkness.
Once Tucker left, the supplier quickly went up the stairs and grabbed the phone. The phone rang twice before someone picked up the line.
"We've got a problem. The military has sent two state alchemist out here. What have you been doing? You're supposed to be avoiding scrutiny! Why are there two alchemists staying in this town? It was supposed to be a good front since no one else in town is involved, and the main base of operations is further north!"
The man on the other side of the phone line merely warned the supplier to remain calm, but the supplier cut him off.
"The Flame and Fullmetal alchemists are here, under the names Mr. Whitmore and Henry. I believe they have yet to discover our operation, but they may be coming your way. Even I've heard rumors here of your rebel group, but I didn't think the military would send anyone since you've kept a low profile. Keep a look-out for them as two traveling alchemists, a master, and apprentice going by those cover names."
The supplier dropped the phone into its cradle and sighed in exasperation. He moved toward the front of the shop. He needed to begin to prepare the shop for opening. However, the sight outside the window shocked him. Henry, or more accurately, Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, was standing by the front door.
A few minutes earlier…
Edward walked down the street, Mustang a few paces behind. Two blocks from the shop, Mustang waved Edward off.
"I'm headed to the back. If he asks, I'm out for a walk around town."
Edward nodded and continued to the shop. Once there, he peered in the window. Most of the shops were not quite beginning to open for the day. It was a bit early, but they knew the shopkeeper would be there and that he would open to help Edward if he gave a story about needing to complete some early shopping.
Through the window, Edward saw the shopkeeper move into the front of the shop from the back. When Mr. Greets saw him, he quickly hurried to unlock the door. Internally, the supplier was reminding himself to use Edward's aliases so as not to give away that he knew the two alchemist's secret.
When Edward saw the shopkeeper through the window, he smiled and waved.
"Good morning, Henry," The shopkeeper smiled as he opened the door, "what brings you to my shop so early?"
Edward observed the shopkeeper for a brief moment.
His smile is a bit too big…, but it's probably nothing.
Edward shook his head, "I'm sorry, Mr. Greets, my Master wants me to get some supply shopping for my alchemy practice done early and out of the way. We need to prepare for our departure on Friday, and we won't have time tomorrow since we'll be gathering supplies."
"No problem, no problem at all. I'm more than willing to help you. You helped me out yesterday. It is the least I can do."
The supplier ushered Edward inside, "Where is your master, Mr. Whitmore, by the way?"
The shopkeeper looked down the street before closing the door.
Damn, I hope I haven't miscalculated. A bead of sweat rolled down the shopkeeper's back.
Meanwhile, behind the store, Mustang crept up to the backdoor and tested the handle. The door was unlocked. Little did he know, the door was only unlocked due to Tucker's earlier visit. The shopkeeper initially intended for Tucker to leave by the back door, but the news of two state alchemists startled the supplier. In his haste to call his contact with the rebels after Tucker's departure and Edward's early arrival, he failed to lock the door.
Mustang slipped inside the back of the store, and he could just barely make out Edward talking to the shopkeeper in the front.
The back room looked just like it did the day before, like a regular backroom for a store. Shelves held merchandise in various states of repair, and this time, the neatly organized workbench was clear of merchandise. However, the door in the back of the room, the basement entrance, stood partially open, and cool fresh air flowed from the darkness within.
I knew the door was awkwardly placed! It may look like a closet door to others, but why would someone put a closet next to an outdoor wall?
Mustang paused at the door's opening. A metal spiral staircase led into the dark basement. Far too much air flowed up the stairwell for there not to be another exit. Mustang crept toward the door and, then slipping inside, began his descent. Edward's and the shopkeeper's voices still echoed from the front of the store but soon faded until there was only silence.
If there is another exit, I don't necessarily need to worry about leaving before Fullmetal is done. He has his orders.
Meanwhile, as they moved deeper into the shop, Edward quickly told the shopkeeper that Mr. Whitmore had some other things to do in town before they started their day, "he says he's going to take a walk around town."
"Really?"
The shopkeeper kept his face neutral, but inwardly he hoped the Flame Alchemist would not see Tucker as he returned from his morning walk in the woods.
I hope he doesn't run into Mr. Herring! That could potentially be dangerous. I should have coached him on something to say if he ran into these two. Hopefully, he has the intelligence to talk about the Dollhouse and not to panic.
Edward walked up to a shelf and picked up a small toy car made of tin, and then walking toward some of the larger items he kept as far from the back door as possible while he continued to shop.
Mustang reached the bottom of the stairs and looked around the dimly lit basement. It was then that he discovered the three teens in the cage. They did not make a sound, and three pairs of sorrowful eyes met obsidian ones. Mustang felt a slight chill, and then anger course through him.
Even if this bastard isn't working with the rebels, he needs to be stopped.
Mustang quickly moved to the cage and the three trapped teens. Kneeling, he addressed the teens in a low, quiet voice.
"I am with the military, and I am here to help you. There will be time for questions later. We don't have much time right now if I'm going to get you out of here. Do you know if anyone else is here besides the Brown-haired shopkeeper, the one who stays in this shop?"
The teens looked at each other nervously.
One of the youths shifted forward and whispered, "One light-haired man brought us here, and but there were two brown-haired men just a little earlier. One of them must be the shopkeeper, he went upstairs, but the other one came from upstairs and left through the tunnel."
The youth pointed at a tunnel extending northward and out from the basement. "The two men from earlier were talking about us like the one guy was going to buy us!"
The youth's voice became more distressed as he talked. The other two merely continued to huddle at the back of the cage, as far from Mustang as possible in the confined space.
Mustang made a shushing noise, "okay, in order to help you and also put the shop keeper away, I'm going to have to leave first, okay? There may be a lot of these guys, and we're going to have to catch all of them. You can help me catch them, right? To do that, you cannot tell anyone I was here, except the military, okay?"
The youths nodded. The other two now looked at Mustang with hopeful eyes. The one who spoke earlier spoke again, "the guy who went up-stairs said something about moving us later today. They were only just here a little bit ago, maybe a few minutes."
Mustang glanced at the tunnel and nodded to the youths, "I can't promise that I specifically will be back, but the military will be here for you soon, I promise."
Mustang stood and glanced around the basement, guessing that if the rebels did use this shop to move supplies, they probably moved supplies through quickly, just in case someone did stumble upon their basement. However, what worried him, was that a transaction had occurred that morning, apparently right before he arrived.
I might even catch up to whoever is in the tunnel.
He turned one more time to the youths, "someone will be here for you soon. Remember, tell no one I was here, even if they start to move you. Believe in me. If we catch your kidnappers in the act of moving you, it will give us more evidence. It may even help us catch more of them, so they can't hurt anyone else."
Mustang turned and moved toward the tunnel and peered around the corner from the large basement. With one last glance, Mustang slowly and cautiously began to make his way down the tunnel. Feeling along the walls in the dim light, Mustang took note of the side tunnels, most of which seemed to lead to storage rooms. However, a few spread out and seemed to go farther.
While Mustang made his way through the tunnel, Edward finished up with the shopkeeper, making his purchases.
I hope this was enough time for the old man. If not, this will mess everything up.
"Well, I hope that you are able to get a ton of practice with these items, Henry."
Edward smiled and, with false enthusiasm, thanked the shopkeeper, "you've been incredibly helpful, Mr. Greets. I'm going to practice a lot so that I can live up to the motto of the alchemists."
Edward made his way to the door and waved goodbye.
Once he left, the supplier sighed, I don't think they know anything, but you can never be too sure with those dogs.
He turned to go to the back of the store one more time. Once there, he quickly locked the backdoor and then, noticing the open basement door, cursed himself as he closed it.
Dammit, it's a good thing that kid didn't ask to come to the back of the store.
When Edward arrived back at the hotel, he plunked his purchases on the bed. His instructions were to wait until Mustang arrived, and if Mustang did not make it back by mid-afternoon, Edward was to assume the worst and contact Hawkeye.
Like he would need until mid-afternoon. It's only the back room.
Edward shrugged to himself, picked up one of the alchemy books he was permitted to bring, and began to read.
May as well do something.
Down underground, Mustang was keeping to the main tunnel for time's sake. Half an hour after entering the tunnel, he found himself at a barricaded door.
I didn't catch up to the guy who was there before, dammit. It might have helped the case. If he's just a buyer, we might not be able to catch him now. Hopefully, we'll be able to get that dammed shopkeeper to talk.
Mustang pushed the door open and made his way out into the woods. As he looked around, Mustang noted the military-grade webbing with camouflaging that seemed to have slipped off the opening when he opened the door.
I should put this back to avoid suspicion.
Mustang re-arranged the covering over the door to camouflage it. He then slipped over to a tree behind the opening and discretely tied a small strip of his shirt, which he ripped off, to a nearby tree branch. Mustang then proceeded toward town as he continued to mark his trail.
Once he found his way to the edge of town, Mustang made his way back to the room at the Inn, where he and Edward agreed to meet after their respective tasks.
As Mustang entered the room, Edward jumped up.
"What did you find? You took forever to get back!"
Mustang collapsed into the chair in the bedroom, rubbing his face with his hands, "I need to call in a report to North City."
"What? That isn't procedure," Edward sat up straight at the news. "What happened?"
"I know, Fullmetal. I'm going to do my best to keep our cover, but we might lose it. It would be best if we don't lose it so we can continue our mission and also not jeopardize future missions, but we need to act. The supplier is moving humans as merchandise, human trafficking."
Edward sputtered, "Wait, what?"
Mustang stood, "I'll be right back. Stay here. Since I'm making a call to North City, now more than ever, do we need to keep our cover but also lay low a bit."
Mustang stood and left the room, leaving a gaping Edward in his wake.
After informing Edward of his intentions, Mustang quickly located the phone for the customer's use and made his call to North City. Before dialing, he surreptitiously checked his surroundings to make sure no one was in the immediate vicinity.
"Hello," a clear, crisp voice sounded through the phone.
"Good morning, I am calling for the General on duty at Northern Command."
"As this is a call from an outside line, I will need your identification."
Mustang sighed and dug through his pockets. He pulled out his notebook, where he coded his identification and gave it to the operator, who then put him through to the General.
"General Raven speaking."
"Good morning, sir. This is Colonel Roy Mustang. As you have been informed, I am on a covert mission to the north. I am contacting you with an urgent matter concerning our mission."
"Go on," the General prodded. Reports for the mission were to be sent in code, so breaking protocol and making a call meant they needed to immediately and urgently take action.
"We are still in Aszamen, and we have located a potential supplier for the rebel group. Although I have not confirmed his involvement with the rebels, I have confirmed the shopkeeper as a human trafficker. The shopkeeper currently has three youths of about 16 to 19 years in his store's basement, a knick-knack store. He intends to sell the youths and apparently already has a buyer. He is prepared to ship them out tonight, hence the urgency if we are to save the youths.
"So that my subordinate and I can keep our cover, we will not be able to watch the store or act when they are moved. Using human trafficking as both a legitimate reason and a cover to take this potential supplier into custody, I believe we may take a notch out of the rebel's group. Therefore, I would like to request a contingent of soldiers to be sent to watch the store and catch those involved in the movement of the youths. Once taken into custody, it can be confirmed if the shopkeeper was, in fact, also working with the rebels."
Mustang paused and checked his surroundings once more.
"I have also found the location of a tunnel along with its exit. The tunnel is 500 meters from the northern edge of town. I marked the location with strips of cloth. It is an ideal location to bring in supplies from a northerly direction, and it shows signs of regular use. A webbed covering of leaves conceals the entrance. Also, it seems the buyer for the teens is in town as well. One more person is staying at the hotel, but I have neither confirmed who it is nor if they are involved. I also do not plan to unless ordered to do so. I would like to keep our cover intact."
On the other side of the phone, General Raven nodded. "Thank you, Colonel Mustang. We will send soldiers to confirm and do their investigation immediately. Continue on your mission. If you see any sign that your cover has been compromised even in the slightest due to these events, then be sure to abort and return to Northern command immediately. If we find that your mission has been compromised, we will send word via the pre-described means."
"Yes, Sir. We will not be here long, so if need be, a message can be sent to Egmuridcu."
After their final farewell, Mustang hung up the phone and, checking again to be sure no one was around, returned to the room. Mustang and Edward made some stops in town throughout the rest of the day to keep up a presence, but they returned to the Inn in the early afternoon once Mustang recognized a few plainclothes MPs.
That evening, the military raided the supplier's shop as he and two of his companions moved the youths to ship them out on the leaving train. Mustang and Edward joined the crowd of people milling around as spectators and joined in on the gossip, acting just as surprised. Edward showcased some of his typical temper in outrage at the injustice of human trafficking.
"How could anyone ever conceive of treating people like livestock to be sold?"
A ripple went through the crowd as people nodded in assent, and Mustang heard the distinct mutterings of rage begin.
Mustang smirked inwardly.
The kid just helped our case a bit. The town is rallying behind his outrage that they, the town, was betrayed by one of their town members. Even if the rant is from being cooped up in the Inn and not being allowed to beat the crap out of the shopkeeper.
The town was not quiet for some time to come, and the next day when the two alchemists went to buy the last of their supplies, they again joined in the gossip surrounding the shopkeeper and his involvement in human trafficking. No one mentioned the rebels, and due to their efforts, no doubt was cast upon the two alchemists. Mrs. Manning was particularly helpful in that regard.
"It's just so terrifying. You two were in the back of that shop, but we were there too, and there was nothing to indicate that he was such an awful man, now was there?"
She was wringing her hands and looking at the two alchemists imploringly. Mustang's charms were immediately turned on, but toned down for the married woman. His tone seemed to calm her.
"I know, I was so focused on helping that I hardly noticed anything more than the toys that needed fixing and overseeing my apprentice's work."
Meanwhile, Edward looked on incredulously while trying to maintain a clam outward appearance. Edward held back a sigh, Its not like the bastard really needs to worry about me.
Several people heard the exchange and joined the conversation, speculating as to how the military found out.
"Maybe there was a missing person's report that they followed? What do you think, Mrs. Manning?" Mustang directed his question at the young woman. "It's nice to know that they care about young people, I dread to think that something similar could happen to my apprentice, Henry."
The woman nodded, clutching her hands together but smiling, "Oh, yes, and when I do have children, it's good to know that they will actively look for missing children."
Others also indicated their approval, and the crowd began to break off into smaller groups to talk further. Mustang and Edward mingled with them, sharing in the town's gossip as they continued to shop for the supplies they would need for their upcoming hike.
Down the street, at the train station, steam rolled from the train's smokestack as the crewmen prepared to leave. Tucker boarded the train, which was unwatched due to the commotion in town from the previous night's events. No one knew the Master and Apprentice were the informants, but Tucker knew. Because of the military's raid, the supplier could not make their appointment, and Tucker's merchandise was lost.
Tucker knew that the two alchemists had ruined his plan. He would need to find a new supplier. As Tucker collapsed onto a seat, his head fell into his hands. He had very little time before his exam, and the bills were coming due. As the train pulled away, in his desperation, a new plan began to form in his mind, one that could give him his talking chimera, his state license, and make life just a little easier at home.
In North City, in a cold, dark interrogation room, the supplier sat in an uncomfortable chair. A stereotypical, single light almost blinded him. The moment he was brought to North City, he was given no time to rest before being shoved into the interrogation room for questioning.
The interrogator's hand slammed down on the table, and his eye twitched in irritation.
This dammed criminal is ignoring me!
The supplier did not flinch but continued to look forward, just as he had done since he was brought into the room. He kept calm. His unshakeable demeanor was why he was such a good supplier for those who wanted something under the radar.
"Who are your customers?"
The supplier kept his voice level and calm, "I will not tell you who my customers are."
The interrogator sneered, "Do you realize that you were found by our intelligence network, by two state alchemists?"
The supplier feigned surprise, "state alchemists?"
"They were undercover. You'll never know who."
"Unless you tell me, I guess I won't."
The interrogator's posture stiffened in annoyance.
"We know about the rebels. Finding you gave us a major lead," the interrogator moved closer, leaning over the supplier.
"They will find your little rebel confederates and bust them too, just like you. Don't you worry. You will be the instigator that leads us right to them."
The supplier kept his face neutral, and he kept silent. No, that's where you are wrong. It is I who helped lead the rebels to your state alchemists.
By sheer force of will, the supplier kept his face straight as he realized the military did not know that the two State Alchemists were walking into a trap.
So long as they don't know, they probably won't send back-up for their two undercover alchemists. Good riddance, and a victory for me.
The supplier continued to ignore the interrogator, who continued to shout questions and was dangerously close to striking. However, the supplier mused on his capture and his small victory with thoughts of exactly what the rebels would do to the two alchemists if and when the rebels managed to catch them due to his tip.
The Fuhrer, standing behind the one-way glass, merely watched, and suspicion rose in his mind as the supplier remained quiet and calm.
He's given no indication of suspecting Flame or Fullmetal, but that does not mean he doesn't have an idea. Flame and Fullmetal should be able to take care of themselves. Maybe I have no reason to be concerned, but he is far too calm for my liking.
The Fuhrer shook his head, what I wouldn't give for more soldiers with his demeanor and calm under questioning.
However, I'm going to have to replace that fool of an interrogator. He cannot even get the man to talk and discussed an ongoing undercover operation!
The Fuhrer sighed and walked out of the room. He was planning precisely what he would do to determine if recent events compromised the Flame and Fullmetal's covers.
How annoying, I can't go losing both a confirmed candidate and a potential candidate for sacrifice. Someone has made this more complicated than it needs to be, and I think I know who.
Once Mustang was sure they were undiscovered, Mustang and Edward finished their shopping for the day and returned to the Inn. Their backpacks were soon packed and ready for the hike into the woods the next day.
Mustang also sent his final report for their stay in Aszamen. In his report, he recounted all of the information he gathered. He had kept his call to the pertinent facts to help save the teens, but his report was able to cover the entire week, including his discovery of the teens and the sentiments in town afterward.
Mustang sent one copy to Northern Command, where it would follow protocol. General Raven would have access due to his recent involvement, but it would also be sent through Central and then the East, where Mustang was based. However, Mustang also sent a second copy directly to Hawkeye at Eastern Command for their personal files.
In the morning, their backpacks on their backs, Mustang and Edward paid their bill and left the hotel.
The receptionist gave her sincerest wishes for their safety and a good camping trip. The sun rose over the tops of the trees in a crystal clear blue sky as they made their way into the woods.
I know it's not canon, but I thought it would be fun to explore Tucker's descent toward using his wife in a transmutation. I gave him the benefit of the doubt that he didn't think to use his wife on his own and as his first option, but I'm sure once he did that, that set him over the edge a bit.
Anyway, Tucker wasn't nice letting the bad guys know that Mustang and Edward were there, but it will make the rest of the story, oh, so much more fun.