1 ✥ video

[undercut]

[The device is set conveniently across from Roy -- who is sitting at a desk. He's at home, though, not at headquarters. Still dressed formally, however, because that is just who Roy Mustang is.]

Such curious devices, and yet so faulty. Or perhaps the innocuous yet rather inconveniently unintentional recordings are simply a feature? But that's enough of complaining about what is, essentially, a free resource.

Truly, this is quite the fascinating city. But what I find the most interesting is its elusive history.

The carousel, the clock, these deities, and even a Warden. Handpicked not from nor by the natives but from and by us, the captives.

[He looks like he wants to ask more about it, but instead, he shifts gears.]

Fullmetal, it's been nearly two weeks. I believe playtime is over.

[A ~friendly~ grin before he cuts the feed off.]

Comments

[undercut]

Not at all.

The Amestris state military.

[mortemscintilla]

I...

[ Sheepish. ]

Have never heard of it.

[undercut]

I understand that that will most likely be a common case here. We are all from different worlds - and if not that, different universes.

[mortemscintilla]

That's what I tried to explain to the little Elric fellow.

He wouldn't believe me.

[ MyLifeIsHard.gif. ]

[undercut]

Forgive him, for a prodigy, he is rather slow at times. Call him a skeptic - it's the nature of alchemists.

[mortemscintilla]

Alchemists?

But aren't they extinct in this day and age?

[ The word you're looking for is obsolete, Li. And not in the City, they aren't. ]

[undercut]

Perhaps in your world, yes. But certainly not in my own.

[mortemscintilla]

I see.

[ Switching to recon-mode. ]

What do alchemists do in your world? I've learnt that different words mean different things to the people here.

[undercut]

It's a science - a method of equivalent exchange. I'm certain Edward Elric could give you much more comprehensive explanation, however.

[mortemscintilla]

Equivalent exchange? [ How logical. A Contractor would approve. ] But ...isn't he a little young to be an alchemist?

[undercut]

Age means very little to a prodigy, I should say.

[mortemscintilla]

It does if he's apparently working with a colonel.

[ Except armies everywhere hire and exploit children. As soldiers, as sacrifices, as success-symbols. Hei himself is the product of such practices. ]

[undercut]

He's rather esteemed himself. Not an officer, no, but well-respected for his talents.

[mortemscintilla]

And what are his talents, exactly?

[undercut]

Carpentry is one among them.

[mortemscintilla]

That would explain the bench.

But you're being awfully mysterious.

[undercut]

It's hardly my story to tell, you understand.

[mortemscintilla]

I see.

[ He'll observe the Elric boy and the Colonel further. ]

In any case, welcome to the City, sir.

[undercut]

My sincerest thanks for the warm welcome.