How Can I Trust You- Fringe AU 2
Late Fictober Prompt #3 “How Can I Trust You”
For the new RoyAi Fringe AU that just started because of the last prompt. Part 1
“Berthold Hawkeye, welcome to your new lab.” Roy said and dramatically flipped on the light switch and waited for the fluorescent bulbs to flicker and come to life. He walked in opening his arms and allowing his coat to flutter around hi like a cape, akin to a magician opening up a curtain to a scene of wonder and amazement. Unfortunately the audience was not impressed and the scene was about as exciting as a place mat at the local diner. The lab equipment was covered in sheets, untouched since the day the State Alchemist program was shut down. On top of the sheets were layers of dust and mouse droppings and cobwebs hung from ever light fixture and corner of the room. Once upon a time this was the center of science and research in Amestris, now it was covered out of shame and fear.
Riza watched her father walk around and pull off the sheets without bothering to ask if he could. She watched him pause and scrutinize each piece of equipment , a smile formed on his thin pale lips as if he was a kid on his birthday. All the equipment he wanted but could never afford, all sitting here abandoned by the government. It made her immediately bitter, because it was such a waste of resources human and otherwise. She let him wander by himself, when he wanted something he would surely announce it. “Colonel, I don’t see why my father needs a laboratory when he’s simply looking at research. Wouldn’t a library suffice?”
Riza was sharp and Roy had his hands full convincing her to agree to this mission to begin with, he knew he would have to be on his toes the entire time he worked with her. “Paperwork is hardly going to achieve anything. Experimentation is going to get us the answers we need.”
“Experimenting is what caused these problems, according to the government.” Riza said and eyed him. “It’s also why he’s locked up in an institution where he can’t use alchemy.”
“Desperate times call for temporary government sanctioned alchemy usage.” Roy said and she gave him a angry glare.
“Desperate times call for more government lies and bullshit.” Riza shook her head. “How can I trust you? How do you expect me to trust you with anything if you continue to manipulate us and don’t give us the truth? You do realize when he uses alchemy again it’s going to awaken his passion for it, don’t you? Or is that what you really want, the Flame Alchemist awakened?”
Roy listened to the lights hum and Berthold knock over a chair with a discarded sheet. He decided to give her some truth. “I’m giving him complete access to all the classified research, however I can’t just open the doors of the Central Library vault and let him in, They are sensitive documents and I have to go through the appropriate channels and document everything. I’m giving him one of my most trusted subordinates to act as his own secretary, assistant and liaison with the military.”
“All I see is a man looking for a working pen or chalk.” Riza said as she pointed to her father who was now emptying desk drawers looking for a writing utensil.
“Something he can’t have.” Roy said and she looked at him in disgust. He turned as he heard a knock on the door and he extended his arm in welcome to the individual as well as an offering to the Hawkeyes. “However he can have Major Elric who would be more than happy to take notes and assist him with his work.”
“My father, the secretive hermit is going to love sharing his though process with a teenage boy.” Riza said dryly as the young man came over to them.
“Major Alphone Elric, meet Riza Hawkeye and her father, Berthold.”
