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VH Roleplay [interrogation] |
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I realize I must be quite mad to take on what I am about to attempt to pull. That is, try and defy my superiors, the president, the military. But I can't let him get caught. He's my old friend, one of the first people that have shown me kindness since I've arrived at Gaia for nearly a year ago.
It all started last Tuesday. I'd been called to Central once again, for some petty reason I was sure. Perhaps they needed to station me in Lior, or help clean up the rubble of some collapsed buildings in Aquaroya? I was expected to be greeted by Sergeant Brosh as usual, and told that Mustang was expecting me. But no. I was escorted to the office of General Meyer. He was a big shot in the military from what the rumors say, and while I realize the rumors are often embellished and overblown and word of mouth is not to be trusted, I'd have to say this one hit the nail on the head. He's a tall man, with dark hair and hard eyes, and with power second only to the Fuhrer himself, he's someone to be taken quite seriously.
I was shown to a chair by two poker-faced subordinants, and left there while the General took his time pacing about the room and staring out windows. Just when I was sure I'd fall asleep in that straitbacked wooden chair, he spoke.
"Colonel Arishima. I believe this is the first time we have conversed, and introductions are in order." He cleared his throat loudly. "I am General Meyer. This is Second Lieutenant Silvia and Warrent Officer Lawrence."
I nodded slowly, wondering vaguely why I'd be summoned by him. Perhaps he was going to notify me that Mustang had been incapacitated in an unfortunate blender accident and would not be able to see me today.
How misaken I was.
He had begun to pace again. "You may be wondering why I have requested your audience today, Miss Arishima...Yumi. May I call you Yumi?"
I bristled, and forced myself not to flinch. Nobody but Edward, Roy, and Riza ever spoke my given name within the military walls. Here, I was 'Colonel Arishima', or, to a few of the State Alchemists, the 'Shadow'.
"...Miss Arishima, please. If it isn't too much trouble, Sir." I replied, straining not to let the frost building up in my throat show in my voice. I'd barely known him for two minutes, and I already didn't like this man.
He nodded. "Miss Arishima. Well, as you may have heard, the man named Veridel Hibiki, known to some as the 'Sonicboom' Alchemist, is on the run from the military for commiting a heinous crime." Meyer was watching my expression keenly, watching to see if I reacted to the name, no doubt. I kept a straight face and let nothing but innocent curiousity show.
"Is he, now?" It was easy to feign surprise in front of these people.
He paused, seeming to calculate my reply, then continued. "He was sighted a month or so ago at the place called the Alchemist Cafe, which we have found is a gathering place for misfit alchemists and other abhorrent company."
I had to bite my tongue at this point to prevent myself from grinding my teeth in anger. I wondered if he was aware that I visited this 'gathering place for alchemic misfits' regularly. "Oh, really? Is that so?" I fought to keep my voice light and casual.
The tiniest of frowns creased his brow, but in a second it was gone. I smirked inwardly. Perhaps he was becoming frusturated by my unhelpfulness.
"Yes. We stormed the place, and a myriad of events occured...but, alas, unfortunately in the end Hibiki escaped our clutches." He stopped pacing and sat down behind his desk, eyeing me sharply from under bushy brows.
"Most regrettable, General. And why is it that you bring this up with me?" I kept my voice light and conversational, a pleasant fake smile upon my face.
General Meyer cleared his voice once more, picked up a manila envelope that was lying on the polished surface of his desk, and handed it to me. "I bring this topic up to you, Miss Arishima, because we, the military, believe that you, the reknown Shadow Alchemist, the twelve year old girl whose skill and power surpassed all other State Alchemist applicants during the trials four years ago, is the one who will be able to bring the fugitive Veridel Hibiki to justice."
And suddenly I could feel the eyes of the General and his two subordinates on me. I could feel them watch with bated breath as they waited, watched, to see my reaction. I could hear Warrent Officer Lawrence clench his left fist, his eyes trained on me.
With hands that were quite steady, I opened the envelope and removed its contents.
Wanted: Veridel Hibiki, SonicBoom Alchemist.
Reason: Confidential.
Appearance: Blond male, tall, blue eyes with a hint of green. Left arm is automail. Has been injected with Jenova cells, highly dangerous. Sighted in the company of Callista Naragumo.
Miss Arishima,
It cannot be emphasized enough how crucial this man be caught and put behind bars. He is a danger to the government, military, and people for abominable crimes. He has injured several citizens as well as many military personnel. We believe you are the best person for this case, and the most competant to subdue this dangerous man.
Permission given to incapacitate any who stand in your way of the capture of the SonicBoom. We leave this to you, Colonel Arishima. Any news of this man is to be directly reported to Central.
I give you this warning. I am aware you have been in contact with the SonicBoom on previous occasions. I warn you that any attempts to alert, aid, or otherwise help the fugitive in any way is punishable by the death sentence and execution alongside the fugitive.
Best of wishes in your assignment, Miss Arishima.
Sincerely, General Meyers.
...I could probably get myself a nice promotion if I turn him in...Oh Veri, Veri, Veri...what have you gotten yourself into now?
They were staring at me again. Watching. I couldn't let anything slip.
"What makes you think I'm the woman for the job, General?" I asked with an arch of an eyebrow. "Surely there are many far more competent soldiers that you can assign this...mission...to?"
"Well, you see, Miss Arishima, given your superb performances during examinations and your admirable record and accomplishments--"
"You concluded I would be best to handle a runaway alchemist." I finished for him, folding my hands in my lap and giving him a look of my own, the kind that made the person being eyeballed think "I am an idiot".
He cleared his throat again, quite loudly. "Is there a problem, Miss Arishima?" He asked slyly. "Do you not wish to accept this assignment? Do you--" His steel-grey eyes narrowed. "--have any personal relations to this criminal?"
My own eyes narrowed dangerously; it was obvious now what he was after. That threat in the letter hinted at it, but he might as well scream it for all of Central City to hear now. They wanted someone who could lead them to Veridel, perhaps unintentionally. They wanted someone who would make their job easy for them. They wanted a pawn.
"Of course not." I replied briskly and without hesitation, although not hurridly.
Meyer seemed to ponder my words for a moment. "But you have been in contact with him before, Miss Arishima, the military knows this. Do not lie." The last sentence, however casually it was spoken, was a command and a threat rolled into one.
"We've met." I replied shortly, my eyes never leaving his, and hoped he wouldn't read the lie that I was trying to hide. "That's all. We have no ties to each other."
He seemed disappointed...natural, of course. He must have been hoping I'd reveal everything to him, and lead him straight to Veridel. Such would have made his job so much easier. "I see...well, as you have no opposition to accepting..." He shot me a sharp look, which I returned with a completely emotionless face. "...then it will be your assignment. Capture the Sonicboom Alchemist."
Lieutenant Silvia showed me out.
 Yumi Arishima · Sat Jul 29, 2006 @ 11:57pm · 1 Comments |
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