Video

[fullmetalbrat]

[The video feed cuts in on a blond teenager squinting dubiously at the camera. His eyes widen a moment later when he notices the video display on the screen.] —Is it working?

Uh—hey. Can people really see this? If there is anyone watching, I'm looking for a guy in a huge suit of armor. Goes by the name Alphonse. [He leans closer to the camera, pointing emphatically.] If you see him, tell him his big brother's looking for him!

Now that I've got that out of the way, I got some more questions for all of you. Someone told me that when people leave this world they forget everything about it, but they might remember if they come back. Is that really true? Is there anyone who's left and come back that I could talk to?

I want to know more about this registration scheme they've got here too. I heard plenty about what you get for it, but what's the catch?

And, [he starts, pausing to glance at something laying just below the camera's field of view], what's a "pop star"?

Comments

video;

[resoundingpledge]

Mm! It's working—you can see this reply too, right?

[fullmetalbrat]

[THE FUTURE IS AMAZING and its clear Ed thinks so just looking at him. Video phones are real and they're in color holy shit.]

Yeah—! It's so clear . . .

[resoundingpledge]

[ Like a tiny window to another world. Or another small, cluttered basement, judging from her background. ]

The little circle at the top of the comm is the camera. As long as that's pointing your way, you'll be fine. You can switch to an audio feed, too—there's an option in the menu.

video | id reads "power girl"

[boobwindow]

Edward?

[ There's a woman in a peculiar costume and cape that's gazing back at Ed, a hint of familiarity in her bright eyes. She knows him, but it looks like he may not know her. ]

[fullmetalbrat]

[Ed isn't unaccustomed to strangers recognizing him (or, rather, "recognizing" his brother as him), but he certainly wasn't expecting it in a foreign world like this one.]

Uh, yeah? Who's asking?

[boobwindow]

Well, that answers my question.

[ A small sigh. She likes the kid, too. ]

Power Girl. We sort of knew each other before.

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[wing_it]

I've gone home and come back a few times, and I've always remembered. Some of my friends haven't. If there's a pattern behind it, I don't think anyone's found it yet.

Sorry. I know that's probably not what you want to hear.

[fullmetalbrat]

It's a start. I don't know what I'll do with the information yet, but knowing it is better than knowing nothing.

What's your name?

[wing_it]

Hey, they say knowing is half the battle.

Dick Grayson. Nice to meet you. [ Let's just skip right over the fact that he'd had at least one conversation with Ed in his previous stay, aaand... ] Do I want to know why you're asking about pop stars?

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[monster_san]

Yes, we can see it! It sounds like an encounter with your brother would be memorable, so I'll be sure to keep an eye out for him. Is he a knight?

As for registration: the 'catch' is being considered a weapon by the American government. They give us wide latitude and see to our comforts, but their official bulletins do often slip up in diplomatic wording. But I think we are considered that sort of commodity whether we're officially registered or not.

[fullmetalbrat]

No, just . . . an armor enthusiast. [Totally normal, right?

He pulls a face that only gets more and more exasperated as she explains registration.]

Ugh. It sounds just like home.

video forever

[vorbarra]

Hello again.

[ Gregor hones in on the one part of this he feels equipped to answer (that he hasn't already answered in their last encounter, that is). And, of course, feel free to have seen Miles busting his cover and revealing he's the Emperor, if that's the sort of thing Ed would've noticed.

For his part, Gregor is gamely getting on with life and trying not to harp on it. ]

The catch for registration largely depends on how seriously you take your oaths of loyalty. It can, in essence, serve as government welfare, if you decide not to participate in any combat on their behalf. But you are of course giving them your tacit allegiance nonetheless.

[fullmetalbrat]

[Oh, Ed has certainly noted it, but he'll keep that information tucked away until he thinks it will serve him.

Or until he thinks it'll get a rise out of someone. Basically the same thing, right?]

Wait—they really let you choose whether or not to fight?

[darwinatrix]

Oh, it's the Fullmetal brat again.

If you don't remember, then that proves it. You were here once already.

[fullmetalbrat]

Major General—! [He is not at all sure whether to be relieved at seeing a familiar or alarmed it's General Armstrong of all people. Is it possible to be both??]

I— I really was here? How long ago?

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[dendarii]

[ Gregor's covering the political angle, so Miles takes on something else. ]

If it helps, you can undo registration later. That's what Gregor and I did once we were properly established.

[fullmetalbrat]

[Registration is making less and less sense the more people explain it.]

Just what the hell is their scheme . . .

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[rathercommon]

[ On the screen is a cat. A cat who asks, quite curiously: ]

How old are you, anyway?

[fullmetalbrat]

[. . . The screen shakes suddenly, settling on Edward staring dubiously at it once more.]

Is this thing broken?

Video

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Hey Ed have yet another person who knows you already.]

Hey, Ed. This might sound strange, but- it's good to see you again.

Alphonse isn't here right now, though. Sorry.

[fullmetalbrat]

[At least he's starting to get used to it.]

Right now? So how long ago did he leave?

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[failureisntachoice]

You have a picture of that armor you're looking for? Or a drawing of some kind? There's several people with suits of them around.

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[fullmetalbrat]

No picture, but . . .

[He glances around the room he's in for a minute and grabs a lamp nearby with a chrome finish, setting it in front of him and unscrewing the bulb. He claps his hands together, touches them to the lamp, and in a crackle of brilliant blue-white energy the lamp transforms into a miniature version of Alphonse's armor, minus the fabric loincloth.]

Like this.

[video]

[protects_the_small]

I was apparently away for a few days, and when I came back my horse came with me. Though it only felt like I went to sleep and woke up two days later, so perhaps that isn't what you meant.

[fullmetalbrat]

Huh . . . So you didn't even remember being at home at all?