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

[fullmetalbrat]

We did? . . . What kind of adventures?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Jacob half-smiles.]

That's kind of a long story. We faced warships in Alaska, fought some crime... and chased a bunch of crows, one time. I could tell you about it in more detail, if you're interested. But I'm sure you've got a lot more important questions right now.

[On account of being a new imPort, that is.]

[fullmetalbrat]

[Well, that all sounds . . . mostly right.]

No, hearing about whatever this other . . . old me . . . What I did before? Whatever—it's worth knowing too.

Where's Alaska?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

It's part of this country, up to the north. The Soviets threatened to invade there once- they're a country that America is at war with.

You and I were part of a task force that went up there to handle things. General Armstrong was in charge- you already know her.

[fullmetalbrat]

Oh—was that with RISE? Are you a part of it?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

No, and yeah. I just joined RISE last month, actually. But the mission in Alaska was a long time ago- before Armstrong founded the team.

[fullmetalbrat]

Huh . . . So what's it like? What kind of people are in it?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

It's... big. Probably the biggest and most active imPort team around right now. Armstrong's got her own base in Maurtia Falls, her own weapons stockpiles, and authority over some local troops in a crisis.

I haven't met the entire team yet, but I can vouch for the ones I do know. Sabriel, Kaidan Alenko, and Maria Thorpe- I know they're good people. Good in a fight, too.

[fullmetalbrat]

Maurtia Falls? North of here, right? [The rest of that sounds pretty expected for the General, so he doesn't question it.]

Good people, huh . . . So what's your definition of a good person?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Yeah. It's one of the most intense Porter cities, so it's a good thing we've got a garrison there.

When it comes to those three? It means they've all put their lives on the line to protect civilians. They don't bullshit or make excuses, or do things for themselves. And they're all damn good to have in a fight.

This might be strange to hear, but... if you're still the same Ed I knew before, then all of that applies to you too.

[fullmetalbrat]

You've got a real high opinion of me then . . . Hate to break it to you, but bullshitting is one of my best skills. Same for being selfish. I've got a lot to look out for, you know?

[He says even though he's about to go try to talk his way into being allowed to sign up to protect people. But hey, he has a reputation to maintain.]

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Jacob snorts, not buying it for a second.]

Whatever you say, Ed. But if you want me to think that about you, you'll have to work at it. I've seen you act the opposite way too many times.

[fullmetalbrat]

Sometimes doing the right thing happens to be convenient for me.

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

In my experience, doing the right thing tends to be a pain in the ass. If it was convenient, more people would do it more often.

[fullmetalbrat]

You must have some pretty easy experiences if doing the right thing is always the bigger pain in the ass.