Meanwhile: Central Meetings:
(Arthur POV)
You sat quietly in the room of the new leader of Amestris King Bradly. Of course, that was only the surface of the quiet tension that had been building within the room since you had arrived. You were being watched, by something… a camera… a set of eyes hiding in the walls, a microphone and wire hearing any words you may whisper under your breath…
Or something else… Perhaps even a Chimera that decided to endure the torture of military service, instead of dying. You had heard the stories of the chimera that may exist… but you took no stock in them. Too many unplanned variables… not enough profit and return on the investment.
But you were used to being surprised. And the cruelty of waste and destruction in the Amestrian Military.
The door opened and a smile rose on the face of King Bradly. You could tell it was a carefully cultivated one, one that must have taken everything in his control to not break. He was armed with his twin sabars… archaic weapons but serviceable in dress uniforms. And he was well versed in their usage.
You stood and granted him the tiny bit of respect he deserved. He was a new leader, with a fresh idea… and possibly-
God Willing a chance for a peaceful future for the nation… no more war, no crisis. You wanted to feel useless, to go around the world to search for war, instead of finding it close to home.
"General Bradly." You stated.
"Please Arthur, call me King." He stated with a warm smile as he sat, waving to gesture you to sit.
It took all your instincts to not ask a piercing question about him. No… stick to the low ball political question, you'll stay alive longer. He was furious about something. "I take it that the Electorate was informed that the elections for the new Parliament were postponed for a good reason?"
Bradley waved his hand. "The Situation in Ishval has almost quieted down to where we can continue negotiations with the Prophet. I will step down once the Crisis is resolved. And Elections will be resumed."
Death of Democracy… told with a wink and a smile. You should have expected it… Cetra always warned that tyranny was but one crisis away… and they fought like mad basterds to keep their democracy, even to their detriment.
Just another man ruling over Amestris with an iron hand. At least Howitzer was elected. "I'm sure you have read my Nephews Articles about Ishval, and the growing humanitarian support in the region. Nothing more than a true miracle of internal support from the junior officers and the citizenry of the East."
That, you saw, made the man squeeze his sword hilts. "I have." He was controlling his anger… and disappointment.
Should you probe further? Or should you remain silent…
Each had its own advantages… though one might leave you dead.
But the other gave the Truth… and you valued that more than your own life. "I must ask, for your opinion of our coverage of the situation… Have you seen it as unfavorable to your armed forces, and potentially spoiling the potential of peace for your government?"
If he said yes… that would mean peace was never an option for him, and you could take it all the way to the presses. If he said no… Well he might be different than the other despots who have taken power. More willing for liberalization and even a return to the Parliament.
But you did not hold your breath.
"Why are you so interested in my opinions, Mr. Ailtree?" Bradley asked. "There is so much more… interesting questions that can be asked from a man who has clearly shown an appetite for the truth, and for all who seek it."
For a moment, you thought his eye glowed red. A trick of the light perhaps. "You know why I have brought you here?" He asked.
"No." You stated. "To murder me perhaps… It's what I've planned for anyway. Already have a front page all planned out and everything. 'Assassin attempt on Fuher… Prominent Journalist killed in crossfire…'"
For a moment you saw his smile grow wider. "Of course, that is just one of them… I prefer 'Dictator kills prominent Anti War Journalist, for speaking the Truth in Ishval.'"
That made the man frown. "I'm sure you can understand that we both have power in this room. You may hold the power of politics and arms… But I have the power of revolutionary's, of optimists and dreamers who seek the Truth."
"I assure you that sedition is punishable by death." Bradly stated.
"So is genocide." You replied.
There was a moment of silent tension. No words were spoken but the glares gave everything you need. Someone was about to burst through the room, and than he was going to kill you… an accident.
"Well King, this interview was fun. But I must be going." You stood.
"Sit down." He ordered.
You didn't. You merely walked towards the door. "There's an assassin coming to kill you King… I recommend you deal with it before anyone gets hurt."
You opened the door to see a woman standing there, with the most sinister grin you have ever seen.
"Indeed… but it's not for me," Bradley stated. "You are a thorn in my side Ailtree. We're going to talk about your next story."
Several blades entered your chest, missing all your vital organs, but hurting like hell. "I'd do as he says, dear… I really don't like to miss." The woman stated.
"Good, neither do I." You stated as your shotgun slide down your sleeve and blasted her in her head, sending her flying backward
And then you ran towards Bradly. And shot out the window. Leaping out onto the battlements, his blade missing your head.
Dammit… so much for a quiet exit.
Hopefully, Sarah can keep the Paper up while you were gone. You were going to be very busy the next few weeks.
---------------------------------------------
You were a dreamer… a man… who loved his nation and the Truth.
You hoped that Alfred would understand.
Exile for a few years would be worth it for a glorious return.
Reward: Arthur Ailtree has exiled himself… no one knows where he is.
Bradly can't shut down the paper as Arthur quiet weeks before. Sarah is now Editor in Chief.
Bradly and Lust are pissed that he managed to get away.
