explosivecombat | 001. [video/action for Route 43]

001. [video/action for Route 43]

[There had been some definite toying around on this particular connection today, the screen flickering off and on as the PGC's functions were flipped from video to voice to text and back - anyone with a reasonably quick eye may have caught glimpses of amber eyes and long black hair, and perhaps sharp features holding an expression that seemed more amused than anything else. However, Kimblee has never really been interested in wasting too much time with playthings; the PGC hasn't been completely abandoned, as there are occasional sounds that indicate that someone is still in the area - footsteps once in a while, followed by odd scratching sounds and the like - but Kimblee himself is nowhere to be seen.

...probably because he's left the thing on in Voice mode before wandering away from it. The technology is a bit beyond him, and apparently he hasn't quite figured out how to turn it off.]

...try this again, shall we?

[Either Kimblee is muttering to himself or his conversational partner is exceedingly boring, as there's no response; either way, there's a bit of odd rustling, like fabric being shifted a bit, before a sharp snap - someone clapping their hands together, perhaps.

A brief pause. Another clapping sound.

Sigh.]

No...no, of course not.

[A few moments pass before there's a bit of a clatter - clearly he's decided the PGC is worth another shot, as he's back to fiddling with it, humming lightly to himself as the screen suddenly flickers to life.

Good afternoon! This would be Kimblee. And just barely visible on the ledge behind him would be several circles etched into it, with various designs scrawled into them.

For those who are familiar with transmutation circles, it seems he's been making an...attempt at alchemy. A very, uh, persistent attempt. Given that the clapping implies he was just trying to blow the thing up, apparently he just really doesn't like that ledge.]

Well, it seems that even with four functioning limbs you can't vault over them properly, and the chimera I've been given is useless in terms of destroying them. Either these ledges are defying all logic, or there's some other force at work. Dare I ask?

[Because as polite as his tone is...no, really, those ledges are just unfair.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

["What in the world" actually sums it up quite perfectly. Though, it this case it's more of "in which world are we talking."]

I've... heard things of an alternate version of Amestris. [He's heard this from just about everyone from Amestris - and no one seems to know him. Fantastic.] I suppose that would explain it. [It makes him sound stupid to say it though...]

I am Colonel Frank Archer. I worked with you for... an extended period of time. The... version of you I know was killed in Liore not long ago.

[...that was terrible.]

Colonel Archer, then - quite the pleasure. I would return the introduction, but from the sound of it that would be horribly redundant.

[His voice remains even enough, his expression easy, but the look in his eyes is hard; he'll bite back exactly how strange he's finding that entire explanation for now - it sounds delusional, but bluntly put, there's nothing about this entire experience that doesn't.]

Although I have to admit that I've never heard of these 'alternate versions' you're referring to, nor do I know what you're talking about...mind if I ask you to elaborate?

[Oh shut up. ...Also, are you... smiling at him...? Well, this is turning into the weirdest day ever, thanks.]

I heard from both FullMetal and Mustang that there is an alternate version of Amestris. [Edward mentioned fighting Kimbley... This must be the version he was talking about. Would it have killed him to mention the suit and the smiling like a moron?] I'm not entirely sure how, but it appears that this world is capable of pulling people from just about anywhere.

That is rather unusual, isn't it - although I suppose that, in its own way, it would explain a good amount.

[Only...not, because speaking of not mentioning things, you have very effectively just told Kimblee nothing. Good job! Perhaps the information regarding Fullmetal and Mustang is of vague interest, as knowing that they're here at all is a good thing, but overall?

...dear lord you are useless]

Shall I assume you awakened in this area as well?

[Oh come on, he's not useless...!]

[...Well...]

Yes, I did. From what I've gathered the majority of the people just arriving here wake up in another town entirely. ["New Bark" or something. That's not the point.] I take it you found yourself in the Team Rocket base? [He at least knows a little bit more about that! Which would be why he's still in his military uniform - no sense in running around in something that ridiculous anyway.]

[Well! Whatever virtues you have that allowed you to achieve your ranking, it certainly wasn't any sense of subtlety, was it...but while we're on the topic, why not.]

So I did; I must say that after all the general confusion that occurred as a result, running into someone else from Amestris - as different though your version of Amestris may be - is a rather welcome turn of events.

Of course. [For a fraction of a second something in Archer's expression changes. He looks distant and thoughtful, as though his mind is somewhere else entirely.]

[But that's replaced quickly by the usual smirk.] I haven't been here very long. Some of the others I've talked to have mentioned being here for over a year. I have no intention of staying here; do you? [The last question is as sarcastic as it is rhetorical.] Unfortunately no one seems to know how to return home.

[Kimblee notes the shift in expression; what with how much of his time he spends scanning others, particularly newcomers, it would be more difficult for him not to notice. If this person knows...him, or rather a 'version' of him who died recently, it would make sense that he wouldn't necessarily be pleased to see him here; perhaps it would be an unpleasant reminder - yes, that would make sense, and given how informal the initial greeting was, it's safe to assume that there was perhaps some degree of...familiarity there...

It's something to keep an eye on, at any rate.]

Well, that is unfortunate. What were you in the process of doing back in Amestris, if I may?

[There are a few reasons for that question, the primary being that Archer sounds as though he has something to return to; Kimblee has been rather aware from the start that he can't exactly say the same. He'd been vaguely amused to find himself here, given that; the concept of an afterlife is one that he's never entertained. But if that isn't what this is...well. That's something, isn't it.]

I was commanding the troops in Liore - we had been ordered to invade the city due to the rumor that Scar was there. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a trap and Scar must have managed to activate the array despite having no arms.

[Yeah, someone might still be a bit bitter about that.]

I need to return home as soon as possible to ensure I don't get blamed for this fiasco.

[Conveniently leaving out the part about his dead best friend and the last thing he remembered was the bright pink light? Yes, of course! Come now, it's not like he's dead or anything.]

And what were you doing?

[...no...arms, Scar had no arms

goodness gracious what is your world]

[...as it stands, however, this explains a lot. The subtle shifts in expression, the general agitation in his direction...you mentioned your friend having died in Liore. Presumably he's just died...

Speaking of, if you think he's going to offer you full disclosure, you're mistaken.]

My, my...this place does have unfortunate timing, doesn't it? I was involved in a battle with the Homunculi; it appeared to be over, for my part at least, so that's some relief - although it's a bit of a shame that I'm not able to see the ultimate result, given that I'm here.

[No, that's fine, you don't have go into details with that just yet! After all, you said something much more interesting.]

You were aiding the Homunculi? ...I shouldn't be surprised. [He's back to smirking now; this is a fascinating topic.] I assume they were attempting to create a Philosopher's Stone in your world as well? Pride made that quite clear.

[And no, he's not talking about the little boy with the demonic shadows who is totally a humanitarian.]

...are you usually this blunt with people you don't know? Keep in mind that I said nothing about aiding or fighting against the Homunculi; you might want to keep your carelessness in check.

If you must know, however, it was something along those lines - although I'm not sure why Pride would be making this known to you, given how little he associates with others beyond what's necessary.

[You're totally talking about the little boy with the demonic shadows that's a - ...............wait what]

[Oh. That's true, you didn't mention that. He just assumed... But you know what they say about assumptions.]

I figured you would have done the smart thing and sided with them. [Though... what are you talking about?] That's hardly the case. I'm certain his secretary knows what he is, or is a Homunculus herself. He personally came to South Headquarters where we had captured and were studying Wrath.

[A humanitarian! You know, they eat people! ...Dear god the other version of you was a fucking moron.]

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What?

Don't tell me you're deaf too.

[Oh come on, he wasn't even talking that quietly!]

Hardly. To be blunt, I'm currently trying to figure out why Pride would have need of a secretary, to say nothing of why no one would comment on you capturing the Fuhrer.

Well he would need a secretary because--

[Wait. What.]

...No, Wrath... is the child. The Fuhrer is Pride.

[What... is this...]

Believe me, Fuhrer King Bradley is Wrath. Pride's physical body is that of a child, I've worked closely enough with him to know.

No, that's not right... [Oh right, the different worlds.]

...Well, in my world, Wrath is the child and Fuhrer Bradley is Pride.

...are you done asserting yourself? Fine, then. In your world, was Wrath some...random child, then, or was he anyone in particular?

[No and he won't be for quite some time!]

I believe he had some sort of connection to the Elrics; their teacher invaded South Headquarters to take the child. Why?

Their teacher...? [...huh.] Well, that's certainly interesting.

[No, he is not giving you any more information than is absolutely necessary, thank you.]

You made it sound as though the Pride in your world is someone specific.

[Come on, Kimblee, work with him here.]

He is, though I don't see why that's at all relevant to you.

[We are not irritated with you at all! Really!

...what the hell is wrong with you, you arrogant piece of wharrgarbl]

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...wow grammar good job

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