(no subject)
Author: clewilan
Title: Veerings
Recipient: sofiamerri
Rating: G
Characters/Pairings: Olivier Mira Armstrong, Riza Hawkeye (Rebecca Catalina, Roy Mustang)
Summary: Each step they took towards each other could lead to a sharp bend, but their lives had probably been going their own ways for too long to change directions now
Notes: I may have drifted a bit too far away, but Olivier and Riza are utterly worth it.
She heard about Olivier Mira Armstrong quite soon in the Academy, from the impressed chatters of the other girls sharing her dormitory.
The young woman was not much older than them and yet had already been promoted Major, making her way through the ranks with self-confidence envied by all - which could also be the reason she had been sent to Briggs in the process. She was still getting a position of responsibility, but it felt like she was pushed aside, making female soldiers even more supportive of her as they already had to stand comments about how Armstrong was probably sleeping with every officer whenever the subject was mentioned in their common classes with male cadets.
Even if she supported Armstrong's progress, Riza preferred not to enter those conversations, often lacking arguments and making her bitterly laugh whenever they criticized Armstrong's issues with her father, not to mention her packing up and leaving her house, for they obviously didn't know what they were talking about. In the end, they sounded quite pointless; the Major was qualified, so anything else should not matter, especially when the situation was getting really tough in Ishval, a region not that far from their academy.
But they would never be sent there, as green as they were, and she wasn't likely either to ever meet the Major, so Riza focused and let them talk while trying her best not to roll her eyes.
.:.
Some of the greenest recruits were transferred again before they had time to settle in Briggs, in order to provide more soldiers in Ishval; she didn't like those swings, especially not when they were eventually reaching the way she wanted the fort to run. Most officers, Olivier included, had not moved due to the fact Amestris was not really requiring defensive forces in this endless conflict.
There was still a bit of turmoil in their ranks, like bubbles in a water about to boil, for Ishval was sensitive point in the whole military, even for those not directly involved - fighting your own citizens was a whole other thing than fighting another country - yet Nothern soldiers were smart enough not to openly talk about whatever doubt they could have to outsiders. However Lieutenant-Colonel Armstrong was now part of Briggs and knew what to expect when order 3066 came out - she wasn't giving Miles away and wouldn't explain it twice.
She still had news from the front - either from military reports, civil newspaper, or even from her own soldiers who had family in the East - to keep an eye on the efficiency of tactics and troops, and, maybe, on Alex too.
She had of course thought about recruiting alchemists, but they were too offensive - not to mention flashy - when she was asked to hold a demarcation line, not to conquer territories. Even though she heard rumors coming from Central, where some unthinking generals were claiming they should expand further North - Olivier always wondered what they knew about defending borders and, moreover, how they could suggest such ideas when Amestris was already at war with Aruego and fighting with Creta.
She wouldn't mind more soldiers in Briggs, though, preferably some of the same calibre as that female sniper she had heard about, among other skilled people who were unfortunately likely to be pushed aside by Central in order not to keep quiet about what happened in Ishval while Olivier wouldn't waste such good elements in administrative jobs.
Yet she was perfectly aware she couldn't ask for more as she was already too audacious for her superiors, but she would wait, and eventually make a move later on, when the troubles would die down.
.:.
She never liked those joint trainings. Sure, they were a certain way to set a challenge between regions, because generals were still competing with each other - though they'd never admit it - but it seemed more of a display of strength than a formative exercise, as East and North militaries knew already all about the other's weaknesses. They were slowly coming to imagine actual training combining their troops toward a common goal, but Olivier has found out for a while now that changing generals' minds was pointless. She would do the changes herself, when her time would come.
They were supposed to train with the West earlier in the year, but it was quickly cancelled when Pendleton was almost conquered again by Creta's soldiers; the city had become a symbol over the years, and having it taken would have been such a defeat for Amestris that most Western soldiers were deployed over there. As a result, the joint trainings only consisted in fighting privates who had never seen a battlefield in their young careers, with no interest whatsoever for both sides. When hearing the news, the North pretended to be utterly disappointed and soldiers did their best to hid their relief.
Olivier and her troops still had to make the trip to New Optain a few months later, but they had been in the East for not even a day when their practice was shorten due to a renewed conflict in Forset, forcing several units to be moved to the South. Some exercises were maintained, but most minds weren't really focused and drills were too messy to be satisfying: by the end of the day people only wanted to go home, and among them Olivier, more than annoyed at how things had turned out.
She was about to leave her tent when she was told someone wanted a word with her; expecting another general asking why she had decided on her own to stop ongoing shootings, she was already preparing her defense - everyone was too tired and frustrated to do anything productive today, and the safety of her men always came first. In fact entered a colonel she had not seen on the field today; and no one apparently could, as testified his spotless uniform, while the young woman following him had dust on her trousers, which was somehow strange as Olivier was sure she had noticed everyone properly involved in the trainings today. The couple saluted before the man offered her a hand she did not take.
"Brigadier General Armstrong, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Colonel Roy Mustang," he started with a smile, as if nothing happened seconds ago.
He was a bit too much like the boys her father had brought home to be introduced, unsubtle reminders that he required grandsons - and one of the various reasons she had fled. His name was however familiar, and it took a few seconds to remember why; but despite his reputation, the Hero of Ishval would have to prove himself.
"And what do you want, Colonel Roy Mustang ?" she mimicked, crossing her arms.
The woman - a Second Lieutenant - accompanying him did not move but her hidden smile showed she was way too interested to see where this conversation was going. Olivier could already tell, but she didn't want to spoil it for the adventurous colonel.
"I'm sorry for how things went on the field - having moved everyone for such poor results seems like a waste, though the soldiers themselves are not to blame."
"Neither are you, apparently. Where were you today ?"
"Training with the freshly-graduated alchemists," Mustang replied without flinching - he had stopped being offended a while ago, as he had chosen to appear as a lazy officer.
"That seemed like some real hard work," Olivier agreed, hoping it didn't sound that fake as she was definitely too tired to start an argument. "Anyway, just get to your point. We're supposed to clear the area by eight."
"I was wondering - in order to make up for the less than productive day, and as I know a few restaurants in New Optain, would you like to join me ?" Roy cautiously asked, as if waiting for a unstable chemical reaction to explode.
Olivier knew she could not decently laugh and obviously did. Noticing the lieutenant furtively rolling her eyes, at either her superior's request or its answer, the general decided that the woman was definitely more interesting than her companion. Yet, to his credit, Mustang knew when he had lost a battle.
"It'll have to wait another time, then," he withdrew casually, but there was something in his tone that promised Olivier those weren't idle words.
"Whenever you want," she replied; however she was not addressing the colonel but his aid, who could not hide the smile on her lips anymore as she silently thanked Olivier for reminding him of the borders he could not cross.
.:.
Winter had spread way too fast for anyone to foresee it, and if the unusual snow in the East region was nothing for northern soldiers, it was falling enough to slowly and surely engulf both roads and networks. They had not expected these exercises to unfold flawlessly, but this was becoming more and more difficult as the day went by, both teams being on the edge. Grumman's forces had some issues dealing with the snow, adding to the northmen's dismay, already reluctant to participate a training which plot appeared as an utter non-sense; Briggs would have never let several weapons crate go wild in the hands of the so-called dealers. They might have been robbed years ago, but their security flaw had been fixed and was a closed case since Olivier took charge; as a result, North soldiers were ready to take revenge for the affront and prove Central they weren't such fools.
What was supposed to be a cooperative mission was apparently turning into a discipline exercise in order to ease internal friction; and Olivier could already hear the sarcastic comments for her pairs and superiors in Central, with whom she had to intercede in order to set that new kind of joint training, claiming those wild regiments were definitely not worth the efforts. This would not happen, especially not while she was in charge, and whatever would say the other general when she stormed out of the tent she shared with them.
Miles was waiting for her outside, and swiftly followed her as she was quickly walking toward the center of the camp settled with difficulty hours ago.
"Make an announcement though the radio - everyone has to be there in ten minutes. And remind them it's an order coming from a general and if they don't like the fact than I'm a woman or not from the "right" region or whatever excuse comes to their minds, there are still less-ranked than I am."
Olivier paused and turned to face Miles, who was already smiling
"I won't exactly repeat it that way," he confirmed.
"Thank you. If you meet Buccaneer before I do, tell him he's free to use whatever reminder needed for our squad to remember what they learned in Briggs."
"Understood," Miles saluted before leaving on her notice.
She shook herself, preparing for getting done whatever had to; but when she caught sight of that blonde woman she had met the last time, she realized she could delegate a bit - if Mustang proved he could actually be helpful.
"Lieutenant !" Olivier called, hurrying up to watch up with the woman. "I'm looking for Mustang - is he still skipping training ?"
"The Colonel reported they found one the supposed whereabouts. They're currently waiting for reinforcements."
"That we can't give them yet, for administrative reasons too complicated for anyone to understand," grunted Olivier, exasperated - no wonder nothing was going as they wanted to be if they had not what they required.
Riza nodding, hiding a smile as she handed out a sheet of a paper to the general.
"The law regarding the use of stored equipment was changed not so long ago; so was the regulation of internal borders - and we're maneuvering right on it. You can expect a batch of Central experts in the next hours to settled the question."
"As if we needed more bureaucrats."
Rummaging through her pockets to find a pen, Olivier signed the paper without even looking at it.
"Do whatever you have to in order to get us what we need where it's supposed to be. You can even pretend you're Bradley if need be, I don't care - please just have this done as soon as possible.
Olivier sighed loudly, and allowed herself to complain about those southerners too close to Central to know what a border should be.
"I've been to Ishval," Riza argued - still not dismissed, she had not moved and obviously heard the criticism.
Olivier froze, but not for this reason as Lieutenant Hawkeye didn't seem eager to comment her outbursts.
"You're that sniper girl," she finally realized, blaming herself for not recognizing her earlier - a sad loss of time.
"She's dead a while ago, but yes, I am Riza Hawkeye," the lieutenant conceded, expecting questions that never came.
"Olivier Mira Armstrong," she quickly completed as there was no time for introductions. "What are you doing in the rearguard, though ?"
"Trying to fix the mess, I guess," Riza suggested as she took the hand Olivier was offering her.
The general smiled, her gaze drifting on the busy soldiers around them.
"Welcome on board, then."
"I'm looking forward to working with you."
Riza's smile was unreadable but promising.
"This sounds awfully interesting."
.:.
She wasn't familiar at all with the North region, but she had to admit she could get used to its sharp and calm efficiency whatever work had to be done, whether by the military or the citizens, who turned out to be quiet but welcoming people. The cold reality being more hostile than they had imagined, the first hours had been tough for them; yet, provided with an adequate kit and thanks to their previous practices, the eastern team had quickly been in the running again and everything went as planned, both a relief for everyone and an actual excuse to celebrate by the end of the trainings. Rebecca, who had joined them this time, obviously decided it was not something to miss and, minutes after they reached the bar they had all took over, she was already striking up conversation with Briggs soldiers Riza had not met before. They were already assuring her friend they indeed had to fight bears to be allowed in Briggs units, so Riza decided to slip away by claiming Rebecca was obviously in good hands.
"Traitor", mouthed the young woman without losing her smile.
Riza just waved her goodbye, not worried at all for she knew Rebecca always got by - and, to be fair, the soldiers were more likely to get in trouble than her friend. She moved from table to table as every man she had worked with in the past days had apparently decided to offer her a drink, but Riza was definitely not one for large crowds, even when she had no one to keep watch on. Not having Roy around in a military context had been weird but somehow a nice breath of fresh air, though she was perfectly aware there was no turning back at this point. Moreover, imagining where she would be if they had not chosen this path almost made her head spin.
With surprisingly good timing, Olivier casually came at her table and suggested they both had a chat farther away, silencing any attempt of protest by claiming she missed women talks, because, just like her men complained, they indeed lacked female soldiers in the North. Her subordinates, taken aback and somewhat afraid of what such discussion could contain, gladly went back to topics they mastered.
"I'm surprised to hear that kind of explanation coming from you, General - it sounded almost like a pretext."
"I know them well enough to tell you'd still be there by dawn if you stayed. But don't worry, I've had enough feminine stuff with my mother and sisters when I was in Central for a whole lifetime. Or maybe two."
There was a hint of fondness in her eyes but Riza pretended she didn't notice, as she knew some things had to be left private - not to mention Armstrong's position on displays of affection.
They paused on the front steps of the bar, close enough to have benefit of the heat of the bar, yet far enough not bothered by the noise. Riza shivered despite her warm coat, however the brightness of the stars was worth the cold - she had not seen a sky so clear in East for a while, but she guessed the general had not brought her there to stargaze.
"Were you waiting for Colonel Mustang to be away for us to have this discussion ?" Riza teased, in order for them to actually approach the topic Armstrong really wanted to discuss and avoid standing on ceremony.
Olivier laughed, somehow glad to easily reach the crux of the matter.
"As if I were scared of a greenhorn like him. No offense, but I wasn't planning to ask Mustang for permission anyway, especially as it concerns you and you only. Even if something - anything - was going on between the two of you, we can agree that you're still separate entities, right ?"
Riza lightly bent her head in agreement, for Armstrong was indeed right regarding the last part.
"I don't own you any enlightenments about my private matters, though", she gently warned.
"Don't worry, there are some questions I don't want to answer either. And I wasn't planning to order you around."
"I would have been quite disappointed if you did."
Both eyed each other before laying down their arms.
"Okay Hawkeye, let's get this straight. You're talented, whether for fighting or administrative matters I'm glad I have Miles to take care of, but most of all you're efficient and don't seem that reluctant when it comes to working. Those qualities are the one I'm looking for in my troops."
"You're offering me a position."
"And a promotion. If you want, of course."
Riza inhaled deeply; she had guessed what Armstrong was up to since the general came to her, but having the proposition said aloud, actually real, was a whole other thing. She allowed herself to play with the idea for a bit, even though she had made her mind seven years ago and her decision was not something that would soon change.
"I'm flattered", Riza started - though everything was now already said, "and quite proud to have earned your respect. Yet I'm… committed in a whole other project that unfortunately will take a while."
"And what if that project didn't succeed ?"
"It's not an option. But it would likely be the end of everything I ever believed in", Riza said lightly, for she didn't want to dwell on that likelihood more than it was necessary.
"Damn, Hawkeye, when I talked about qualities - I wish some of my soldiers could be as devoted as you."
"But I'm sure they are. They don't show it to you for reason that are theirs, but they care."
"Are you really sure you don't want to work with us ? You could start afresh, away from East and whatever past you may want to get rid of."
Riza smiled, for there were of course a lot of things she wished didn't happen, but she had learnt to build her life despite her ghosts; pushing them aside now would also mean leaving her part of her identity.
"I would have been tempted if you had offered this years ago, but I have to turn down that fantastic proposition. I'm sorry."
Olivier shook her head, but the annoyance she was currently showing would not last - she respected decisions when they were considered, and Hawkeye was the kind of woman who took things seriously.
"Fine, I won't insist anymore."
"Thank you."
They stood together for a while, Riza still marveling at the way Olivier could stay straight so long in the cold without seeming affected, when the general promptly faced her as if she had forgotten something important.
"Last question, though. Tell me you're not doing this for Mustang."
The face Riza made was eloquent enough and Olivier snorted.
"That man doesn't deserve such subordinates. What a waste of talent."
Riza chuckled, her laugh a vapor trail in the air.
"He's not the one he appears to be."
"I hope so, for you."
They were about to re-enter the bar when Olivier assured Riza that she was indeed free to tell her superior that he almost lost a member of his team. Both women exchanged a smile as Riza promised she would.
.:.
The medical tents, quickly put up when the fights in the headquarters had stopped, were messily busy as they were overwhelmed with patients. However, some time had been found to set a resting place for the female soldiers only, and most of them appreciated the gesture.
"It's just a broken arm. I've know worse and I was perfectly fighting hours ago !"
"And fractured ribs, as well as some other contusions you're not mentioning. Now please sit down, Ma'am."
The few women in the room hid their smiles as Olivier expressed her exasperation but finally surrendered.
"The northern Wall of Briggs bends to doctors ? That's a piece of information I could use", teased Riza, her voice a little hoarse and her neck wrapped with bandages until she was transferred in the city's hospital.
"Of all the people who would comment, it had to be you, Hawkeye ?" Olivier complained as she sat next to the lieutenant, keeping an eye on the nurse who had not allowed her to leave until her wounds were properly dressed.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, that was fair. So will be the way Briggs appears in front of you self-called harmless soldiers, but we'll survive this. We always do."
Before Riza had time to reply, Olivier leaned in her seat, pretending to yawn in order to conceal her next whispers.
"Can I ask you a favor, though?"
Riza had not moved, as if nothing was happening; pretending not to have some conversations had been a daily practice for years, but she now hoped those was the last times she had to use this skill.
"It'll depend on the favor."
"I have some more important matters that require my attention and I really cannot wait for some doctor to tell me I should lie down for the rest of the spring."
"And you want me to create a diversion", completed Riza, the situation reminding of another stubborn commanding officer she knew.
"I know we should have worked together."
"Is it still a proposition ?"
"I've not much to offer in the position I am at the moment", admitted Olivia, "but I doubt you would accept it."
Riza tried to laugh but her body was finally catching up - she placed her hand on her throat and went for a friendly smile instead.
"We could have worked together if things had been different. Thank you for your help, General", added Riza as she was getting up, Olivier ready to disappear.
"I guess we'll see each other again soon. It's not over yet."
"Oh, trust me, I know."
Title: Veerings
Recipient: sofiamerri
Rating: G
Characters/Pairings: Olivier Mira Armstrong, Riza Hawkeye (Rebecca Catalina, Roy Mustang)
Summary: Each step they took towards each other could lead to a sharp bend, but their lives had probably been going their own ways for too long to change directions now
Notes: I may have drifted a bit too far away, but Olivier and Riza are utterly worth it.
She heard about Olivier Mira Armstrong quite soon in the Academy, from the impressed chatters of the other girls sharing her dormitory.
The young woman was not much older than them and yet had already been promoted Major, making her way through the ranks with self-confidence envied by all - which could also be the reason she had been sent to Briggs in the process. She was still getting a position of responsibility, but it felt like she was pushed aside, making female soldiers even more supportive of her as they already had to stand comments about how Armstrong was probably sleeping with every officer whenever the subject was mentioned in their common classes with male cadets.
Even if she supported Armstrong's progress, Riza preferred not to enter those conversations, often lacking arguments and making her bitterly laugh whenever they criticized Armstrong's issues with her father, not to mention her packing up and leaving her house, for they obviously didn't know what they were talking about. In the end, they sounded quite pointless; the Major was qualified, so anything else should not matter, especially when the situation was getting really tough in Ishval, a region not that far from their academy.
But they would never be sent there, as green as they were, and she wasn't likely either to ever meet the Major, so Riza focused and let them talk while trying her best not to roll her eyes.
.:.
Some of the greenest recruits were transferred again before they had time to settle in Briggs, in order to provide more soldiers in Ishval; she didn't like those swings, especially not when they were eventually reaching the way she wanted the fort to run. Most officers, Olivier included, had not moved due to the fact Amestris was not really requiring defensive forces in this endless conflict.
There was still a bit of turmoil in their ranks, like bubbles in a water about to boil, for Ishval was sensitive point in the whole military, even for those not directly involved - fighting your own citizens was a whole other thing than fighting another country - yet Nothern soldiers were smart enough not to openly talk about whatever doubt they could have to outsiders. However Lieutenant-Colonel Armstrong was now part of Briggs and knew what to expect when order 3066 came out - she wasn't giving Miles away and wouldn't explain it twice.
She still had news from the front - either from military reports, civil newspaper, or even from her own soldiers who had family in the East - to keep an eye on the efficiency of tactics and troops, and, maybe, on Alex too.
She had of course thought about recruiting alchemists, but they were too offensive - not to mention flashy - when she was asked to hold a demarcation line, not to conquer territories. Even though she heard rumors coming from Central, where some unthinking generals were claiming they should expand further North - Olivier always wondered what they knew about defending borders and, moreover, how they could suggest such ideas when Amestris was already at war with Aruego and fighting with Creta.
She wouldn't mind more soldiers in Briggs, though, preferably some of the same calibre as that female sniper she had heard about, among other skilled people who were unfortunately likely to be pushed aside by Central in order not to keep quiet about what happened in Ishval while Olivier wouldn't waste such good elements in administrative jobs.
Yet she was perfectly aware she couldn't ask for more as she was already too audacious for her superiors, but she would wait, and eventually make a move later on, when the troubles would die down.
.:.
She never liked those joint trainings. Sure, they were a certain way to set a challenge between regions, because generals were still competing with each other - though they'd never admit it - but it seemed more of a display of strength than a formative exercise, as East and North militaries knew already all about the other's weaknesses. They were slowly coming to imagine actual training combining their troops toward a common goal, but Olivier has found out for a while now that changing generals' minds was pointless. She would do the changes herself, when her time would come.
They were supposed to train with the West earlier in the year, but it was quickly cancelled when Pendleton was almost conquered again by Creta's soldiers; the city had become a symbol over the years, and having it taken would have been such a defeat for Amestris that most Western soldiers were deployed over there. As a result, the joint trainings only consisted in fighting privates who had never seen a battlefield in their young careers, with no interest whatsoever for both sides. When hearing the news, the North pretended to be utterly disappointed and soldiers did their best to hid their relief.
Olivier and her troops still had to make the trip to New Optain a few months later, but they had been in the East for not even a day when their practice was shorten due to a renewed conflict in Forset, forcing several units to be moved to the South. Some exercises were maintained, but most minds weren't really focused and drills were too messy to be satisfying: by the end of the day people only wanted to go home, and among them Olivier, more than annoyed at how things had turned out.
She was about to leave her tent when she was told someone wanted a word with her; expecting another general asking why she had decided on her own to stop ongoing shootings, she was already preparing her defense - everyone was too tired and frustrated to do anything productive today, and the safety of her men always came first. In fact entered a colonel she had not seen on the field today; and no one apparently could, as testified his spotless uniform, while the young woman following him had dust on her trousers, which was somehow strange as Olivier was sure she had noticed everyone properly involved in the trainings today. The couple saluted before the man offered her a hand she did not take.
"Brigadier General Armstrong, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Colonel Roy Mustang," he started with a smile, as if nothing happened seconds ago.
He was a bit too much like the boys her father had brought home to be introduced, unsubtle reminders that he required grandsons - and one of the various reasons she had fled. His name was however familiar, and it took a few seconds to remember why; but despite his reputation, the Hero of Ishval would have to prove himself.
"And what do you want, Colonel Roy Mustang ?" she mimicked, crossing her arms.
The woman - a Second Lieutenant - accompanying him did not move but her hidden smile showed she was way too interested to see where this conversation was going. Olivier could already tell, but she didn't want to spoil it for the adventurous colonel.
"I'm sorry for how things went on the field - having moved everyone for such poor results seems like a waste, though the soldiers themselves are not to blame."
"Neither are you, apparently. Where were you today ?"
"Training with the freshly-graduated alchemists," Mustang replied without flinching - he had stopped being offended a while ago, as he had chosen to appear as a lazy officer.
"That seemed like some real hard work," Olivier agreed, hoping it didn't sound that fake as she was definitely too tired to start an argument. "Anyway, just get to your point. We're supposed to clear the area by eight."
"I was wondering - in order to make up for the less than productive day, and as I know a few restaurants in New Optain, would you like to join me ?" Roy cautiously asked, as if waiting for a unstable chemical reaction to explode.
Olivier knew she could not decently laugh and obviously did. Noticing the lieutenant furtively rolling her eyes, at either her superior's request or its answer, the general decided that the woman was definitely more interesting than her companion. Yet, to his credit, Mustang knew when he had lost a battle.
"It'll have to wait another time, then," he withdrew casually, but there was something in his tone that promised Olivier those weren't idle words.
"Whenever you want," she replied; however she was not addressing the colonel but his aid, who could not hide the smile on her lips anymore as she silently thanked Olivier for reminding him of the borders he could not cross.
.:.
Winter had spread way too fast for anyone to foresee it, and if the unusual snow in the East region was nothing for northern soldiers, it was falling enough to slowly and surely engulf both roads and networks. They had not expected these exercises to unfold flawlessly, but this was becoming more and more difficult as the day went by, both teams being on the edge. Grumman's forces had some issues dealing with the snow, adding to the northmen's dismay, already reluctant to participate a training which plot appeared as an utter non-sense; Briggs would have never let several weapons crate go wild in the hands of the so-called dealers. They might have been robbed years ago, but their security flaw had been fixed and was a closed case since Olivier took charge; as a result, North soldiers were ready to take revenge for the affront and prove Central they weren't such fools.
What was supposed to be a cooperative mission was apparently turning into a discipline exercise in order to ease internal friction; and Olivier could already hear the sarcastic comments for her pairs and superiors in Central, with whom she had to intercede in order to set that new kind of joint training, claiming those wild regiments were definitely not worth the efforts. This would not happen, especially not while she was in charge, and whatever would say the other general when she stormed out of the tent she shared with them.
Miles was waiting for her outside, and swiftly followed her as she was quickly walking toward the center of the camp settled with difficulty hours ago.
"Make an announcement though the radio - everyone has to be there in ten minutes. And remind them it's an order coming from a general and if they don't like the fact than I'm a woman or not from the "right" region or whatever excuse comes to their minds, there are still less-ranked than I am."
Olivier paused and turned to face Miles, who was already smiling
"I won't exactly repeat it that way," he confirmed.
"Thank you. If you meet Buccaneer before I do, tell him he's free to use whatever reminder needed for our squad to remember what they learned in Briggs."
"Understood," Miles saluted before leaving on her notice.
She shook herself, preparing for getting done whatever had to; but when she caught sight of that blonde woman she had met the last time, she realized she could delegate a bit - if Mustang proved he could actually be helpful.
"Lieutenant !" Olivier called, hurrying up to watch up with the woman. "I'm looking for Mustang - is he still skipping training ?"
"The Colonel reported they found one the supposed whereabouts. They're currently waiting for reinforcements."
"That we can't give them yet, for administrative reasons too complicated for anyone to understand," grunted Olivier, exasperated - no wonder nothing was going as they wanted to be if they had not what they required.
Riza nodding, hiding a smile as she handed out a sheet of a paper to the general.
"The law regarding the use of stored equipment was changed not so long ago; so was the regulation of internal borders - and we're maneuvering right on it. You can expect a batch of Central experts in the next hours to settled the question."
"As if we needed more bureaucrats."
Rummaging through her pockets to find a pen, Olivier signed the paper without even looking at it.
"Do whatever you have to in order to get us what we need where it's supposed to be. You can even pretend you're Bradley if need be, I don't care - please just have this done as soon as possible.
Olivier sighed loudly, and allowed herself to complain about those southerners too close to Central to know what a border should be.
"I've been to Ishval," Riza argued - still not dismissed, she had not moved and obviously heard the criticism.
Olivier froze, but not for this reason as Lieutenant Hawkeye didn't seem eager to comment her outbursts.
"You're that sniper girl," she finally realized, blaming herself for not recognizing her earlier - a sad loss of time.
"She's dead a while ago, but yes, I am Riza Hawkeye," the lieutenant conceded, expecting questions that never came.
"Olivier Mira Armstrong," she quickly completed as there was no time for introductions. "What are you doing in the rearguard, though ?"
"Trying to fix the mess, I guess," Riza suggested as she took the hand Olivier was offering her.
The general smiled, her gaze drifting on the busy soldiers around them.
"Welcome on board, then."
"I'm looking forward to working with you."
Riza's smile was unreadable but promising.
"This sounds awfully interesting."
.:.
She wasn't familiar at all with the North region, but she had to admit she could get used to its sharp and calm efficiency whatever work had to be done, whether by the military or the citizens, who turned out to be quiet but welcoming people. The cold reality being more hostile than they had imagined, the first hours had been tough for them; yet, provided with an adequate kit and thanks to their previous practices, the eastern team had quickly been in the running again and everything went as planned, both a relief for everyone and an actual excuse to celebrate by the end of the trainings. Rebecca, who had joined them this time, obviously decided it was not something to miss and, minutes after they reached the bar they had all took over, she was already striking up conversation with Briggs soldiers Riza had not met before. They were already assuring her friend they indeed had to fight bears to be allowed in Briggs units, so Riza decided to slip away by claiming Rebecca was obviously in good hands.
"Traitor", mouthed the young woman without losing her smile.
Riza just waved her goodbye, not worried at all for she knew Rebecca always got by - and, to be fair, the soldiers were more likely to get in trouble than her friend. She moved from table to table as every man she had worked with in the past days had apparently decided to offer her a drink, but Riza was definitely not one for large crowds, even when she had no one to keep watch on. Not having Roy around in a military context had been weird but somehow a nice breath of fresh air, though she was perfectly aware there was no turning back at this point. Moreover, imagining where she would be if they had not chosen this path almost made her head spin.
With surprisingly good timing, Olivier casually came at her table and suggested they both had a chat farther away, silencing any attempt of protest by claiming she missed women talks, because, just like her men complained, they indeed lacked female soldiers in the North. Her subordinates, taken aback and somewhat afraid of what such discussion could contain, gladly went back to topics they mastered.
"I'm surprised to hear that kind of explanation coming from you, General - it sounded almost like a pretext."
"I know them well enough to tell you'd still be there by dawn if you stayed. But don't worry, I've had enough feminine stuff with my mother and sisters when I was in Central for a whole lifetime. Or maybe two."
There was a hint of fondness in her eyes but Riza pretended she didn't notice, as she knew some things had to be left private - not to mention Armstrong's position on displays of affection.
They paused on the front steps of the bar, close enough to have benefit of the heat of the bar, yet far enough not bothered by the noise. Riza shivered despite her warm coat, however the brightness of the stars was worth the cold - she had not seen a sky so clear in East for a while, but she guessed the general had not brought her there to stargaze.
"Were you waiting for Colonel Mustang to be away for us to have this discussion ?" Riza teased, in order for them to actually approach the topic Armstrong really wanted to discuss and avoid standing on ceremony.
Olivier laughed, somehow glad to easily reach the crux of the matter.
"As if I were scared of a greenhorn like him. No offense, but I wasn't planning to ask Mustang for permission anyway, especially as it concerns you and you only. Even if something - anything - was going on between the two of you, we can agree that you're still separate entities, right ?"
Riza lightly bent her head in agreement, for Armstrong was indeed right regarding the last part.
"I don't own you any enlightenments about my private matters, though", she gently warned.
"Don't worry, there are some questions I don't want to answer either. And I wasn't planning to order you around."
"I would have been quite disappointed if you did."
Both eyed each other before laying down their arms.
"Okay Hawkeye, let's get this straight. You're talented, whether for fighting or administrative matters I'm glad I have Miles to take care of, but most of all you're efficient and don't seem that reluctant when it comes to working. Those qualities are the one I'm looking for in my troops."
"You're offering me a position."
"And a promotion. If you want, of course."
Riza inhaled deeply; she had guessed what Armstrong was up to since the general came to her, but having the proposition said aloud, actually real, was a whole other thing. She allowed herself to play with the idea for a bit, even though she had made her mind seven years ago and her decision was not something that would soon change.
"I'm flattered", Riza started - though everything was now already said, "and quite proud to have earned your respect. Yet I'm… committed in a whole other project that unfortunately will take a while."
"And what if that project didn't succeed ?"
"It's not an option. But it would likely be the end of everything I ever believed in", Riza said lightly, for she didn't want to dwell on that likelihood more than it was necessary.
"Damn, Hawkeye, when I talked about qualities - I wish some of my soldiers could be as devoted as you."
"But I'm sure they are. They don't show it to you for reason that are theirs, but they care."
"Are you really sure you don't want to work with us ? You could start afresh, away from East and whatever past you may want to get rid of."
Riza smiled, for there were of course a lot of things she wished didn't happen, but she had learnt to build her life despite her ghosts; pushing them aside now would also mean leaving her part of her identity.
"I would have been tempted if you had offered this years ago, but I have to turn down that fantastic proposition. I'm sorry."
Olivier shook her head, but the annoyance she was currently showing would not last - she respected decisions when they were considered, and Hawkeye was the kind of woman who took things seriously.
"Fine, I won't insist anymore."
"Thank you."
They stood together for a while, Riza still marveling at the way Olivier could stay straight so long in the cold without seeming affected, when the general promptly faced her as if she had forgotten something important.
"Last question, though. Tell me you're not doing this for Mustang."
The face Riza made was eloquent enough and Olivier snorted.
"That man doesn't deserve such subordinates. What a waste of talent."
Riza chuckled, her laugh a vapor trail in the air.
"He's not the one he appears to be."
"I hope so, for you."
They were about to re-enter the bar when Olivier assured Riza that she was indeed free to tell her superior that he almost lost a member of his team. Both women exchanged a smile as Riza promised she would.
.:.
The medical tents, quickly put up when the fights in the headquarters had stopped, were messily busy as they were overwhelmed with patients. However, some time had been found to set a resting place for the female soldiers only, and most of them appreciated the gesture.
"It's just a broken arm. I've know worse and I was perfectly fighting hours ago !"
"And fractured ribs, as well as some other contusions you're not mentioning. Now please sit down, Ma'am."
The few women in the room hid their smiles as Olivier expressed her exasperation but finally surrendered.
"The northern Wall of Briggs bends to doctors ? That's a piece of information I could use", teased Riza, her voice a little hoarse and her neck wrapped with bandages until she was transferred in the city's hospital.
"Of all the people who would comment, it had to be you, Hawkeye ?" Olivier complained as she sat next to the lieutenant, keeping an eye on the nurse who had not allowed her to leave until her wounds were properly dressed.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, that was fair. So will be the way Briggs appears in front of you self-called harmless soldiers, but we'll survive this. We always do."
Before Riza had time to reply, Olivier leaned in her seat, pretending to yawn in order to conceal her next whispers.
"Can I ask you a favor, though?"
Riza had not moved, as if nothing was happening; pretending not to have some conversations had been a daily practice for years, but she now hoped those was the last times she had to use this skill.
"It'll depend on the favor."
"I have some more important matters that require my attention and I really cannot wait for some doctor to tell me I should lie down for the rest of the spring."
"And you want me to create a diversion", completed Riza, the situation reminding of another stubborn commanding officer she knew.
"I know we should have worked together."
"Is it still a proposition ?"
"I've not much to offer in the position I am at the moment", admitted Olivia, "but I doubt you would accept it."
Riza tried to laugh but her body was finally catching up - she placed her hand on her throat and went for a friendly smile instead.
"We could have worked together if things had been different. Thank you for your help, General", added Riza as she was getting up, Olivier ready to disappear.
"I guess we'll see each other again soon. It's not over yet."
"Oh, trust me, I know."