“A Christmas party?” Edward remained standing, looking puzzled. “Is that why you called me?” "Yes. The military is having their annual Christmas party here at Central. The appointment will be on December 30th from 6pm to midnight. While not required, all U.S. military personnel are invited to participate,” Mustang said, sitting behind the oak desk that occupies his home office. He leaned forward in his seat. “Except you, Fullmetal. The Fuhrer himself has asked you to prepare and present a speech for this event." Edward scoffed. "So it has already been decided that I must go." He turned to leave. "Well, I certainly won't go. Ask someone other than giving the speech." "Wait," Mustang interjected, "You're still looking for a way to restore your brother's body, right?" Ed's steps faltered and stopped. “Well, I recently happened to receive files on an individual in Yoxeqa. Citizens say that he managed to bring his daughter back to life. Sounds familiar, right Fullmetal?” Ed's neck turned to see Mustang holding a manila folder, a smirk plastered on the colonel's face. Ed groaned. “I get it, I get it. Equivalent exchange and all that. Well,” he frowned, “I'll go to that stupid party. Just give me the damn information.” Mustang held out the files for him to take. Ed returned to the Colonel and snatched them from his hand, glaring at him. Onyx eyes stared back, a smug smile dancing on his lips. He huffed and tried to walk out of the room, away from the manipulative bastard. He was almost out the door when Mustang called out to him, "Oh, and Fullmetal?" He pushed his chair back and stood up, walking over to where Ed was standing. The Mustang loomed over him. It was probably just to try… half the paper… lphonse added. “We will also recover your arm and leg.” “Yeah,” Ed agreed. “Once Mustang's stupid military party is over, we can get on a train right now and investigate this some more.” “Hey, brother? You mentioned this before too. The party, of course." "Oh yeah," Ed replied, "The military is throwing a party to celebrate Christmas and they're sending me away. I have to make a speech. I don't understand why they chose me, but hell, if I have to. And he pointed to Al: “And you're coming with me. It's not fair that only one of us should be bored out of our minds." "Can Winry come too?" Al asked eagerly. “Winry?” “She called earlier to say she was coming to the station. He said he needs to check your automail since you never do maintenance." "My automail is fine!" Ed shouted angrily. "I don't need it to come and pester me all the time. I can take care of myself just fine."!”