State Alchemist Test (Some)

[Frederic Bourgault-Christie]

Anyone who has alchemical skills can take the FMA State Alchemist test. Such people include:

Fracas
Armored Slayer
Archeus

The benefits are access to philosophical and alchemical screeds, special missions, respect and contacts, etc.

[Frederic Bourgault-Christie]

Shae and Bombardi began their attempt. They first met with their mutual trainer, Fuhrer Roy Mustang, who traded some characteristic barbs and communicated a need to see this be a success. (After all, his reputation is on the line.)

The two next went to a bar where young Alchemists-in-training and up-and-coming current Alchemists were hanging out. One went on the offensive, accusing Roy of nepotism and favoritism towards Old Guard children and clones and saying Shae and Bombardi were idiots; after Bombardi and Shae sufficiently defeathered him, he moved on. They then met Alyssa, another young alchemist in this year's running, who feigned being nice to gauge her opponents. Finally they met an honest yet actually seemingly ethical person, who they have yet to be introduced to. In discussions with him, during which he had a moment to relax, he revealed that the infamous antimatter lattice state of matter could finally be performed by these two.

The antimatter lattice, you see, is the state of matter where antimatter and matter coexist without annihilating each other in a free-forming plasma like state, forming a miniature cluster of galaxies. Aside from obvious unique alchemical and energetic properties, studying it could be vital for astrophysics. Shae and Bombardi considering attempting making the stuff.

EDIT: Bombardi has some ideas. The lattice could be used to form a transmutation circle; the armor could be used as the stabilizing force; they could use gates to refill the antimatter or use the energy created by the interaction to move the matter faster than light so when moving back in time they produce antimatter...

[poisonuskeifer]

Fracas is thinking about introducing a new medium into the alchemy world. With his ability to alter reality with a touch of his hands, he is trying to figure out a way to preform alchemy on said reality.

[Frederic Bourgault-Christie]

Fracas does have the unique advantage of being able to interact directly with raw existence at his power, but it's still a little ho-hum. Major Armstrong asks to see Fracas to review for the test and to see what Fracas will exposit.

[poisonuskeifer]

Fracas will head on over to Major Armstrong's office(?), all the while gauging the overall attitude of those he passes with the anticipation of the test hanging in the air.

[Frederic Bourgault-Christie]

Most people seem unaware or at best misinformed. But all over alchemy students rush around, engaging in a quite amoral set of competitive antics, trying to steal notes, asking about each other's research with an air of politeness then gauging the lies and excuses that follow, etc.

Navigating through Central, hastily sidestepping past a secretary up to his head with papers, and heads into Armstrong's office. Major Armstrong is sitting down, reviewing some documents. He looks up at Fracas and says, "Ah, Trainee Fracas." Proceeding through his sentence with the same grim determination he does foes, he says, "What are your plans for the exposition portion of the test?"

[poisonuskeifer]

Fracas will flop down into one of the chairs infront of Major Armstrong's desk. Folding his top two arms, he uses his bottom two for hand gestures as he talks. "Well, I am trying to work a new medium with alchemy: reality itself. However, though I may posess the abilities to work reality with my hands, transmuting it is another question entirely."

[Frederic Bourgault-Christie]

"I'm not sure that is the only barrier. While transmuting reality itself is a prodigious achievement at your level, it is a simple combination of two of your abilities, doing nothing new and making no new breakthroughs in the process. Now, I am prohibited from providing extensive tutoring to you after the next three hours, so you may want a partner. I know Edward Elric just trained someone."

[poisonuskeifer]

"Yes, I am aware that it doesnt really break any boundries. An Elric you say? Yeah, I think I might enjoy that. Those two always seem to be up for something physical." Standing up, he takes a few steps toward the door before turning around. Rubbing his chin for a second, "you wouldnt know where I could find Edward now would you?"

[Frederic Bourgault-Christie]

"Ed is currently handling a secret mission for Fuhrer Mustang. However, I do have his student here, a bit late I must say, but here." In strolls in a rather familiar blondish-haired, blue-green eyed ambidextrous young man, wiry yet retaining a surprising bulk. "This is Trainee Lumina-Rossis."

[poisonuskeifer]

Crossing the room, Fracas extends his two left hands. "Looks like we got reasons to be working together here. Care to team up?"

[Frederic Bourgault-Christie]

"As if being on a team together normally wasn't good enough. Sure. So: It strikes me that we have a few ways to make our contribution really stand out. One is to make it more intricate, which we have the luxury of doing because it can be a long-term alchemical process. Another is to add another simple element that doesn't extend the preparation time but makes it more difficult. We can also add my abilities into the process. One idea I had that might be fun is inspired by my staff. I'll use my abilities to make the transmutation circle alter reality itself, making illusion and tricks real. What concretely to do is, I dunno, your department for now."