“…speaking in a purely professional sense. Yes, he is a terrible father.” he sighs

“I’m in no position to comment on such a matter unless I was ordered to.” He says professionally

He looks over at her. “He might know a little more than you think…he’s not the kind of guy to show all of his cards, even if you are family.” He stays close to her as he was instructed

He keeps his hand on his gun the whole time

He nods and walks back with her to the group

“Do you have any other questions?”

He nods and gives her a small smile.

“I don’t report personal details.” he says softly “I just report what i need to.”

“I understand that your feelings towards the colonel. I also understand that you can take care of yourself.  Neither of those facts change my mission. I am to protect you with my life if necessary. Nothing less.” He says bluntly

He sighs “Your father told me to guard you. I am to defend you with my life if needed. I won’t let anyone take you or hurt you.” He says to her softly

He nods “I would be happy to answer any questions you have to the best of my capabilities.”

He smiles “It’s nice to meet you Miss Elric.”  he says happily but keeps looking around

“My name is John Parker. Corporal in the Amestrian Military.” He says professionally.

The soldier remains close to Ashton. His secret orders from Mustang to protect the girl with his life was first and foremost in his mind.

The soldier checks his weapon and stands up. Looking around for potential threats as they get off of the train.

“I’m not trying to fight him again. I just hate it when cocky alchemists totally discredit me because I’m not an alchemist.” He says and sits down

“There’s no need to rub it in pal.” He mutters bitterly. “I’m not as incompetent as you might think.”

“There’s no need to rub it in pal.” He mutters bitterly.

The soldier smiles softly at the wave. “I guess we should get properly acquainted. I’m Corporal John Parker. Simultaneously a decorated and disgraced soldier of Amestris.” He holds out his hand

He finishes up his writing and puts the journal into his pocket.

The soldier watches this intently, still writing.

He watches and writes something down in his notebook.

He hears this and sighs softly.

He watches them but doesn’t really focus on what they’re saying

John watches this and smiles softly

He sighs and relaxes slightly. He looks out the window and watches the scenery go by.

He looks up at him “I accept your apology. On one condition. Never ever underestimate any opponent. That’ll get you killed and I’d hate to see something happen to you.” he says sincerely.

He nods in thanks and wipes his face off and holsters his gun.

He nods “Yes sir. I’ll keep that in mind.” His nose throbbed. That Alchemist had quite the right hook.

He uses his canteen to wash off his face and then reloads his pistol.

The soldier holds his bloodied nose and tries to stop the bleeding

“Yes. Sir.” He says curtly and salutes before sitting down

“It’s my job to ask questions remember? I was ordered to. Also, I figured that you’d want to know why he’s hanging out with people who are your enemies…” He sighs “Just…fine…I won’t bother you guys anymore.”

He nods. “Fine. Let me go. Tell him to calm the hell down when I ask him simple questions.”

He gets rocked back slightly and his nose crunches but he remains upright. “Hm…no effect…interesting. You must be more of a freak than I thought.”

He growls slightly at the pain but then snaps up and fires off a clip of ammo at his chest. “You have attacked a soldier of Amestris. I am now authorized to use retaliatory force.” He says coldly

“No. I’m not going to take charity from you. I’m going to show you not to look down on the strength and sacrifices of the Capital Soldiers.” He growls and unholsters his gun

He just glares back at him. “I wouldn’t even need my gun to put you in your place.” He says, his voice perfectly even

“He’s the one threatening me.” He growls “Tell him to back off.”

“Yeah. I do have a problem with you. You think because you wear glasses and you’re freakishly large that I’ll back down? I’ve kicked my fair share of alchemist ass in my short time on this earth. You guys may have your freaky science but I’ve never seen one of you survive a bullet to the forehead.” He growls.

“Maybe you should explain to us why you’re friends with their enemies….” He glares and his hand dips down to his pistol.

“Every soldier in Central knows that you look down on us soldiers.” He shrugs

“Look, I’m not happy to be here either. I know you’re going to hate me because I answer to Mustang. I’m just doing my job.” He sighs

‘Alright…I wasn’t trying to offend anyone.” He puts his hands up in defeat

“enemies? Geez, I thought you were supposed to be the rational brother..” He sighs and leans back

“Well…I won’t pretend to understand what you’re talking about. But I won’t ask anymore questions.” He shrugs

“…Erm…how is it complicated?” He raises an eyebrow

John looks over at the suit of armor and touches it. “Erm…is there someone in there?”

John follows Lana into the train. As he sees the seven foot alchemist he looks up at him and mutters under his breath “Damn…the freak show just keeps getting better.”

The corporal salutes “Yes sir. detailed reports sir!” He stands at attention “Erm…am I to take orders from them sir? or just you?”