Hughes quotes from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

In general, men prefer to let their actions speak instead of words. When they're in pain, they don't want to burden anyone with it, not if they can help it. They don't want anyone to worry about them. That's how they are. Even so, there may come a time when they'll ask for your help. And when they do, I know that you'll be there for them. Isn't that enough?

Oh, say! Looks like my timing was perfect! You two are the Elric brothers, right? [runs up to Alphonse and shakes his hand vigorously] Oh, wow, it's an honor to finally meet the youngest State Alchemist ever! You're a real legend around here! I'm Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes, a pleasure!

Alphonse

Um, you want Edward. I'm actually his younger brother, Alphonse.

[turns to Edward in surprise] What, you're the Fullmetal Alchemist?! Sorry, I had no idea you'd be so...

Go on, say 'little.' I dare you.

Another State Alchemist, dead.

This killer is highly skilled.

Major, you watch yourself. For all we know, you could be the next one he comes after.

Understood.

What I want to know is why this guy is only targeting State Alchemists and no one else? If it's the military he's trying to hurt, he could go after normal soldiers. Surely soldiers would be easier to kill than highly skilled alchemists, especially ones that have been State certified.

Maybe the certification is the reason. State Alchemists are given high pay and special privilege. It must be any number of people who envy them for their positions. Or perhaps, they feel they have not upheld their creed, Alchemists be thou for the people. Alchemists that were supposed to be pillars of science and truth are turned into the military's walking weapons as soon as they receive certification. There are plenty of people I'm sure who have not forgotten the role that State Alchemists played in the Ishvalan Civil War.

Oh, is it over now?

Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, where have you been this whole time?

I thought it best to lay low.

Roy

You didn't think about maybe backing us up?

Of course not! A person like me shouldn't get dragged into a freakshow with you pack of pseudo-humans! It's bad for my health!

Did you hear what I said? My dear little Elysia's about to turn three!

Roy

Lieutenant Colonel Hughes! Do you think this could wait? I'm at work.

Oh, what a coincidence. I'm at work, too. She's the cutest little thing. You should see her!

Roy

I'm sure she's adorable, but stop calling me to gush over your daughter, and on a military line,too!

Not just my daughter! I gush over my wife too!

I know, I know, it's your turn now. Go ahead, Colonel. I know you're dying to gush over you very own... scar-faced Ishvallan.

Edward

Well done! Ah, it feels good to have it back. Thanks a lot!

Winry

Sure. No problem.

Yo, Ed, my boy! Is it true you brought a pretty blonde girl into your room to service you?

Edward

She's my automail mechanic! That's all, nothing more!

Oh, I see. You've seduced your mechanic, have you?

Edward

[freaks out] GAH! THAT ISN'T WHAT I SAID AT ALL! WERE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!

The power of one man doesn't amount to much, But however little strength I'm capable of... I'll do everything humanly possible to protect the people I love, And in turn they'll protect the ones they love. It seems like the least we tiny humans can do for each other.

Sounds like a pyramid scheme, There's just one thing. If you hope to eventually protect everyone... then you'll have to figure out a way to stand at the top of the pyramid.

I can only imagine how good it must feel up there, Hughes... Although... I'll never be able to find out without all the support I can get.

There's no doubt about that. You're not very subtle, y'know. You've got my support... But you could've just asked me... It ought to be fun to watch though... And maybe your naive idealism might actually do some good.

[Researching in the archives] ...These endless uprisings. The Philosopher's Stone... Human sacrifices... And the outright genocide of the Ishvallan people... Then this means... How could this even happen, and who could orchestrate something as terrible as this...? I've gotta tell the Führer right away.

Lust

Hello, Lieutenant Colonel... It's nice to meet you... Well, actually... 'Hello' really isn't the word I'm looking for.

[notices Lust's Ouroboros Tattoo above her breasts] Cool tattoo you've got there...

Lust

Those are your last words...? Wouldn't you rather scream?

You look just like... But you're not. Who the hell are you, lady?

I'm Second Lieutenant Ross, sir. You've lost too much blood.

Drop the act already. You're not Second Lieutenant Ross. She has a mole under her left eye!

You're observant... I can't believe I forgot... [He fixes the mistake.] There. How do I look now?

This is not happening... Please tell me that I'm hallucinating or something.

Envy

You really are a smart man, Lieutenant Colonel. Did you ever think that'd be the cause of your death?

[takes out a knife] C'mon, have a heart, will ya...? I've got a wife and daughter waiting for me... So the last thing I'm gonna do... is die on them!

Envy

You look surprised!

... What the hell are you?!

There's a Lieutenant Colonel Hughes on hold for you. He claims it's urgent.

Of course he does... Put him through... Look, Hughes, I don't have time for daughter stories. [A pause.] Hey, Hughes? Hughes...? You okay...? Hughes?!

You humans don't make any sense to me. You throw away your lives for nothing.

Gracia... I'm so sorry... Elysia... Remember, Daddy loves you... I'm sorry.