Chapter 9: New Place

XXX

The current predicament they were in could be described as somewhat uncomfortable...but the feeling...the freedom, she would do anything to feel it again, and while keeping Zhan here, then the better.

Currently they were situated in the Meeting Room, where usually the high-ranking generals and admirals met to discuss war-plans, but at the moment only four people were there: Azula, Firelord Ozai, War-Minister Qin, and Zhan.

He was upfront describing the various bits and pieces of that flying contraption. Azula didn't recognize much of the details but so far, her only interest would be to fly again.

"So that's the basic principle behind it," he finished speaking.

As much as an inventor he was, she was suprised how simple they were. While she didn't grasp much of the subject, there weren't alot of details to his 'flying machine'. By the look, she saw on the war-minister' face, Azula could tell that he was asking himself: why didn't nobody invent this sooner?

"Could we produce these in sizeable amounts?" asked Ozai.

"Of course we could M'Lord. But the other details are what hinder this," he replied.

"Explain," said Ozai.

"The metal frame is the easiest to construct. But hinderance are: the delicate controls for the wings. Someone fit needs to know how to fly one, the testing proved, that a much weaker soldier would crash. An experienced firebender needs to operate the engine. As well as other upgrades needed to be added," he explained.

"Is this worth it?" asked the war-minister. "By your explanation, we'd to train an entire regiment of skilled troops. Troops that could be a real aid elsewhere."

"I think you're thinking wrong, war-minister," said Azula, rising from her seat next to her father, going over to Zhan. "While this project may seem costly, think of the benefit."

"Are there any nations in the world that could catch something, faster than a bird? With these we could rain fire, straight from the sky! Ba Sing Se' great walls will mean NOTHING! We could just go over them," she said, enthusiasticily. "Considering the resources needed in exchange for the opportunity to control the skies by our own will. I'd take it in a heartbeat."

"Indeed," smiled Ozai. "War-minister! I'm ordering the re-construction of this flying construct, effective immediately."

"Father!" said Azula, grabbing Zhan by the arm. "Since Officer Zhan constructed the machine himself, it would be wise to allow him to head the re-building...and aswell construct other weapons."

"Azula?" whispered Zhan to her.

"I've...visited his estate and seen some of his ideas and plans. There are dozens of them," she added.

"Azula!" he whispered louder to her.

"I'd guess his skills are better suited here, than on a battlefield," she finished.

"Agreed," replied Ozai, after a bit of thinking. "Officer Zhan, I'm transfering you from the front-lines to the war-department. Ordered by Fire Lord himself."

"Yes, M'Lord," he replied.

"Very well then. You're all dismissed. War-minister Qin, a moment. I want to discuss something," added Ozai.

"Yes M'lord," he replied, while Azula and Zhan were leaving the room.

Once outside, he had grabbed her by the arm, spinning her around, her back to wall.

"Might telling me, why you did that?" he asked from Azula in a neutral tone.

"No way," she replied, spinning them around, he against the wall now. "Am I gonna let you leave, after that, you're to valueable to be wasted in the front-line."

"Really?" he asked, eyebrow raising and smiling again, pulling her by the waist closer, their faces only inches apart. "If you don't want me to leave, just say so."

"I don't beg...ever," she whispered.

"I see that," he replied, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Doesn't hurt to try?"

"Only if I grew wings," she added.

"That can be arranged," he replied, earning him a light slap on the face.

XXX

The next couple of days passed quickly, most having to do with setting up a department for Zhan, that Azula had privateered herself. She experienced some disapproval for the war-minister at first, due to the amount she was transfering, but once he had seen the assortment of plans and inventions, he agreed no questions asked.

Officially now, Zhan falled under the war-department, his own Special Division, to which he had a number of ideas all ready and thought out, yet what he lacked was funds and resources...not anymore. His former Scorchers troops, remained as they were, with a new officer. Although from what Zhan had told her, the Scorchers could handle themselves, with or without an officer.

She had also wanted for the Special Division to be under the Palace, her explanation being: that a genius like him was far too important to be left elsewhere. Personally, she wanted him closer to her.

"Well? How do you like your new occupation?" asked Azula, leaning at the doorway.

"Not bad," he replied, leaning in his chair. His new workshop was larger than his old home: a personal inventing/tinkering/sleeping room, the size of a regular bed-room. And a testing ground next door, about the size of his estate. An old bunker, his great-grandfather Sozin had built, but never used, and it was perfect for the new secret war-technology division. Out-of-reach and out-of-sight...Azula couldn't be more pleased with herself.

"Father has sent word for funds, resources and personnel. It'll take a couple of days before they're all set up," she added.

"Well...didn't expect this happening. Maybe in ten years, not this soon," he said.

"Well," she replied, going behind his back and looping her arms around his neck. "Considering what you can do. I won't be suprised if we win the war...the next day."

"I'm good," he chuckled. "But not that good...yet."

"You're okay here?" asked Azula, it was sudden and maybe forceful on her part.

"My father was proud that I was working in the Royal Palace. Well my mother didn't have any problem, of me getting involved in the Palace. She was ecstatic actually, more than dad. I don't know, is it because I was climbing in politics or if she got half the estate to herself," he replied, eyeing Azula behind him. "I'll miss the view though."

"I can't be that bad?" she asked, leaning in closer.

"It isn't. I got a better view of something, more beautiful in-front of me," he replied, kissing her.

XXX