Kanza Tow

Macai waits with his unit inside of the recently annexed fort. A Fire Nation captain named Jozo meets with Macai. Captain Jozo: "General Hamooni has ordered you to evacuate the area immediately. Our forces will be pulling out. Once you move to the nearest beachhead, take your fleet and leave. Ozai needs your unit elsewhere."

Macai: "Surely we can still do something here."

Jozo shakes his head, "The general said it isn't negotiable."

The captain departs and Macai huffs. Ronin: "We should leave the area since we will be on our own soon. The other Fire Nation forces are departing, and the enemies will know we are sitting ducks here."

Macai asks, "And give up on Kett?"

Ronin responds, "No, we won't give up on him. Let's just get out of here and take some heat off ourselves." Macai nods and evacuates his unit. Dade slowly emerges from the Prompt Adjudicator.

Dade: "What did I miss?"

Macai: "Kett."

Dade becomes uneasy, "Is he dead?!"

Macai: "I don't know, he disappeared."

Dade: "How?"

Ronin: "After we took the fort, our patrol team was ambushed. They took Kett, I tried my best. It was that girl Sada and a team of water warriors."

Macai: "They also had the warrior Ronu with them. He is a talented duelist."

Dade (to Macai): "Why didn't you stop them?"

Macai replies, "I wasn't there. I was in the fort while that happened. They were so fast. We weren't expecting them to use guerrilla warfare at the end of the mission. Usually, enemies are like the Sea Guerrillas where they use hit-and-run attacks the whole time. These water tribe forces switched it up on our patrol and scout forces after the battle was seemingly won."

Dade pouts. Ronin pats Dade on the back.

Rosh, Kanna, Samira, Arret, Basin, and the rest of Rosh's strike team arrive. Rosh and Kanna run to hug their friends. As she gets closer to Macai and Dade; Kanna stops in her tracks, "Hey wait a minute, where is Kett?"

Macai gets ready to open his mouth. Kanna puts her right index finger on her forehead, "Oh wait, don't tell me. He is hiding somewhere isn't he." No one responds. Kanna looks around then stops, "Ok seriously, where is that goofball?"

Macai: "We don't know."

Rosh inquires, "Did he wander off after the mission?"

Ronin murmurs, "Weeeell, not exactly."

Kanna smirks thinking it's a game, "Then what did he do?"

Macai takes a deep breath and Kanna raises her eyebrows as she views his reaction. Macai: "No... After we took down the enemy fort, we sent Kett and a few marines on a patrol. Just to make sure the area around us was clear while most of our team stayed in the fort to be ready to respond to anything." Kanna lowers her eyebrows, her heart starts sinking, and her eyes widen.

Macai: "A Water Tribe strike team hit his unit and he disappeared." Tears smoothly flow from Kanna's eyes. Kanna wipes her face and turns her head right. The teenage girl tries to compose herself but continues to weep. Dade awkwardly freezes and glances left to avoid looking at his sad friend. Dade huffs and steps a few feet away from the incident to gather himself.

Rosh realizes Dade is not mature enough to handle the situation. Rosh pats Kanna on the back and murmurs, "It's ok Kanna. We'll get through this as a team."

Kanna continues to cry but gradually calms herself. Rosh hugs her, "It's ok."

Macai kneels in front of Kanna, "Kanna, I promise you, we won't stop until we find him."

Rosh looks at Ronin, "Make sure Kanna is ok. Comfort her, Macai, let's talk for a second." Macai steps aside and Rosh follows him.

Rosh: "Command said we need to leave now."

Macai: "That's true, but command isn't perfect. Do you remember when they had us wipe out that village (he looks down)?"

Rosh: "Of course, it still haunts my dreams."

Macai nods, "I still tell myself that what we did was for the good of our nation and I still want to believe that. But THIS, I just can't do it. I say it's time we deviate. All I ever had to trust and believe in was my country. But when I meet you all, I found something more. A brotherhood, sisters, and a FAMILY. That's something I don't want to give up. After I lost my mother, family is about all I have."

Rosh: "Well, we don't just fight for the rulers or the rich people on the throne. We fight for the ordinary families and the other soldiers risking their lives on the battlefield. If we don't even care about each other, what's it all REALLY for? Just our personal goals and ambitions. But you're not like that Macai and I'm not either."

Macai's eyes water, and he looks back at his friend, "Exactly Rosh, I am going to rescue Kett. I'll have the fleet head back, but I'm keeping the PA and any crew members who want to stay. There are other ships in the fleet that can give anyone a ride back to the Capital if they don't want to be involved."

Rosh: "We just have to tell Aiya and Hazo."

Hazo interrupts, "No need." Macai and Rosh turn around and notice Hazo with Aiya beside him. Hazo: "We were just going to talk to you about returning home, but I see your resolve."

Macai responds, "You know what we intend to do, what will you do Hazo?"

Hazo: "Macai, you have grown into a strong and commendable young man over the years. I will stand by you wherever you go. You don't have to ask about my loyalty." Macai hugs his mentor.

Rosh looks at Aiya, "What about you Aiya?"

Aiya smiles, "I will also stay. You all have become my family." Aiya hugs Macai and Hazo. Rosh jumps in the group hug.

Macai comments, "Let's tell the unit."

Declaration of Unity

Macai stands in the Prompt Adjudicator's conference room after requesting the entire garrison and crew's presence. Macai: "Marines, crewmembers, family! It has been an honor to serve with you all. As you know, our forces have failed to capture the Northern Water Tribe Capital. After suffering a devastating defeat, all Fire Nation forces in the area have been ordered to flee the region and return to the Fire Nation territories or to be deployed into the Earth Kingdom."

Macai continues, "I have another idea. Our friend Kett and a couple of other marines went missing. They were OUR family, and I don't believe in leaving family behind. I'm going back for them, and I want to know who will go with me. If most of you want to stay, then I'll go with a small squad. If only a few of you will go, I will make sure you get out of here safely. The rest of the fleet has already been sent back, but I wanted to see what my personal crew thought."

Macai: "So if you intend to leave please, stay in your seat. All those who will go with me on my search for our old friend and any other marines that may be with him, please stand. I'll give you all two minutes to decide." In an instant, half of the crew rises. Seconds later, another twenty percent of the marines and sailors rise.

Asad looks around as more and more people stand. Within forty minutes, almost everyone is standing. Asad rises as well and seconds later everyone is on their feet. Macai beams, "Good, we leave next morning at sunrise."

The next morning, the Prompt Adjudicator is setting sail and Macai stands in the bridge. It is a cloudy day with a light grey sky and steady light rain. Rosh enters the bridge, "Macai, what are we doing? Where are we going?"

Macai smiles, "I contacted a few army forces at the beachhead. People who respect me and our unit. They gave me some information."

Rosh asks, "What kind of information?"

Macai: "Information about where our enemies likely fled to. Some friendly scouts have noticed hostiles moving in different directions near our past location. Likely enemies that we clashed with or at least some of them anyway. They moved to several locations, but one sitting apparently included some hostage. I also have a list of locations where enemies are located. Some obvious others classified."

Rosh scratches his head, "You really dug deep into this in a short time."

Macai nods, "I skipped out on some sleep last night to look over this stuff. Some of our enemies went to a local depot that holds weapons, but I get the feeling that isn't where they took them. Even if it was, it wouldn't be a long-term location. I also noticed some moving toward a coastal city at the Western Water Tribe, but it is a considerable distance away. A third location is a city called Kanza Tow."

Rosh: "Which one are we going to?"

Macai responds, "Kanza Tow... To get there, we will dock at the nearest port and then will have to do some traveling for about thirty miles."

Rosh: "Thirty miles? That walk will take forever."

Macai: "Who said anything about walking? I have about five eel hounds at my disposal, this mission will require some stealth. The rest of our forces will wait for us and ensure we have a good escape."

Rosh: "We're going in blind? That's incredibly dangerous."

Macai: "All of our missions are dangerous Rosh."

Rosh: "Point taken."

Macai: "We are going to Kanza Tow because it is an important military town. They don't have a major base, but they just do that to throw us off. Their government building is more than just political. While it is often used for local affairs, they also get a lot of important documents that are used for communicating with other Water Tribes and other areas in their tribe."

Rosh: "How big is that city?"

Macai: "It's a medium-sized city. Large by Water Tribe standards and bigger than most villages. However, it's not a massive city like the Northern Water Tribe or Fire Nation Capital."

Rosh: "What's its population?"

Macai: "I'd say around five to eight thousand people. But most live in one concentrated area while hundreds of farmers are located on the outskirts of the city."

Rosh: "So they keep a low profile, how did you learn all of this?"

Macai: "I get files from intelligence when they're considering battles or missions I may go on. I was told to keep the location in mind, before we were called for evacuation. Maybe Kett will be there, if not, we can still get the location of where he is."

Rosh responds, "Then we'll have to go on a second mission to rescue Kett, assuming he's still alive."

Macai: "Assuming they captured him, he will still be alive. The Water Tribe isn't known for executing prisoners; unless a few members go haywire and make a rogue decision."

Rosh gulps. Macai: "It isn't likely."

Rosh: "We are going to need disguises."

Macai smiles, "I have some water tribe uniforms that I acquired from people we took down. I had them saved and stored in our ship for a rainy day like this one. We'll pose as nonbenders."

Rosh: "Who are you taking for your team?"

Macai: "Well, now that I think about it someone has to stay with the ship. In this case, it'll be Kanna."

Rosh asks, "Why? She's the most agile one of us. She'd be the best as a nonbender."

Macai counters, "But she is very upset right now. I don't know if she's in condition for a mission like this."

Rosh: "Why don't you ask her if she's ready. She'll want to fight with us and you know it."

Macai sighs, "Fine but someone important needs to stay with the ship. We can't all risk ourselves."

Rosh: "Ok fine, if Kanna wants to go I'll stay. We can have you, Kanna, Sonna, Dade, and someone else go."

Macai: "Sonna would be good, she's our best archer. Don't tell Kedo I said that though."

Rosh: "Yeah, maybe Samira can go too."

Macai: "There you go, she is a skilled nonbender. But actually, I have another idea. Samira will stay with you, she's been fighting a lot recently. Instead, let's take Cosal an old veteran."

Rosh interrupts, "Cosal isn't that agile."

Macai responds, "We'll make use of him. He'll pose a civilian. I'd got a regular outfit saved as well. People wear more modern outsits in Kanza."

Rosh: "Sounds like it'll be interesting."

Macai: "Definitely, actually instead of Kanna we can send Ronin. He's looking to grow in his strength and he knows Kett well. He'll care about what happens to his friend. Rosh, just tell Kanna her role will be looking after the crew and escape team."

Rosh sighs, "Fine."

Macai: "I don't know why you're fired up about this. As long as Kett gets home safe, everyone will be happy. If we failed, she would want to be with us. But we won't fail."

Rosh: "Ok, but our enemies could just send Kett somewhere else the minute we find him. It would be a wild goose chase. I don't think it can work Macai. I think you're rushing too much."

Macai: "I disagree. If we find out where he is without getting detected, we can quickly flee the scene. Then we can hit where Kett is and rescue him before any response is made."

Rosh gulps, "It's worth a try."

Macai gets blue armor with white stripes and puts a blue helmet over his head. Dade puts on a more casual blue uniform that has grey stripes. Sonna takes a light blue uniform that has light grey stripes. It is an old uniform from the Northern Water Tribe.

Aiya paints Macai's face grey with black stripes to make him look like a water tribe warrior. Dade comments, "Don't paint my face, I'm not important enough to need it."

Ronin: "Please paint my face, I want to look cool." Aiya paints Ronin's face white with black markings.

Cosal: "I'm glad I'm posing as a civilian. I definitely don't want makeup."

Aiya looks at Sonna, "What about you?"

Sonna responds, "Sure, why not? Let's change it up." Aiya paints Sonna's face white with yellow markings.

Dade: "You actually look great." Sonna blushes.

Macai: "So what happens once this wears off? Who is going to repaint it?"

Aiya shrugs, "Didn't you say the mission was only going to be for one day?"

Macai: "Hopefully."

Aiya: "That that should be fine. If you'd like I could send a marine with you who knows how to use makeup."

Dade laughs, "Definitely not Samira, she passionately hates makeup."

Macai interrupts, "This is NOT makeup. It's warrior paint."

Dade laughs, "Yeah sure it is."

A female marine stands up. She has a black ponytail, thin eyebrows, olive skin, a long nose, tawny brown eyes, and a thin frame. She appears to be about eighteen. Macai: "What was your name again marine?"

Female marine: "Jesha and I'd love to go."

Macai looks at Aiya. Aiya: "It's your unit. Do you mind bringing another?"

Macai: "Ok Jesha, you can come but be careful. This is a high-stakes mission."

Jesha responds, "Desan pulled off his mission, so give me a chance."

Macai nods, "Alright, alright Jesha. But your job is the makeup artist. So don't get caught and keep a low profile. If we need a face update, it will be up to you. Aiya, send Jesha sketch deigns of our warrior paint so she knows how our faces need to look to stay consistent."

Aiya responds, "I already have. She'll bring a backpack to keep up with important information. And don't worry, I've seen Jesha in action before. She's from my village and she will hook you guys up."

Macai hugs Aiya and Rosh, "It's time we left."

Rosh: "Best wishes my friend."

Aiya: "Godspeed." Macai, Dade, Ronin, Jesha, Cosal, and Sonna march off.

Another Excursion

Macai and his friends march along a water tribe pathway. Ronin looks at Macai, "Looks like you forgot one big thing in your plan."

Macai: "What?"

Ronin: "Reliable transportation. What if a team of Water Tribe warriors run into us and request our presence elsewhere?"

Macai: "Then we'll tell them that we have to go to Kanza. Worst come to worst we just kill them and go there anyway."

Ronin: "Oh yeah, of course."

Later that evening, Macai and his team arrive on the outskirts of the town. The sun is setting, and the night is on the horizon. The buildings are made of wood and light brown in color with several light blue stripes throughout the buildings. Macai notices several Water Tribe guards outside of the town.

Cosal: "Wow, these buildings are ugly. The Kanzanians have terrible taste."

Macai: "Remember why we are here Cosal."

Cosal responds, "Oh I remember, I'm just saying."

Two guards notice Macai's team as they march toward the town entrance. Water Tribe Guard (left): "Hello, which pack are you apart of?"

Macai: "Huverchi pack."

Water guard (right): "Huverchi? I've never heard of that team."

Ronin: "Yeah because we just transferred in."

Water guard (left): "I think things have kind of been a mess since the North was attacked."

Sonna: "We came from over there, but we won."

Water guard (right): "Wait what?!! You are from the Northern Tribe?! Come on in!! You helped us kick those stupid ashmakers back overseas. If you catch me at the bar, drinks are on me!"

Macai looks at Dade, "That went better than I expected."

Dade looks back at Macai, "But it was YOUR plan."

Macai: "I've got to admit, I've been getting kind of reckless recently. After my mother died, but I'm going to pull myself together. We have to finish this search for our friend."

Cosal: "You've been good to us, so we trust you. But please don't lead us off a cliff. Remember, people still value all that you have done. So if you choke now, it won't just hurt you. It will hurt us all."

Macai nods, "This leadership role comes with greater responsibility than I could have ever imagined. It's not like how they teach us in school where it's all about me and my own ambitions. It is so much greater than that."

Cosal adds, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Both physically and spiritually."

Macai adds, "As well as mentally."

Dade: "Good point. We should have a critical thinking class. With subjects like this."

Ronin: "Yeah that would be cool. I wonder what people would call it."

Jesha comments, "I heard the Water Tribe and some of the Earth Kingdom schools have something like that."

Macai: "Oh, what do they call it?"

Jesha: "Philosophy, I think."

Macai: "Aww, all of our philosophy is the same in the Fire Nation. I wish we had something like that."

Dade asks, "Wait, where are we staying?"

Macai: "I have the coin to get us in any hotel. Don't worry. I filled my pockets with gold shekels."

Jesha: "Just your pockets? You didn't need to bring a backpack or something?"

Macai: "No way, the Water Tribe villages and cities are much cheaper. Most people here don't even use gold, just silver, bronze, or trade. We'll be fine." Macai looks ahead and notices a hotel with the sign 'the Hefty Lounge'.

Dade: "Well, there is our hotel." The building is three stories tall and is a wide building. Most buildings in the city are two to three stories tall. Making them shorter than many Fire Nation buildings.

Macai enters the hotel lobby. It has beige walls, a shining light brown wood floor, two soft light grey couches, and an extended counter for customer service. The counter has a stone marble top with a light brown wooden body beneath it.

Macai stands in front of the counter and says, "I want three rooms. Each one with two beds."

Hotel server: "Each double room is thirty bronze shackles a day. You plan on paying for that yourself or splitting it."

Macai: "It's all me. One gold shekel is worth like three bronze shekels right?"

Hotel server: "Gold? I don't see those a lot, unless we get rare noble guests. Are you from the Northern Tribe or at least from the East?"

Macai: "North." Macai lays a stack of gold shackles on the counter. Macai: "Consider us secured for the week."

Hotel server: "Yessir. If you need anything... towels, snacks, bar and restaurant recommendations, massage services, or anything else you can think of; just ask."

Macai twinkles, "Excellent." Macai and his team go upstairs.

Dade: "It took longer to get here than you estimated."

Macai: "Intel isn't perfect. They only give us estimations. It's not my fault."

Ronin: "I wonder if the makeup will hold overnight."

Jesha: "I will brush you all up in the morning. Let's make sure we get up early. Like a little before sunrise."

Ronin groans, "But I like my sleep."

Dade: "Me too, but I've had to sacrifice it during several of Macai's wild skirmishes."

Ronin replies, "I can only imagine." Macai and his team go to their rooms. Macai lays on his bed. It has a royal blue fuzzy blanket, brown walls, a sand-colored fuzzy ceiling, and light grey carpet. The room has a mirror on the right side on the room and several caramel-colored dressers.

Back at it

The next day, Macai and his allies exit the building after Jesha updates Macai, Sonna, and Ronin's face paint. The sun emerges and the sky has a golden hue to it. Macai marches with his team toward the government center. There is a moderate crowd outside, in a few hours the streets will be packed.

Macai peeks outside and notices the government building. Three guards stand outside. The one on the right has a sword, the guard on the left has a spear, the guard in the center is a sergeant waterbender, and two archers stand outside of the building. Macai glances at Sonna, "Get in one of those buildings in the distance and get a clear shot at them from one of the windows. Try going on the third floor for a decent view and angle, I'd steer away from the rooftop because they'll have other guards ready to intercept you."

Sonna obeys and walks through the crowd into a nearby building. Dade looks at Macai, "This is crazy, even for us."

Macai: "Is it?"

Dade: "Yes, we're making it up as we go along."

Macai peers at Cosal, "Stay in the crowd and keep a low profile. Keep an eye on the building but don't be too predictable."

Cosal: "Got it."

Macai: "Jesha, back to the hotel."

Jesha looks at Macai and pouts. Dade: "Come on, we'll need to escape all at once. She should be with us."

Macai reconsiders, "Ok, Jesha, stick with Cosal. Chat with him as a friend and be careful. Are you armed? Cosal has his reserve sword."

Jesha: "I have a dagger, don't worry I'll make good use of it."

Macai: "What do you usually use?"

Jesha: "Dual short swords."

Macai: "Well, it would have been a good idea to bring them."

Jesha: "Oh well, I left them at the PA." Dade wonders if he should have been vouching for her, but he hopes for the best. Macai notices a Water Tribe warrior pull out a paper slip and show it to the guards. The guards then allow the warrior to enter the building.

Macai: "Those must be some sort of authorization papers."

Ronin: "Then we need to get some."

Dade: "But how?"

Macai: "We'll TAKE them. Gentlemen, let's go for a stroll." Macai, Dade, and Ronin walk through the crowd and stalk a pair of two guards. Macai and Dade scurry beside him, "We need immediate assistance. We spotted an armed terrorist!"

Guard: "Terrorist?" The Water Tribe forces are not very familiar with terrorists.

Macai: "Come on!" Macai sprints with Dade into an ally, the guards follow them. Once the guards reach the middle of the alley and Macai and Dade reach the edge of it. Ronin leaps behind the duo. One of the guards turns around as Macai kicks the other guard in the back of his head, sparking him out. The remaining guard turns to face Macai and Ronin grabs the man by the back of his neck before suffocating him to death.

Macai picks up the two authorization papers and gives one to Ronin. Dade: "What about me?"

Macai: "Didn't you say you were smooth? I think you can get it yourself."

Ronin asks, "What are you talking about?"

Macai: "Don't worry, you'll see." Macai, Ronin, and Dade stroll toward the government center. Dade walks on the left side of the team and two Water Tribe warriors walk beside them. Dade purposely bumps into the guard beside him.

Dade: "Opps, sorry."

The warrior snarls, "Watch it!" Then the warrior and his friends storm off. Dade looks at Ronin and shows him an authorization paper.

Ronin: "Wow, that was smooth."

Dade: "Being in the Nyarri city, I ran into quite a few children and teen pick pocketers. Let's just say, I observed some of their practices."

Ronin: "He's going to be upset when he realizes he lost his card."

Dade: "I doubt he'll realize it was because of me. If he does, hopefully we'll be long gone by then and they won't be back until the next day. If they were just on break, we'll have to deal with it when the time comes."

Macai and his friends march to the government center's front doors. The sergeant water guard in is still waiting with the other two warriors they saw earlier. Water Tribe sergeant: "Let me see your security clearance. Otherwise, you can't enter."

The undercover firebenders show their papers. Water Tribe sergeant: "Good, who are you coming to see? We have everyone accounted for on guard duty and none of you are on the priority list."

Dade looks at Macai. Macai: "The captain wanted us to stop by and see him briefly."

Water Tribe sergeant: "I thought he was busy today."

Macai: "Just briefly, we are only going to drop something off in his office."

Water Tribe sergeant: "Then don't take too long." Macai, Dade, and Ronin quickly enter the building.

Ronin: "This isn't much of a plan. It's kind of just improvising."

Macai responds, "Sometimes improv is necessary." The building has grey-beige walls, a light sand floor, and a light blue ceiling. Several water tribe pictures are scattered throughout the structure. Macai, Ronin, and Dade walk past multiple Water Tribe warriors and officers.

Dade asks Macai, "What are we looking for?"

Macai: "An information room. The Water Tribe forces don't seem to be very prepared for infiltration. My guess is that that information would be located within the chief's office. But to be sure, someone should go to the captain's office and see if it has important info. Then break off and flee."

Ronin volunteers, "I'll go."

Macai: "Do you know how to navigate well? Combat skills are important, but navigation also is. I've spent some time with Dade in Nyarri and learned that he is very good at disappearing."

Ronin: "Oh, not that much but I can figure it out."

Macai: "Then stick with me and I'll see how well you adapt. Dade, you can go to the captain's room. Keep a low profile. I know you're slick, so you can pull this off. Because if good benders or enough opponents find you you'll be outmatched."

Dade nods, "I'm up to it." Dade swiftly breaks off from the team.

Ronin: "This is risky."

Macai: "Dade is sharp. I think he'll get there in record time and be out just as fast."

Ronin: "So what now for us?"

Macai points to the chief's office, it has long silver doors and one waterbender guard in front of it. Ronin whispers, "What do we do about that guy?"

Macai: "I brought something with me."

Ronin responds, "What?"

Macai waits for the Water Tribe warriors to exit the hall, "Get his attention."

Ronin contacts the guard, "Sir." The guard looks at him.

Macai walks past Ronin and extends his left hand. A dart flies out of his hand into the guard's back. The watchman passes out. Macai mutters, "Quickly, pull him up." Ronin does as he is instructed.

Macai pulls the dart out of the man's back. Macai: "It will only leave a small mark. I brought another one just to be safe and gave Dade a couple of them. These are nexon darts. They derive from nexon plants, located in Nyarri's mountain region. They are excellent for directly putting people out for three to five hours."

Ronin comments, "Wow, that's strong."

Macai: "Just hold him up as if you're talking to him because we don't have anywhere to put him." Macai notices that the Chief's door is locked. Macai: "Dade knows how to pick locks, but I don't. Soo I'm going to have to be more direct." Macai steps a foot back and kicks the center of the door.

A loud snap is heard, and the door is knocked open. Ronin: "How did you do that?"

Macai opens the door, "My father's training.." Ronin follows Macai in the room and the young firebender searches through several papers and drawers. Macai: "Sit the guard in the chief's seat. Make it seem like he fell asleep at his desk."

Ronin pulls the guard and sits him in the chair. Ronin: "What kind of papers are you looking for?"

Macai commands, "Stand outside of the door, keep a watch and don't let anyone enter until I'm finished." Ronin steps outside of the door and leans on it. Two Water Tribe warriors emerge seconds later and walk past him. Ronin continues his guard duty.

Meanwhile, Dade sneaks infront of the captain's office. His front door is much smaller and less fancy than the Chief's door. The captain opens his door and exists it. Dade ducks behind a wall to avoid detection. After the captain leaves, Dade pulls out a curved door prier, which is meant to open locked doors.

The device is shaped in a way that it can pry several doors open while being pushed into the handle like a key. Users must have the proper technique (use of force and stance) to open locked doors with it. Dade inserts his device into the doorknob and is able to open it within forty-five seconds. Dade rapidly sneaks in the room and other Water Tribe warriors stroll through the hall seconds later.

Dade scans the room and uses his lock picker to open several drawers. As Dade is searching, he notices papers that describe the location of several prisoner camps in the area and Dade also notices papers about Water Tribe war plans. The plans describe different water tribe tactics. Dade feels the papers might be useful in the future, so he takes them.

After searching all drawers, Dade exits the office and works his way toward an escape. As this is happening, Ronin continues his watch duty at the door. A Water Tribe corporal confronts Ronin. Ronin: "Hello."

Water Tribe corporal: "I don't remember you? Isn't it Tupil's shift?"

Ronin: "Tupil called in sick."

Water Tribe corporal: "Oh, I was not informed."

Ronin: "It just happened. He said he was sick and left the facility."

Water Tribe corporal: "Ok, give this letter to the chieftain and don't open it." The Water Tribe corporal hands Ronin a letter and departs. Ronin enters chieftain's room.

Macai comments, "Stand guard Ronin."

Ronin: "I was given a letter."

Macai turns, "What letter?"

Ronin: "Let's find out." Ronin lays the letter on the desk and opens it. The letter describes the transportation of recent prisoners. It doesn't list any names, only locations. Macai looks at the letter.

Macai: "Wow, you found it. Nice job Ronin."

Ronin blushes, "Well, you know."

Macai: "It looks like the most recent transfer is to a local mountain region North of our current position. The movement from there was south of where we fought, when Kett disappeared. I think that is our best bet, we've got to go there. It's called the Joohu Citadel. We have no time to waste."

Ronin replies, "But the enemies will know we are coming. They'll quickly find out we took this stuff."

Macai: "They will find out stuff is missing, but we will do what we can. They might not have time to get word out to them if we are fast enough. The sooner we leave the better because they will dispatch a messenger and give him a fast animal to spread word of the documents stolen. They might not connect it to us right away, we might have time."

Ronin: "And what better time to do it than now, I'm sure they're distracted by a lot of things."

Macai: "We just need to make sure they don't identify me in particular or any of us. If they find out it's the 31st, they'll make sure we don't discover Kett. Especially since our nation is pulling out of this cursed land."

Ronin: "Let's go then." Ronin and Macai swiftly exit the room. Two guards confront the firebenders.

Guard: "Wait a minute, who authorized you two to enter this office?"

Macai: "We noticed the door was open and no one was standing guard. So we went for a look. Someone got lazy, but now you guys can take over. We're new, so we didn't know what to do anyway."

Guard 2: "Who was tasked with keeping watch?"

Ronin: "The guy sleeping on the desk." The guards sprint in the room. One guard pinches the man in the seat, but he does not wake up. The other guard slaps him in the back of the head, but the man still sleeps.

Macai looks at Ronin, "Let's leave now, this is going to go south fast." Macai and Ronin flee the scene.

The guard on the left says, "Check his pulse. Make sure he is alive."

Guard 2: "He's alive."

Guard 1: "Any ideas? I can't wake him up."

Guard 2: "Let me get one of our benders, Cerba knows how to wake any man up."

Guard 1: "Now that's a good idea."

Cosal and Jesha keep strolling outside when three Water Tribe warriors confront Jesha. The one in the center is a swordsman, the one on his right has a spear, and the one on the left has a mace. Jesha smiles, "Hi."

Water Tribe swordsman: "You have been pacing around for the last thirty-five minutes. You are looking really supricious and we've been watching you the entire time. What are you trying to pull?"

Jesha chuckles, "Well, no. I'm looking for my little cousin. He's lost."

Water Tribe spearman: "Why do you keep looking around the same area? Surely he would have gone somewhere else."

Jesha laughs, "Good idea. I'll look another place then."

The Water Tribe short swordsman shakes his head and grabs her hand, "You're going to stay with us for questioning."

Jesha shouts, "Stop it! You're violating my rights! I'm just searching for my little cousin!"

Water Tribe spearman: "Also, you have a uniform. Which pack are you a member of?"

Jesha: "The Sheba-Wolf pack."

Water Tribe swordsman: "That pack doesn't exist."

Jesha knees the short swordsman in his stomach and thrusts her dagger through the back of his neck. The Water Tribe swordsman draws his blade, and the spearman readies himself. Cosal pats the spearman on the back. The spearman turns around and Cosal uppercuts him. Jesha picks up the short swordsman's weapon and points it at her enemy's neck.

Water Tribe swordsman: "Pirates!!" Jesha grins and several citizens run in terror. The swordsman charges at Jesha and vertically swings at her head. The marine lifts her blade and horizontally blocks the strike. Jesha rotates her weapon and diagonally slashes the man across his chest. Cosal notices another two Water Tribe swordsmen sprint at them.

Cosal (to Jesha): "Let's get out of here, now! Before the benders chase us."

Jesha nods, "Good idea." Jesha and Cosal flee. A Water Tribe archer on the left side of the rooftop of the government building aims at Jesha's back. Sonna looks at the archer from the distance from the open window of a two-story building that is ten feet from their position.

Sonna fires an arrow into the archer's neck. The archer's body flips backward onto the rooftop. The archer in the center of the rooftop readjusts his focus as he attempts to find the direction of the arrow. Sonna shoots a second arrow into the guard's chest. The archer falls forward off the structure and through a bread stand.

A woman screams from the commotion. The third archer on the right side of the building launches an arrow at Sonna. Sonna weaves right behind a wall and away from the window. Several water tribe warriors exit the facility bridge as they look for their enemies. Sonna quickly rushes down the stairs and exists out of a backway of the building.

Meanwhile, Macai and Ronin sprint out of the right side of the building. Ronin: "Where are we regrouping again?"

Macai: "Hmm, we said we were going to meet on the Western outskirts of the city. That would be good for Sonna and Dade assuming they haven't been found. But they obviously discovered Jesha and Cosal. Which means we should flee in their direction to make sure they are alright."

Ronin: "But we don't know which way they ran and we don't want to be discovered."

Macai: "Good point, let's just go to the rendevous point then. Hopefully they'll make it back."

Jesha and Cosal run from behind a building as several Water Tribe troops hunt them. Cosal pats Jesha on the back, "Into the haystack, we'll wait for them to clear out. Then we'll regroup after." Jesha and Cosal leap into the haystack. The guards pass their position.

Situational Complications

The guards search reverently, but to no avail. They eventually are forced to abandon their search. Several Water Tribe Warriors still keep watch for suspicious activity throughout the city. The chieftain (Bosho) and the captain (Neamar) meet in the chief's office to discuss the situation. Bosho: "Did you notice anything strange?"

Neamar: "No, not so far. I'm not sure if I lost anything in my office."

Bosho: "Interesting. I was informed that I was supposed to get a paper about prisoner transportations, and it was recently stolen."

Neamar: "Maybe they want to rescue their pirate friends."

Bosho: "Possibly, but we haven't had a lot of pirates captured recently. Mainly some Fire Nation warriors in the recent fights but is possible."

Neamar: "What should we do?"

Bosho: "I recommend we send a message to the different facilities. Make sure they amp up their security. I will send out several dispatchers."

Meanwhile, Jesha and Cosal notice their haystack carriage is moving. Jesha whispers, "What should we do?"

Cosal: "Just wait, maybe they'll take us away from this city."

Jesha: "What if enemies captured us and are taking us to a prisoner camp without telling us."

Cosal shakes his head, "No, they would just order us out of the haystack and restrain us if that was the catch." Cosal and Jesha are transported to the outskirts of the city and toward the countryside. Cosal looks at Jesha, "I don't hear as many people anymore."

Jesha responds, "Maybe it's late." Suddenly, the haystack carriage stops.

Cosal cautions, "Wait." Cosal and Jesha hear talking and the haystack continues moving. Cosal: "I think it's a farmer. He likely left the city and is going to his farm. I think they stopped him because it was security."

Jesha: "They should have searched the haystack."

Cosal: "Maybe they're tired." Jesha takes a deep breath.

After traveling for another ten minutes Jesha turns to Cosal, "Let's get out before we really get lost."

Cosal: "Ok." Cosal rises and leaps out of the haystack. Jesha does the same and lands beside him. The carriage stops and the marines make an about face. They notice an elderly man with a straw hat. He seems to be in his late sixties.

Straw hat elder: "Pirates! Stay away from my haystack!"

Jesha aims her blade at the man, "Hush if you know what's good for you."

Cosal: "No, we're sorry. We're just passing through. Thanks for the ride."

The elderly man exits his carriage, reveals a muscular frame, and pulls out a double edged sword. Cosal: "Look sir, we don't want to fight."

Jesha laughs, "You are going to get wrecked old man."

Cosal warns Jesha, "We are keeping a low profile."

Jesha extends her arms, "Look around, no one else is here. Just us."

The elderly man hops directly in front of Jesha and lunges his double sword at the woman's stomach. Jesha pulls her blade left and knocks the sword away from her. The old man spins closer to is foes and is deceptively fast. The elder swings diagonally at Jesha's neck. Jesha leaps backward to avoid being carved up.

The man skips forward and swings horizontally at the young woman's stomach. Jesha leaps over the attack and kicks the man down. The man backflips on his feet and looks her in the eyes. Jesha notices that he has grey eyes, beige skin, a long nose, thin medium lips, long thin eyes, and a scar that runs through his right eyebrow.

The man leaps at Jesha with a diagonal spinning attack. Jesha pivots backward and right. The elder swings his blade again at Jesha's neck. Jesha ducks and the man lunges his weapon at her midsection. Jesha bobs right.

Elder: "You're getting tired girl."

Cosal walks behind the elder, "Enough! Stand down!" The elder backflips and swings vertically at Cosal's face. Cosal horizontally extends his weapon and blocks the strike. Jesha rushes behind the man. The elder attempts to kick Cosal and he gallops backward.

The old duelist turns diagonally swings at Jesha. Jesha backpedals and Cosal lunges vertically at the man. The elder turns and horizontally parries the hit. The man spins backward away from his opponents. Cosal: "If we keep fighting him, the guards are going to catch us."

Jesha: "Ok, we're sorry. We underestimated you."

Elder: "You had no right to enter my carriage!"

Cosal: "We are sorry, I have a couple of silver shekels for your troubles."

The elder shouts, "No, I don't want to be paid off."

Jesha asks, "Then what do you want?"

The elder smiles, "Do some work around my house and prove yourselves. Then I will pardon you both."

Jesha: "We don't have time for this." Cosal turns and hears movement. He notices Macai, Ronin, Sonna, and Dade.

Cosal pleas, "Please help us. This crazy old man keeps attacking us."

Macai sneers, "Where do these crazy old guys keep coming from? First Oktai, now whoever this guy is. I bet the Avatar had his run in with one too. They're also stronger than one would guess."

The elder points at Macai, "Oh, stand down trespasser. I'll take you all on." Sonna pops an arrow at the man's right shoulder, and he easily swats it aside. The elder hops between Macai and Ronin. Macai doesn't want to firebend to give himself away. The elder lunges at his stomach. Macai leaps left and the man swings horizontally at the commander.

Macai scurries backward. Ronin sprints at the man and the man notices Ronin then faces him. Ronin backpedals knowing he doesn't want to bend, "On second thought, I think I have something else to do." Macai charges at the man again. The elder turns and horizontally lashes at the commander. Macai leaps right of the duelist's position.

The old man faces him again. Cosal rushes behind the man and swings at the strawhat warrior with an upper strike. The old warrior backpedals then Macai latches his arms around the man's sides. Macai slams the man in the ground and his hat flies off, revealing his white hair and bald spot in the center of his head. Macai slams the man's head into the ground, knocking him out.

Macai takes a breath, "Why did he make me do that?"

Dade: "Wow, a senior citizen held his own against all of us. Shocking..."

Ronin: "To be fair, we couldn't bend. Otherwise, he wouldn't have lasted that long."

Macai: "That man could have given Raggis a run for his money."

Dade: "Probably that Ronu guy too. He is legit."

Jesha: "Since he is an elder, let's put him back on his carriage and make sure he gets home safe. I don't want him to get robbed by pirates."

Cosal scratches his head, "What? I'd be more worried about those pirates than him. He will be fine. He might wake up in any minute." Out of respect Macai still sits the man in his carriage and lays his blade beside him. Macai leaves ten gold shekels on his side seat.

Macai: "I pray no pirates get here and he safely travels back. My parents taught me to respect my elders. He might be a little crazy, but he was just traveling. We were the trespassers."

Ronin: "I guess, but he tried to kill us."

Macai changes the subject, "As fun as this was, I'm glad we're all alive. Now we need to rescue Kett, I believe I know where he is. So let's get out of here and get back to the shore where the Prompt Adjudicator is." Macai and his allies flee. A team of five water tribe warriors wake up the elder.

Water Tribe captain: "Did you see any pirates around here?"

The elder scratches his head, "Um, no."

Water tribe warrior: "Are you sure? Why is there an arrow laying near here? Why is your sword laying around? Why do you have a stack of gold shekels beside your seat." The elder takes the shekels and puts them in his pocket.

Elder: "Oh, I must have dropped them out of my pocket."

A Water Tribe warrior raises an eyebrow and looks at the squad leader, "Should we take him in for questioning."

Water Tribe squad leader, "No, he's an elder." The squad leader looks at the elder, "Just go back home and stay out of trouble."

Elder: "Thank you young man." The elder departs and the squad leader shakes his head in frustration. Macai and his team arrive to the friendly beachhead. They notice five Fire Nation Army ships that aren't from his fleet around the Prompt Adjudicator. Two corvettes, two cruisers, and one heavy cruiser.

Macai opens his mouth wide then notices Kanna emerge along with two Fire Nation marines. The marines have their hands up and behind their heads with hand cuffs. Two Fire Nation Intelligence troopers move beside them and Kanna is in hand cuffs as well. Kanna: "Sorry sir, the jig is up." The intel troopers have black armor and helmets with white markings.

A man with a black uniform and a platinum collar arrives. He has dark brown short hair, light skin, a medium nose, small lips, gold eyes, and is five feet and nine inches tall. The man is moderately muscular and has medium detached ears. Macai looks the man in his eyes, "Who are you?"

The man smiles, "Fire Nation Intelligence Director Goshal. I was called into action after your forces went deviant on your own mission without the Command's approval. Now you will be brought to be court marshaled at the Fire Nation Capital. Your entire unit will be charged with treason since they all decided to stay with you."

Macai's eyes widen. Ronin looks at Macai, "What should we do? Should we fight?"

Macai: "No stand down. Our loyalty is still ultimately to our state. We will get through this and make a case for our position."

Director Goshal: "Come with me, you will personally ride back on my personal flag ship. The heavy cruiser you see back there, we call it the 'Descending Wrath', it's one of my favorite vessels."

Macai: "You have several personal ships?"

Goshal: "Yes, I have three."

Macai: "I've never heard of you."

Goshal: "That's the point commander, you're not important enough. Now let's go, I look forward to discovering your punishment." Goshal nods and several intel troopers put handcuffs on Macai and his friends. Dade, Sonna, Cosal, and Ronin are escorted back into the Prompt Adjudicator which has been taken over by several intel troopers.

While Macai is taken aboard Goshal's ship which is full of elite intel troopers. The interior of the ship has black walls, white floors, and a dark red ceiling. Several lanterns illuminate the facility. Macai is placed in a private cell. Goshal peers at the commander, "Rest easy here, I'll return when we arrive at the capital."