Another Venture

An orange sun beams in the sky but a few clouds buzz across the light blue stratosphere. Kett sits in an open room which has cream colored walls and a light grey porcelain tile floor. A matcha scented candle gives the room a fresh smell and a silver chandelier hangs over them. 

A copper fruit bowl holds various apples, oranges, and pomelos. The bowl is on a smooth yet sturdy grey table. Sada sits across him with two Water Tribe warriors. One warrior is a male from the Eastern Tribe with a spear, yellow skin, and long brown hair. The other warrior is a swordsman from the Southern Water Tribe with dark blue armor. 

Kett himself is in a uniform with the same colors of his Vindicated Avenger armor (silver and light blue). Kett looks at the contract, "Hmm, looks like you pay attention to detail, and you met my requests for the most part. I can make the couple of compromises you list, but I need to get paid." 

Sada: "And you will, check the back of the final page. You will be paid for each individual mission you complete after finishing. If you finish quickly or in a better fashion than mandated, then you may receive a bonus. If you don't finish, you will receive a 15% reduction in your payment but this gets the rest for attempting. If you are injured, United Way members will treat you."

Kett comments, "Well after recently being freed and not having a stable job, this contract seems sufficient for me. Just know one thing Sada, don't ever cross me. I will stand against anyone who or anything that does."

Sada slides her fingers across the table, "I am a woman of honor, Kett. I stick to my word. I trust you will do the same." Kett signs the contract with a violet quill (feather ink pen). Sada and her allies stand up while Kett does the same. Kett and Sada step across each other before shaking hands. 

Sada: "Welcome to the United Way, together we will fight for the liberation, protection, and empowerment of endangered groups across the globe." 

Later, Kett walks with Sada as a cool breeze flows through the sky. The duo walks across the snowy outskirts of Sogo. Kett: "So what's the main method of transportation we will use for missions? Will we ride flying animals, or do you have a ship?"

Sada: "Good guesses, but both are wrong." Sada points to a shinning new airship. It has purple markings, which represents the United Ways colors. The vessel holds several mounted cannons and can carry up to 24 passengers though the crew size of this particular ship is currently 16 members (including Kett).

Kett gasps, "What? You have an AIRSHIP?! That's the Fire Nation's most advanced basic vehicle, they are insanely expensive. How did you get it?"

Sada: "We stole it."

Kett crosses his arms, "That isn't honorable."

United Way Eastern Water Tribe Duelist: "Usually it wouldn't be but in the case of war, I guess a better answer is that we acquired it from them by means of ambush and infiltration. After all, the Fire Nation are expert thieves with all the land they unrightfully take." 

Kett thinks, "This would have really offended me a couple of months ago."

Sada: "He's right."

Kett looks at the duelist, "By the way, that's your name?"

Eastern Water Tribe Duelist: "I'm Calveko." 

Kett: "Nice to meet you Calveko." 

Sada: "Calveko is one of the best duelists in the Eastern Water Tribe." Sada points at the spear warrior, "And Kashen here is a talented spear warrior from the Western Water Tribe." 

Kett: "Nice, is there anyone else I should get to know?" The vessel is 40 meters long and 8 meters wide. 

Sada: "Step in the airship and I'll show you."

Kett: "What do you call this thing anyway?"

Sada: "We call it, the Ombudsman." 

As Kett, Sada, Kashen, and Calveko enter the vessel, Kett steps into its interior. Kett sees several sand-colored walls, a dark grey carpet, and a white ceiling. Sada: "We repainted and furnished the place to see less threatening. We even have a pool room and some comfortable crew quarters."

Kett: "Do I get my own room?"

Sada: "Yes of course, I also have an armory but you can put your body armor in your closet if you want it in an isolated area. We also have an awesome cook." Kett notices a middle aged short and bald man with copper brown skin, light green eyes, and a dark brown beard. 

Zumbako: "Hey, I'm Zumbako, the chef around here. I'm from the little Earth Kingdom city called Marsla. We have the best fried bread and permission soup." 

Kett: "Emm, that sounds awesome. I honestly love to eat." 

Sada: "We even have a writing room that I and others may use to store important documents and finding." 

Kett probes, "What is that for?"

Sada: "We use it because our job in the United Way isn't just combat, it also is for spreading the truth and debunking propaganda. That means we have a media campaign, and we even take statements of important individuals to stand against our enemies." 

Kett: "How will they know you didn't just make up whatever you wrote?"

Sada: "We try to get signatures and store physical evidence." 

Kett: "I'll long for the day technology makes it easier to prove things. If only there was a way to capture the moment, to like show an image of a scene to people." 

Sada: "That sure would be something. Until then, we work with what we have." Sada points at a man with a shaved head, dark yellow skin tone, wide lips, a pointy nose, sharp eyes, bulky build, and thin eyebrows.

Sada: "This is Derzo, our technician. He's from the Earth Kingdom and is handy with tools. He was born in Ba Sing Se." Derzo nods and walks away. Sada comments, "He's a quiet person but he'll open up to you eventually, once you earn his respect."

Kett: "I never cared much for formalities, so that's ok."

Calveko: "Yeah, he doesn't say much to me either."

Kashen: "I'm his favorite, he gave me a thumbs up."

Kett crosses his arms, "So what's our mission?"

Sada crosses her hands behind her back, "We will go to the Western Water Tribe city Novusho. We have been called to conduct an investigation of behalf of some citizens who carried out a message to a United Way chapter in a nearby town."

Kett: "There are United Way chapters?"

Sada: "Of course there are Kett, we have to have as strong of a presence as possible and the only way to do that is to have members everywhere."

Kett replies, "But we aren't a chapter."

Sada answers, "No, we are more of a mix of diplomats, agents, recruiters, or activists."

Kett: "Well, I'm really just a contractor."

Sada: "Several citizens in Novusho have disappeared. Many villagers fear the worst. The Western tribe is distinct from the others, name for the more religious outlooks that exist in these territories. Much of it is located in rich coniferous and boreal forests which contain harsh winters."

Kett: "Good thing the winter is kicking down a bit. So, are we supposed to rescue these people?"

Sada: "Yes or at least locate them and find out what's happened."

Kett cracks his wrists, "Sounds like fun. Are these guys going to be with me?" 

Calveko smiles, "Of course."

Kett: "You know, Sada, I really think I'd move faster alone."

Sada sighs, "Kett, I know you are upset about separating from your original team who are now your enemies, but I really think we will also mesh together in time. With that being said, this will be different than your time in the 31st. We are a smaller force, so we will need to move discretely and will often coordinate without moving in packs all the time."

Kett: "Packs? Don't you mean squads?"

Sada: "Every nation has its lingo. My people often say pack and it means so much more because in the Water Tribe, we view our team as family. To me every person I work with in the United Way is a brother or sister in my fight for freedom. They aren't just personnel or servicemen sent to die in rank-and-file units." 

Kett shrugs, "Fair enough. I never thought of it that way. I care about my teammates; I just don't put much energy in names."

Sada: "Names matter, how you frame things matter. Everything starts with a concept and names carry concepts. Concepts guide thoughts and thoughts bare actions." Kett simply looks and does not know how to respond. 

Sada adds, "Get rest team. We will regroup just before we land." The following morning, the airship descends into the outskirts of Novusho in the middle of a snowy yet isolated passage. The town is only around 240 meters away from their position. Sada looks at Kett, "We will leave most of the crew to watch over the ship."

Kett: "Then who's conducting this mission?"

Sada: "You, me, Calveko, Kashen, and a local agent named Ruken."

Kett: "Ruken is he part of another chapter or is he a free agent?"

Sada: "He's a bit of both, Ruken is a regional agent who works throughout this island. He knew this task was too much for him to take on alone." Kett scratches his head. As the team exits the ship, a Water Tribe archer arrives on a fluffy orange llama-cheetah. Ruken himself has black straight hair, sideburns, a thin mustache, fair skin that has slight a reddish hue, and is twenty-two years old. 

Sada: "Ruken, it's been a while, that's going on in Sienna?" 

Ruken smiles, "Oh, the people are having a big festival pretty soon. They are going to have kabobs, steak rolls, fish lettuce wraps, haikus, plays, dances, and strength contests. It starts in three days but last for four, so hopefully I can wrap this up so I can see that. You and your friends are welcome to come."

Sada: "Maybe we will, but in the meantime, let's ask the villagers what's going on." Sada, Ruken, Kett, Calveko, and Kashen walk through the town where they see several grey shacks. The shacks have chimneys, fireplaces, and grey wool floors. The people wear thick boots and furry clothing as they navigate through the snowy climate. 

The dress jewelry, belts, and furniture of the locals tends to be in indigo and blue-purple shade. However, other things they wear are made directly of animal fur. The people of Novusho are known to take the animals fur during the summer so they won't freeze to death during the winter. 

Sada: "I see the people of this village are very practical." 

Ruken nods, "Indeed."

Kett asks, "Where are we going?"

Sada answers, "The local policing office." The policing office is a wide building with a local indigo and white stripped flag representing the town. Kett has a furry white hood strapped to the back of his coat.

Two Nuvushan guards stand with spears at the door, their weapons are crossed at the entrance. Sada salutes them and they salute her back before uncrossing their blades. The team enters the building, and a Captain Zameer awaits them. Zameer has a long dark brown beard, thick eyebrows, light blue eyes, pale skin, and a thick nose. 

The captain is forty-seven years old and looks quite strong for his age. Sada speaks, "Captain, we heard grievances from two citizens in your city, apparently some strange occurrences have been taking place..." 

Zameer: "Indeed, our enemies have taken shape and are moving in force. They have kidnapped, killed, and maimed a few people. Their motives are unknown." 

Kashen presses his palms together, "Do you believe they're bandits?"

Zameer: "I'm not sure. While they have looted a couple of people, we noticed, they did not do this with every hostage, and it did not seem to be a priority. They have never attempted to raid any homes, but the nature of their attacks suggest they are from the one of or several of the Water Tribes. I have a list of a few citizens who could speak to you about their encounters, maybe give you enough information to make something out of this case."

Kett: "Have your warriors come into contact with these troublemakers?" 

Zameer: "A few have, but none came back alive. I had a few patrols and search teams that were dispatched. They seemed to be ambushed and killed. This is a dangerous mission, watch your backs." 

Kett: "I can't speak for the others, but I'm used to missions like that."

Sada rolls her eyes, "As am I. Our team will be up for the job." 

Kett: "I didn't mean any offense by that, it's just that I can only speak for myself. But I can tell you, that I know for a fact Sada knows what she is doing. She's as sharp as a whip and gets things done. She also is a skilled fighter. If she trusts these three, then they must be legit as well." 

Zameer: "Well, thank you all for your help. Help yourselves to some tea before you go on your voyage."

A female school teacher places her ruler against a chalk board as she points to a compare and contrast chart that she created. The woman is in her early thirties, has dark brown hair, light skin, small royal blue eyes, and a petite nose. A class of twelve 3rd graders stand across her as they sit on wooden chairs and across wooden desks. 

Female teacher: "When you are comparing two sides, look for the common ground. This is the best way to find a compromise or solve a problem, when two opposing forces are able to agree." The woman hears a loud knock against her door, she opens it and immediately sees Kett. 

The rest of the team follows in. Female teacher: "What do you people want?"

A boy student gasps, "Woh, they look so cool."

Sada: "We wanted to speak with you during your lunch session. Apologizes for barging in." Sada lightly bows in respect to the students before exiting and the rest of the team follow her. Kashen and Calveko wave before leaving. The teacher meets with them outside of the school. 

The teacher nearly breaks down in tears, "My son, Geno disappeared during a walk two days ago. He is only a 2nd grader. I've tried to keep it confidential, but people are starting to notice he's gone. I fear the worst. If you could find anything, please help." 

Kett: "Does this group usually take children?"

Female teacher: "No."

Sada: "It could be anything, but we will need to keep an eye out for him." 

Female teacher: "Thank you all, I wish you well on your path." The team continues later meets with a man at his farm which is located in the outer portion of Novusho. The man is missing his left arm. The group sits in rocking chairs across him outside of his front porch.

Kashen: "What happened to you?"

Farmer: "Those people came here and killed my dog. Then they took my arm. They never said anything at all, it was like they were possessed. They left me lying in the snow and they took my wife. I'll never know why, not unless you find the answer. They tend to strike at dusk and dawn."

Kett: "Did they take anything from you besides your arm?"

Farmer: "No."

Later that day, the United Way task force heads toward a hotel that local authorities are covering so the group will stay for free. On their walk, a young man who is just fifteen runs behind them. Young man: "Hey, HEY, PLEASE HELP ME!!" 

Calveko responds, "What is it young man?" 

Young man: "You don't look that much older than me, what gives? I want help, they killed my brother and his friend?"

Kett: "Who killed them?"

Young man: "I DON'T KNOW, those raiders or whatever they are. They killed him for no reason and broke in his house."

Sada: "Did they take anything?"

Young man: "A couple of things, but not much." 

Kashen: "How old was he?" 

Young man: "He was only twenty-five. He was planning on getting MARRIED soon. They tore a hole in my heart, PLEASE, make those monsters pay." 

Calveko: "Do you have any information or context that can help us learn about them?"

Young man: "They usually hit the homes located on the edges of town, that's why I'm moving back closer to town square. They do different bad things to different people. Their attacks are somewhat random and erratic. That's all I know."

Roken: "Hey, I promise you, we will take care of them. Whatever the cost." By the end of the day, the sun begins to escape as the team checks into their hotel. The walls of the hotel are light blue, the floor is made of smooth freshly waxed caramel brown wood, and the ceiling is made of a thick violet cement-like substance. 

Several torches brighten and keep the hotel warm. Sada gets the keys. Calveko looks at a server who is standing behind a wooden counter in an indigo uniform. Calveko: "What are the amenities here?" 

Server: "Free breakfast and dinner, we have a sauna, a warm fireplace in the longue, and we have a band that performs every evening. The rooms have fans for the summer, but those are quite useless snow. The beds have several thick blankets that will keep you warm, we have a massage room, and there are free magazines in the longue." 

Kashen: "Oooou, a massage room, count me in." 

Calveko: "I know, I'll be there as well, what about you Kett?"

Kett: "I'll pass on that."

Calveko: "Lighten up man, every man needs a massage."

Kett: "Like I said, I'll pass."

Kashen: "Next time then."

Sada: "I'm definitely using the sauna."

Kett: "I can give myself a sauna."

An older man barges in the hotel. He has a dark grey beard, pale skin, thin yet curly hair, a wide nose, wide ears, a small forehead, broad shoulders, turquoise eyes, and large pink lips. Elder: "Travelers, I bring news."

Kashen sighs, "Ugh, this day never ends. Can you come back in the morning?"

Sada hushes him, "Shssh, what was that sir?" 

Elder: "The group you seek are very dangerous."

Kett: "I never would have guessed."

Elder: "They have the power to directly strike and raid this town, but they will not do it." 

Calveko: "Are you able to verify that information?"

Elder: "They will not do it because they are not bandits or raiders. I'm sure you already know that." 

Kashen: "Sada, he might be onto something."

Elder: "They are attacking to deliver a message, that should be obvious. Their attacks are symbolic and whenever you have symbolic attacks like this, the reasons are spiritual. Understand the nature of your enemies and you can understand how to identify and vanquish them. They strike in the shadows and look to cause confusion. Have faith and the pieces will reveal themselves." 

The elder leaves. Calveko: "Well, that was, interesting."

Kashen: "To say the least."

Sada: "Let's have fun everyone and we'll get back to this mystery tomorrow."