Book I, Act IX: Burning Bridges, Chapter V

Edited by: Bieverdog AO3: GalavantingGoose

Book I, Imbalance

Act IX: Burning Bridges

Music: Amon in the Shadows - LOK OST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYGCdHXCkKw&list=PLlejc_qetMpgBKmB3mAplLr0eYDQqum_c&index=18

Chapter V

In a dark room illuminated only by a dim yellow light, with the lingering smell of burnt paper, a man sat in front of a machine, listening attentively to an irregular pulse coming from it. With a brush in his free hand, he drew lines on a page, parts of them squiggles, while others were flat every so often. A smile curved on his lips as he finished writing. He took his hand off the machine, focusing solely on the paper, then pulled out another sheet to transcribe the message.

Remnants of the uprising have been crushed. Army relocating west. Safe passage provided to the rebel leaders.

Headquarters established near Sapphire Falls, one hundred li's from Yu Dao.

Last cargo delivered to green Army, returning.

Spark unseen, rotating inside, forest clear.

Target Goose-Dog dead, no suspicions, returning.

Jingyugang almost empty, Yu Dao next, ships rerouted.

Resistance advised, on its way, How in the clear.

There was a knock on the door. He stuffed the paper in a drawer under lock and key then walked towards the door, opening it. A regal looking woman stood on the other side, her features hidden under a black cowl. Her dress gave away her wealth, golden trimmed with white and black accents. She walked inside like she owned the place, which threw the man off. But he managed to hide his surprise in the dim light.

"I'm sorry to bother you at this time of the night, Governor. I've been told you work late. Apparently, they weren't wrong." She looked out the window then at the large bookcase behind the desk, disregarding the man who still stood by the door.

"I'm surprised to see you here. Please take a seat. Tell me, what can I do for you?" She smiled politely, sitting on the window frame.

"There's something we ought to discuss…You see, we admire your efforts, Governor, but the circle questions your reasoning. Why spend so much effort on weaponry? Your resources could prove more valuable elsewhere."

He closed the door, looking down for a moment. "May I ask you something? Where did the order convene before?" She looked at him in silence. "You scattered around like rats in hiding before I offered you to come." Her polite smile turned emotionless. "Now, I think we are of the same mind when I say things must change–your work has been important, no doubt–but has anything changed? I see us fighting the same enemies, with the same goals, but have we done anything about it?" The Governor sat at the desk, looking at the woman; but she just stared ahead.

"Against all odds, the Fire Nation was defeated. You've brought knowledge to these shores, but everything has remained the same. Now the two major powers of this world stand on shaky ground. Make no mistake, this armistice will not last. And before this century ends, there will be war again, deadlier than anything we've ever seen. So, I ask you, shouldn't we then start it on our own terms rather than passively wait for the inevitable to happen?"

"Our purpose isn't war; you know that. There's different ways to get there, especially without starting a war." Her tone was condescending, she continued to look away, as if the man was unworthy of her attention.

The Governor sighed. "And where have our methods taken us? Ministers come and go, and their influence turns to be minimal, or they hijack power for themselves. And the rulers? They never change; their families continue to hold power, uninterrupted."

"You are too young to know anything about it, with Earth King Kuei–"

"With all due respect, Kuei is a fool. Even now, his strings are being pulled by some incompetent general. What did the regency achieve, huh? You raised Long Feng up from the slums, only for him to take power for himself. Then he hunted the order down in the Earth Kingdom. Not to mention Jianlun, who took down the White Lotus, only to turn on us when their blood was still freshly spilt."

"Jianlun paid the price for his treachery."

"You can thank Omashu for that. Through it all, we didn't achieve anything. Yes, he gave us some technology in the meantime to bide his time; but that was it. Then we were forced back to the Fire Nation, to the same useless tactics."

"Try to see the bigger picture, Governor. These tactics are what brought us here; what helped the order survive, and we'll continue employing them as we must."

"Survival is not good enough if our purpose is never fulfilled."

For the first time, she looked at him, standing up. Her eyes pierced through him, her voice dry. "Careful, Governor. Even though the order thanks you for your generosity, as a member, you must understand there are rules and consequences for breaking them. We'll see what the circle agrees on. Until then, you will stay your hand. Goodnight."

He bowed as she left. "As you wish, Overseer." He waited for a moment, silently bolting the door. He went back to the desk, taking an empty sheet of paper. Turning on the machine, instead of placing his hand passively on it, he tapped on its handle quickly, then slowly, then quickly again. Finishing the message, he left the room quietly, clutching a sealed letter, looking behind his back.

The halls of the house were lit with dim yellow lights, and he took great care not to stumble before finally reaching for another door. He knocked five times, and it opened. Inside, two agents dressed in black were sitting at their desks, almost indistinguishable from the shadows. The room was filled with metal pipes sealed with caps. Attached to some were cords that connected them to metal cones.

They seemed to require no greeting, standing stiff at the sight of him. "Take this to Yu Dao. You know what to do; make it quick."

One of the agents bowed, as emotionless as the stone he bent, and took the scroll.

The man muttered to himself, "It's all in your hands now."