The entire chamber was dead silent. Shao stood leering at them. They were in the palm of his hand. They needed him. "Delegates…" He started, casually "After much careful consideration, I have come to my decision." The diplomats remained silent as if expecting him to continue. Finally one coughed. "Ah. I see you want to know what my decision is. Well Omashu is hers…" "What? My liege?" Minister Feng interrupted, Shao couldn't stand interruptions. His face twitched for a split second and he composed himself, adjusting his glasses. "You mustn't interrupt Minister Feng. It's rude." "I am sorry your highness I apologize, please forgive my indis…" "Enough." Shao stopped him with a wave of his hand. "What's done is done." Ignorant peasant. "As I was saying. Omashu will remain a part of the empire and neutral." This time he left a pause. Testing the water to see if any of them were rude enough to interrupt. None did. He sipped from his tea and took a seat looking back at them. "But. I cannot in good conscience continue to rule under Kuvira. I secede my title of king. The council may choose from my existing relatives my successor." They were beginning to start their protestations but he went, not raising his voice. "Don't be frightened. Omashu is neutral. I am not. For too many years we have seen technology overpower our very humanity. Trains now take us where for our ancestors ostrich-horses sufficed. Kuvira has lost touch with her humanity. As have all of her metalbending ilk. They would have us serve under them, second class citizens in our own kingdom. I rebuke this." The delegates were all struck. None of them could speak. This suited Shao just fine, he had spent all of last night's dinner hoping they would shut up. "The people of the Earth Kingdom never asked for change. We never wanted it. And now this metalbending tyrant wants us to bow the knee to her and her new titles? Well I say no. I refuse any titles connected to her, and her new future. I am no longer King of Omashu, but Comrade Shao. Not a lord, or general, but comrade. And I will put that boy king of Raiko's back on the through and restore the Earth Kingdom for its citizens. Any questions gentlemen?" None responded. "No? Good. The People's Revolt has begun." Shao turned on his heel and left the chambers. His speech was sensationalist. He knew that. But it had to be overwrought, that's the only way to get the stiffs from republic city to plaster his face on every newspaper and billboard they had. Sure, he had to go into hiding now, but the seed of dissent was planted. Soon earthbenders from around the kingdom would flock to his banner. And in the end he remembered an old saying. Kyoshi after beating Chin the great once said: "Armies don't win wars, People win wars." All he had to do was get the people on his side. The next morning he'd be packed. His most loyal and skilled battalion at his back and headed for the one place on earth where Kuvira would never be able to catch him. The middle of the Si Wong Desert. For now though he needed help, and he knew just the person. Jin. Meanwhile he reflected on his choice of title. Comrade Shao? A bit provincial, but it had a pleasant populist ring to it.