I had stopped coming by Baatar's office so frequently, but not so much as to cause suspicion. I had one of my officers listen in on a wire sent by President Raiko, and discovered that Su was needed in Republic City, and she'd be there for at least a day. This would be the perfect time to persuade my guards to come with me. I was sure they would go with me, but it's never easy to do anything with Su constantly breathing down my neck. As I waited in my office, I heard a knock. Baatar came in.

"She's gone," he said.

"And my father was just conveniently drafted a large project by Mr. Morishita," he smiled. We walked down to the comm room in the barracks, and I sent a wire.

"All officers, report to airfield seven for a mandatory briefing immediately,"

I waited for the guards to file in. Once everyone seemed to have arrived, I stepped forward to begin my speech.

"As you may have noticed, Suyin Beifong is not present in the city, which means for today I am in charge of the guard force," I started to walk between the guards.

"Anyone who knows me knows that I want the best for Zaofu, and the best for the Earth Kingdom. But Su Beifong, your matriarch, has been foolish enough to turn her back on a broken nation who needs her more than ever. For the past year, Baatar and I have been working on a plan to do what your leaders are too afraid to do. To help people and create an era of prosperity and peace. An Earth Empire. We have the most advanced technology in the world, and instead of hoarding it, we can share it. If you come with me to reunite the Earth Kingdom, if you pledge your loyalty, you will all be treated as heroes of the highest honor. You will be personally responsible for saving the lives of millions," I walked back up to the front of the crowd with Baatar.

"If this is not a world you would like to live in, I urge you to leave and find your loyalty elsewhere, because I will not tolerate cowardice," the guards were silent.

"Still not convinced?" I announced, hanging my head and laughing.

"First note; Suyin's own son sees the fault in her actions. Secondly," I beckoned for the force to follow me. They marched to an airfield hidden in the valley surrounding Zaofu, where my mech suits and airships lay. Conversations began to circulate.

"I have already gotten the trust of Varrick Global Industries, and Zaofu's wealthiest citizens. If you have any sense and realize this is the right thing for you to do, give me your loyalty, and give it to the Earth Kingdom," I announced, looking at the crowd and waiting. Slowly, the entire team bowed down.

"I pledge my loyalty to the Earth Kingdom," the officers bellowed. I smiled as I looked upon my subjects.

"We are the harbingers of order. We will leave soon, on my command. Until then, none of you are to mention anything to another soul, and you may return to your posts. That will be all," The officers marched out of the airfield. As they left, I could hear loud conversation between them. I turned to Baatar. He smiled and hugged me. I grinned as well, my face buried in his chest.


"Do you really think what she says will work?" Asked Zhu Guan, a middle-aged guard.

"She was pretty… intimidating. Even in all of my years of service, I haven't seen her like that very often," Futoshi, a rookie officer added.
"But she does have the evidence. Why would she create all of that if there wasn't anything wrong?" said Hong Li, a young guard. They conversed about their leader over drinks in the barracks.

"Exactly. But I'm iffy on disrespecting Suyin like that," whispered Zhu Guan.

"Did you see those mech suits? I know about the ones Future Industries created, but I didn't know they were so big! And those airships!" Said Futoshi. Zhu Guan paused to think.
"Look, all I know is that Suyin is a good person. I mean, she's a Beifong. But Kuvira, even though she's younger than me has inspired this force and is more efficient than anyone I've ever worked for. I trust her," he said.

"Suyin framed me a little while ago. She almost ruined my life, and Kuvira obeyed orders but stood by me. I've lived in Zaofu my entire life but if anything I hear about the Earth Kingdom is true, I'm with Kuvira," said Hong Li.
"It seems far-fetched," added Futoshi.
"What does she even mean, 'We will leave soon', to do what?"
"I'd guess we go around the country and distribute our supplies, like she says," said Zhu Guan.

"And what was that whole empire thing?" Said Hong Li.

"That was just some good eloquence. We wouldn't be conquerors," said Futoshi. All paused to take a sip.
"I'm in," said Hong Li.

"Me too," said Zhu Guan. Futoshi nodded. They paused and watched as the door to the barracks opened, and Kuvira walked past the congregation into her room.