Chapter 31:Midnight Hunting Party, Part 7

Midmorning

Conference room

Chief's Residence

Standing outside the massive oak doors, Hahn paced back and forth, waiting for the inevitable call of his name to enter the chamber. Based on the reports that had landed up on his desk that morning, he knew he was going to be in for an intense grilling session, with some finger pointing thrown in for good measure. So much for calming me down, he figured, though he still enjoyed it nonetheless. Then again, what they got up in the office was above the paygrade for most of the staffers and public servants, even if there were rumors and hushed discussions about the types of acts they performed during their private meetings. If only they knew 99% of the time it really is just business. Oh well, guess you can't please everybody.

Shaking his head, he felt a tightening in his pants just thinking about what took place in the office not half an hour ago, the tight wetness and the lusty moans looping over and over in his mind. A sudden voice broke his happy daydream, bringing him back to the unpleasant reality. Doing his best to disguise his hardon, he put on a stoic face as he entered the conference room.

Seated opposing him on a long table was Chief Arnook himself, the head of Foreign Office as well strangely, a representative from the White Lotus, Master Lotus Pakku. With a slight nod, Arnook dismissed the attendant, leaving him alone to face the panel.

"Before we began, is there anything you'd like to say, Chief Hahn?"

"Why is the White Lotus here? This is an internal security affair that does not concern the White Lotus nor any of its affiliates. Also, I have a meeting with the Fire Nation ambassador later in the afternoon."

"I see. Very well then, let us not beat around the bush and address the elephant koi in the room, no?"

"Agreed."

"Now according to this report here, a hit squad of Agni Kai gangsters initiated a firefight on a ID safe house that was sheltering other high level Agni Kai members in the Upper Midtown district, correct?"

"That is correct, sir."

"To answer your question Hahn, the White Lotus is involved as one of the members here is, if I'm reading this correctly, the - Princess of the Fire Nation? Care to explain how a most wanted PIFWC entered our borders without incident or being arrested on sight, to say nothing of other individuals sought by Interpol?" he asked in a neutral tone, though Hahn was very much aware he was keeping his temper in check.

"You do realise what kind of messaging this is saying to the other nations, right? That the NWT is a lawless frontier where war criminals, underworld figures and secret societies can do as they please without repercussions when it is anything but?" the head of the Foreign Office chipped in, almost too quickly on the heels of Arnook's question for his liking.

Deciding to take the 'divide and conquer' approach to tackling the formidable panel arrayed against him, he countered "With all due respect minister, do you realise the term 'secret societies' also apply to the White Lotus right?" At this, Pakku fumed, but wisely kept his expressions in check. Turning to the Foreign Office head, he replied "If you're that concerned about image, maybe you should stop using certain islands that shall not be named as training camps for Northern Earth Kingdom dissidents. My men are tired of restacking the shelves in the warehouses with the same arms you're stealing from."

"Hahn, control yourself. This is about you and your organizational failure, not the Foreign Office nor the White Lotus." Arnook warned.

"To answer your question, a Miss Katara initiated contact with the deputy head of the ID regarding assistance in conducting covert intelligence gathering and elimination of said organization and its networks with the help of certain FNIA assets. As this was a domestic covert operation, I did not see the need to inform the council as I did not believe they would tip their hand in such a manner." I swear to the spirits, you'd better thank me properly after this Bulan for covering your ass. Scratch that, I'll fuck you in the ass when I get back from the ambassador tonight, he thought to himself.

"But they did, and now people are wondering if there'll be another spate of violence like the Long Night. It will not do to have the common folk cowering in fear and trembling, to say nothing of the backlash against the Fire Nation minority if word leaked out."

"I will see to it that the situation is contained as much as possible and a press release be held shortly to appease the public. In addition, I will tighten the down the operational leeway currently afforded to the DCID and ensure that such incidents will not happen again or news of it suppressed."

"That seems like an acceptable starting point, however I must request that you keep me as well as Pakku here in the information loop."

"Why must Pakku be kept in the loop?"

"Because prosecution of the Fire Nation individuals falls under our jurisdiction. They got away once when entering our sovereign territory, they cannot be allowed to exit without action being taken. Even if they prove their usefulness to the operation, of which I am most doubtful, the princess and her brother have to stand trial for their crimes."

"And then what, thrown into a White Lotus black site for the rest of their days?"

"What happens behind the closed doors of the White Lotus stays behind said doors."

"Let me remind you I can very easily designate you and your group persona non grata with a few strokes. You operate only because my superior says you can."

"That is enough, chief Hahn. I will not have you two fighting a turf war in front of me. What Master Pakku says is final and will be adhered to. No exceptions." Arnook interrupted, tired of the sniping between his cabinet members.

"Very well then. Is this inquiry over?"

"For now. I expect a weekly brief as well from here on out. In person."

"As you wish."

Fire Nation Ambassador Residence

5th Canal Avenue

Downtown Agna Q'ela

As he travelled up to the penthouse, he pondered what could the ambassador wish to talk about that could not be said over the now, he wished he was out in the field with his fiancee, instead of playing political games with competing interests and factions. With a soft chime, the door opened into a plush carpeted hallway, decorated in the traditional red, black and gold of the Fire Nation. As he got closer, two guards stepped forth to intercept him. One had a light machine gun hanging from his neck, four fingers tightly gripping the pistol grip while the pointer was firmly wedged against the side of the receiver, the other hand drumming a steady beat on the top cover.

The other guard wore a simple jacket over her blouse, while her legs were covered by a pair of slacks that afforded movement but was still presentable to the outside world. Curious as to why she was visibly unarmed, the reason presented itself when he handed over a chit to her as Machine Gun Man patted him down, taking care to ensure the muzzle was pointed in a relatively safe direction in the confines of the hall. For instead of smooth hands, hers were rough and slightly charred, the product of an intensive firebending regimen.

Wordlessly, the two guards stepped aside to let him pass and continue deeper into the hallway. Stopping at a cedar door, he gave it a few knocks. Silently, it swung open to reveal a middle aged man, who beckoned him in.

Stepping into the residence, he took in the opulence that said man called his home. A chandelier hung from the high ceiling, while a fire blazed merrily in the center of the living room. Tall glass panels allowed the last few rays of the setting sun to bathe the room in a warm glow, while also affording a killer view of the capital and its maze of waterways. A set of minimalist metal stairs led up to a private study located on a balcony, where handcrafted shelves held tomes of knowledge stored in rare scrolls, encyclopaedias and other reading material, which by themselves cost a small fortune, so say nothing of the ambassador's taste in weaponry, being a former colonel of the Golden Division before taking up studies in international relations and political science when he retired.

Finally, he was led to a windowside armchair where a small coffee table with some refreshments were laid out on it. Letting the older man get comfortable in his seat, he took his seat when the man gestured with an intricately carved pipe. Pulling some tobacco from a top pocket, he added some to his pipe, tamped it down and lit it with his finger, before taking a few puffs. Satisfied, he opened "I suppose you don't think I'd call you up here just to take in the view, chief."

"No, I suppose not. I will admit, the view from up here is rather photogenic."

"Please, eat. I do not think business should be conducted without some form of social lubricant." he offered. Not wanting to slight the man, given how he'd treated him earlier that morning, he took some fire flakes and washed it down with some ice wine, the heat of the fire flakes melding with the sweetness of the ice wine in a delectable combination. Making sure his mouth was empty and that there were no stray flakes stuck to his teeth, he chased down a glass of water before eyeing the man in front of him.

"So, what is it you wanted to discuss in person that could not be said over the phone? And why come to me instead of the Foreign Office? According to my secretary, you were very rather insistent in reaching me."

"Apologies for being so insistent, I will send an apology gift to your secretary. " He paused to take a couple flakes himself, before chasing it with strong sake from his homeland and a couple puffs on his pipe before continuing.

"But to answer your second question, the reason I came to you instead of the Foreign Office was because I believe that you are, shall I say, uniquely positioned to act on this information. It goes without saying, of course, that you didn't hear this from me, but rather a snow falcon that got lost in a blizzard, if you catch what I am saying."

"I presume the falcon got torn to shreds by a hungry polar bear dog?"

"You are a quick learner. No wonder Arnook appointed you as Pakku's replacement. Congratulations on your betrothal to the DCD, by the way. It must make working in the office more enjoyable, no?", eliciting a blush from him.

"Oh dear, can't wait till wedding night to enjoy the fruits of marriage, chief? Not that I blame you, Agni knows I'd done the same if I were in your boots. But we are getting sidetracked, and you are a busy man. How familiar are you with the mineral resources of your country, chief?"

"Not too familiar, to be honest outside of prosecuting illegal mining actors. I understand it forms a good chunk of foreign currency flowing into our economy, but that's about it." he hesitantly replied, unsure where the conversation was going.

"I see. Well, for better or worse, chief, there are more than just economic forces at play when it comes to extraction of your country's mineral wealth. Forces that seek to compete with each other through agents and influence. But competition requires resources. Resources like those that come from the earth."

"That's fine and all, but what does it have to do with me or my organization?"

"Oh no young one, it is not 'all fine', as you put it." he chided, sounding like a concerned teacher worried that the ace student seemed to be struggling to grasp the material beforehand.

"Then tell me."

"You've heard of the FNIA and its activities, have you not?"

"More than a few of your agents were sent packing by Pakku, if I recall."

"Can't blame the old geezer, how we conducted ourselves back then was not very honourable to put it mildly. But with you, I see an opportunity to right past wrongs and offer cooperation to the best of my abilities. Though my official title is ambassador, unofficially I am the head of station for the NWT. Now to really get to the heart of the matter, I require your organization's assistance in, shall we say, cleaning house?"

"The Interior Directorate is not, and will not be a clean-up crew for agents and actors who have bit off their master's leash. If that is all, I will be taking my leave, ambassador."

"Perhaps I might be able to change your mind. Come," he beckoned. "I have some documents that you might want to take into consideration before you reject my request out of hand."
"How can I trust the veracity of the documents?"

"Fair point. But what I told you your fiancee's father is involved in this?"

"High Chief Arnook is an upstanding man and I will not stand for his reputation being sullied."

"Surely you don't think High Chief Arnook is the actual father now?"
"What exactly are you implying here?"

"Your fiancée's blood father is the head of the Agni Kai triad for the Northern Water Tribe."

"Bullshit. Show me the paternity report."

"I thought you doubted the veracity of the documents in my possession. No matter, I will hand over what I know to you for your perusal and then you can tell me if you still wish to turn down my request."

"Hardly seems like a fair trade if you asked me."

"Then name your price. Be forewarned, the higher the asking price the more I shall expect of you, should you choose to accept. I will have a personal courier deliver the documents to your office tomorrow morning, or would you like it to be sent to your apartment?"

"Can I trust your couriers?"

"They are all handpicked, men I have served with."

"Very well then."

"I look forward to our next meeting, chief Hahn. Keep the documents, I have a spare copy." he replied, before they knocked back some more fire flakes and alcohol.

Healing room

Hospital

"Sir, if you do not stop fidgeting I will have to ask your girlfriend to hold you down. Though judging by your facial reaction it seems like it's not your first time isn't it?"

"I...uhh...well….can I not answer that please?"

"Don't worry, I won't judge. After all, everyone was at one point or another a horny teenager." At this statement, Sokka blushed harder than he'd thought possible, much to Azula's snickering and the healer's amusement.

"If you don't mind me asking, where did you two meet, as a pairing between a Fire Nation girl and a Southern Water Tribesman is rare to say the least."

"We, uh, met on a job." Azula stammered.

"That's one way of putting it." Sokka mumbled under his breath.

"How did your parents take it? Not too well I'd think, given all that bad blood."

"They were pretty accepting, 'cept I got threatened by her mom instead."

"I'm sure that was an experience." the healer chuckled.

"It certainly was." he replied, recalling back that breezy autumn day in the alley. Looking over at Azula, she too was thinking of that same fateful day in the alley. With a couple swirls and flicks, the healer pulled back up the stream of water she'd been using and bent it into the drainhole. Standing up slowly, Sokka did not feel any wobble whatsoever, indicative of the skill the healer possessed. Thanking her, they exited the room, his right hand intertwined with her left while her right hand rested on the IV stand as they walked back to the elevator, the only sound between them being the clatter of wheels on stone.

As they waited for the elevator, Azula gave him a quick peck on the cheek, before turning and blushing.

"Aww, you don't have to be shy about this, little firefly. In fact I like it when you do it in public." he cooed.

"Stop calling me that in public!" she hissed, feeling her cheeks grow ever hotter.

Turning her flushed face to meet his, he tenderly gave her a full on lip lock, with just the merest hint of tongue. Slowly, she allowed his tongue entry, feeling it swirl and mingle with hers. The sensation of it made her close her eyes in bliss and she allowed herself a moment, not caring if people saw. As they held that position, lost in each other, they did not hear the chime of the elevator nor the slow creaking of the grates.

When they broke for air, Sokka whispered in her ear "You don't have to be so shy about kissing me in public, firefly." At this point, Azula felt she'd spontaneously combust if Sokka kept up his romantics.

A loud clearing of a raspy throat soon shattered whatever spell they had cast over each other and both of them turned to the source of said sound.

"Seems like someone's inherited Kanna's sense of rebelliousness. Though I must say, your choice in potential life partners is very much questionable" the voice commented.

"Don't you ever say that about Azula! I can see why Gran-Gran said 'fuck you' and left your sorry ass up here." Sokka angrily replied, putting himself in front of Azula.

"Is that how you treat your grandfather, Sokka?" Pakku sneered back, stepping out of the elevator with a few White Lotus bodyguards, forcing them both to back off against the wall.

"He's your grandfather?" Azula whispered with a curious voice.

"Long story, firefly."

"If you must excuse me, I have a couple questions for your girlfriend." Pakku interrupted impatiently, spitting out the last word disdainfully.

"She's not coming with you, so go suck on a whale penis, you sexist fuck."

A tight slap echoed in the corridor, with Sokka clutching his left cheek, though his blue eyes hardened and stared back in defiance.

"I will not ask nicely again, grandson." he spat in a tone that left no room for compromise.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "Back off now, or would you like me to tell them to have a bed ready for you, old man?" Katara warned as she strode through the doors into the unfolding situation.

Turning to face her, he commented sarcastically "Wouldn't you look at that, it's a family reunion."