Chapter 42
Two months passed since Ukano's rebellion had fizzled out, and the Fire Nation was enjoying an unprecedented period of peace and harmony. Zuko and Katara had used this time to go on a grand tour of the nation, a much-needed public relations boost to further cement the people's loyalty and adoration of the new royal couple. They had been very well received everywhere they went, even in places where the conspiracy had met a more active support. With nobody else stepping up to incite a new rebellion, with the Fire Nation seeing swift economic recovery, and with the living standards of the Fire Nation citizens on the rise, there just was no fertile ground for any dissent to take root, and everyone more or less finally fell in line behind the young Fire Lord and his equally much-admired Southerner consort.
Having spent more than a month on their grand tour of the nation, Zuko and Katara returned to the capital to arrange something that they had both been looking forward to a great deal, bringing Zuko's sister Azula back to the palace from the mental institution where she had spent long three and a half years. Azula was given new quarters in the same palace wing as Zuko and Katara, since Zuko did not believe that putting Azula back in her old room was a good idea, for it most likely held too many dark and unpleasant memories. Zuko was also absolutely insistent that Azula be fully unshackled and allowed to walk free as she pleased, since he believed that it was the right time to fully test her newfound loyalty and devotion to him. Despite the fears of the healers that he was moving too fast with Azula, Zuko refused to change his mind. He did not believe that Azula would ever recover fully if she did not feel that the effort she was making to get better was rewarded.
Obviously, some people around the palace whom Azula had hurt personally, were not very keen to see her walking around freely. Ty Lee was one of these people, the girl absolutely freaking out when she had first encountered Azula in the palace corridors, and things became so bad that Ty Lee had even begged Zuko to be released from her duties. Fortunately, after an earnest heart to heart talk, Ty Lee had agreed to sit down with Azula and talk out her grievances, and by the end of that surprisingly peaceful conversation, she had walked away absolutely shocked about the change in Azula's behavior, immediately withdrawing her resignation.
Indeed, during the two weeks of Azula's stay at the palace, there had been no incidents, and Zuko could not be happier about his sister's progress. If there was one thing that he found a little odd was how clingy she seemed for his attention and approval, but for now he was very happy to accommodate Azula, since he wanted to keep a close eye on her anyway. He only hoped that with enough time, Azula would learn to relax a little bit and with enough positive reinforcement, would not seek constant validation from him.
But even if everything seemed to be running smoothly and calmly in the Fire Nation, it didn't mean that all of their problems were by now in the past. Over the past few weeks, more and more reports of the Dai Li activities in the former Fire Nation colonies were starting to come in, until a couple of days ago, Zuko had received the copy of a letter that the citizen's council of one of the colonies had submitted to Earth King Kuei. The letter begged the Earth King to liberate them from the oppressive tyranny of Fire Nation influence and reincorporate their fair city into the Earth Kingdom where it belonged.
According to Zuko's agents, the council members had been coerced and intimidated into penning this letter by the Dai Li, and this was certainly a serious enough matter that he had immediately called for a meeting with two of his ministers, the Minister of Intelligence and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Zuko was accompanied at the meeting by Katara and Azula, his sister insisting on taking part in every boring meeting since her relocation to the palace, and Zuko was happy to grant her request. Azula certainly knew how to make herself useful, the moment she felt someone was being disrespectful to Zuko during a heated argument, she would direct such a fierce glare at the culprit that they would be instantly cowed and silenced.
"So, we all know why we're here," Zuko began the meeting, pointing at the large map attached to the wall of the audience chamber. Thirteen large red dots lined the eastern and northern coasts of the Mo Ce Sea, location of the former Fire Nation colonies. "The Dai Li want to reclaim these territories for the Earth Kingdom. We're not going to allow them to do that. Still, the rest of the world won't stand around idly and watch us claim these colonies for the Fire Nation, so the best option we have at this point is to push for full autonomy of these colonies. The question is, how do we get there?"
"The Dai Li would have to go along with such a decision," the Minister of Foreign Affairs said. "I don't see how we could persuade them to do that. The only thing that has worked in the past is excessive force."
"That's why I think we'll need allies to help put pressure on the Earth Kingdom," Katara spoke up, looking like she had given the matter a lot of thought. "But to do that, we need to get our allies interested in the project to begin with. We'd have to offer them something..."
"What allies are you thinking of, Lady Katara?" the Minister of Foreign Affairs asked.
"Well, the Southern Water Tribe... and I am sure I could secure the cooperation of Chieftain Arnook from the Northern Tribe as well," Katara mused thoughtfully. "Also, let's not forget Aang. The Avatar would be very interested in finding a diplomatic solution in this matter."
"I like the way you're thinking, Lady Katara," the Minister of Intelligence nodded approvingly. "Involving the Avatar is a very smart ploy. He could make even the Dai Li quake in their boots, if he was truly passionate about this project. But how can we entice him to be on our side? He's all about this concept of balance, can we use that somehow?"
"Hmm... how about... a place in the world where people of all callings and cultural backgrounds, benders and non-benders, can come together into one melting pot," Katara spoke aloud, then wincing as she considered her words. "Uh, forget it, that probably sounds too silly and idealistic."
"No, no, Lady Katara, you're definitely onto something!" the Minister of Foreign Affairs exclaimed. "That's exactly how we need to sell this! Not just as some disparate, scattered little colony towns. Let's sell the concept of a nation! An entirely new nation!"
"I'm intrigued," Zuko admitted. "I can see how this could appeal to Aang. While he's very passionate about preserving the Air Nomad culture, he also feels strongly about people of all cultures coexisting harmoniously."
"That's very true," Katara admitted. "You're right, the idea has merit. But I would still like to get the Water Tribes involved for additional support. How could we do that?"
"Hmm..." the Minister of Intelligence snapped his fingers. "I think I've got it. You want to sell this idea as a place where people from all nations could find home, correct? Well, that means also people from both Water Tribes. And I'm sure they would like representatives..."
"I see where you're going, minister," Zuko nodded with a smile. "We could tie this into the system of government of this new nation. A council of sorts?"
"Oh yes!" Katara agreed, suddenly looking very excited about the whole plan. "Representatives from both of the Water Tribes, one from the Fire Nation and one from the Earth Kingdom. Oh, and we could even give one to the Air Nation, just as a sign of respect to Aang."
"Perhaps he would be interested in assuming the position himself," Zuko wondered.
"It's possible, at least in the beginning," Katara nodded. "I bet I could get father to assign a representative we could rely on. Hmm, Sokka is just wasting away his time in Ba Sing Se, it's about time we put him to some actual work... oh, and I'm sure I could also work out a suitable candidate with Chieftain Arnook."
"And I'm sure I could find a suitable candidate to represent the Fire Nation," Zuko mused, glancing at his sister sitting next to him, listening intently even if she wasn't saying anything. Who else would be better to protect my interests in the colonies than my own sister? She'd probably run roughshod all over the others, especially those who disagree with us and oppose our interests... which would be just perfect.
"With a plan like that in place, we'd only have to worry about the Earth Kingdom representative, and they would be heavily outnumbered on the council," the Minister of Intelligence said, nodding approvingly. "My Lord, if you can get the Avatar and the Water Tribes onboard with this idea, we'd stand a good chance at intimidating the Earth Kingdom to play kuai ball with us."
"I agree, but... we would still be asking the Earth Kingdom to cede a lot of territory," the Minister of Foreign Affairs walked up to the map and drew a few lines around the spread-out colonies. "The mountain ranges to the north and to the east form a natural border of this new nation. But it's very sizable. Look, it's almost comparable to the current territory of the Fire Nation. Would they really part with this much?"
"Well... it does form a natural border, doesn't it?" Katara asked with a shrug. "It wouldn't make sense for us to ask for less, right?"
"I agree completely," Zuko nodded at his beloved. "I think we have a working plan."
"Perfect," Katara grinned. "I'll write letters to my father, Chieftain Arnook and Aang immediately."
"Good idea," Zuko agreed. "Once we know they are onboard, we'll dispatch a letter to King Kuei and call for a summit, probably in Yu Dao."
"My Lord, perhaps we should first come up with a shiny name for this new nation of ours?" the Minister of Foreign Affairs suggested.
"I'm not sure, Sokka would probably never forgive me if we named an entire new nation without consulting him first," Katara laughed, Zuko having to chuckle at that as well.
"Katara brings up a good point, let's just leave it unnamed for now," he added with some amusement. "Anyway, I think we have a very good plan, now let's have Katara send out her letters and wait for the reaction. If everything goes well, the Dai Li will be in for a very unpleasant surprise. Oh, and thank you for attending," he nodded at the two ministers, dismissing them, while he, Katara and Azula remained behind.
"I'm so giddy now, I can't wait to start on those letters," Katara exclaimed once the ministers had left.
"I know, I'm excited myself," Zuko smiled at her, then turning to his sister. "I'm sorry, but this must have felt really boring for you, Azula."
"Foreign affairs aren't really my thing, Zuzu," Azula smiled back at him. "My understanding of foreign affairs has always been 'if someone doesn't do as the Fire Nation says, crush them!'"
"We're trying a slightly different approach now," Zuko winked at her.
"I noticed!" Azula laughed. "Well, I'm happy to try out your way if you think it's a good idea. We can always crush them later, right?" she winked back in a way that made Zuko wonder whether she was joking or not.
"Anyway, if this plan works out, I'll need a trusted representative of mine in the colonies," Zuko mused, looking Azula in the eyes. "How would you feel about being that representative, sister?"
"You... you would trust me with that?" Azula gasped, her eyes widening.
"Who else would be better suited to protect my interests than my own sister, who is also a fierce Fire Nation patriot?" Zuko smiled at her. "Of course, I would trust you. We're family."
Azula sniffled at that, almost looking like she was going to cry. "Ozai would have never trusted me with anything so important, may his remains feed the maggots," Azula exclaimed passionately. "If this new nation of yours becomes a reality, Zuzu, and you're serious about giving me the job, I would not let you down, that's a promise!"
"Hey, maybe you can serve on the council together with my brother," Katara grinned. "I should be able to persuade my father to send Sokka as the representative of our tribe."
"Hmm, that would be nice... I seem to remember that your brother was kinda cute, the way he always thought he could protect you with his boomerang and his sword," Azula smiled at the memories. "Bringing a weapon to a bending duel may not be a smart idea, but he was certainly brave."
"Wait, you thought Sokka was cute?" Katara blinked. "I'm surprised you even noticed between all the attempts to take us out!"
"Well... I didn't think so at the time, but now, looking back... yes, sure, why not, your brother is definitely a cutie, Katara," Azula grinned.
"Unlike Azula, I definitely noticed that you were very cute while I was busy attacking your group and trying to capture the Avatar," Zuko pointed out to Katara.
"Hmm... that's true, I suppose," Katara giggled. "Hey, I'm starting to notice a trend. Maybe hunting someone down is actually a part of the Fire Nation courting ritual..."
"I assure you, it is not," Zuko huffed at her. "I mean, you better hope that it's not, because I was chasing after Aang, not you."
"Ha! Very well, I guess you won that argument," Katara laughed. "Anyway, I should go and write those letters, I'm too giddy to think of much else. Can I leave the royal siblings alone without you getting into too much trouble without me?"
"Yes, Katara!" both Zuko and Azula replied in unison, bursting into laughter as Katara rolled her eyes and left the room.