Chapter 106: The Asset
Long Feng stood before the Asset; a subordinate stood at his right hand. The Asset was a young man and he was bound to a wooden chair, one that was made for that purpose; thick, leather straps fastened around his biceps, forearms, shins, chest, and there was a thinner one that went across his forehead. Thin, wire hooks held his eyes wide open; his cheeks showed dried tear tracks, along with a little blood from where the hooks had cut into his eyelids.
The light rig was unmoving; it had done its job, though it would no doubt be needed to reinforce the conditioning.
"State your designation." Long Feng commanded.
There was a long pause then the young man croaked, "I am the Asset."
"Who do you serve?" Long Feng asked.
"Long Feng and the Dai Li."
"And what is your purpose?"
"To do as I am commanded." The Asset replied in a croaking monotone.
Long Feng smiled cruelly. "What is the situation regarding the war? As it relates to Ba Sing Se?"
"There is no war in Ba Sing Se. The Dai Li protect the city and its heritage from those that would pollute it."
"Good." Long Feng drawled. "Good. I have a task for you. Your first assignment. Are you prepared?"
"Yes, Master."
Long Feng leaned closer until he was in the young man's face. "I would like you to infiltrate the Avatar's inner circle and destroy them from within. Are you capable of this task?"
"I am." The Asset replied.
Jet watched as the leader of the Dai Li gave the Asset its horrifying mission. He watched as the Asset was released from the chair; as the straps were undone and the hooks were removed from its eyes. He watched as weapons were provided to the Asset; the hook swords he favoured, along with several daggers.
He tried to stop the Asset from leaving that dark, dank room, tried to fight him. He fought and kicked and shook against the Asset, trying to halt it, stall it, stop it. Nothing worked.
Inside the Asset's mind, Jet screamed.