Ch23

Splitting waves at her cruising speed of twenty seven knots, the seventy two thousand ton leviathan, Yamato, made course for the waters of the Southern Earth Kingdom. Onboard, the fleet admiral Yamamoto, by title and rank, reluctantly followed through with what his Vice Admiral had asserted. Despite extreme opposition in the face of blatant treason to empire and seniority, the Admiral could not bring himself to abandon his men, leaving them without leadership, in the face of an oncoming American skirmish. His actions, if for nothing else, were for the best interests of those below him.

The battleship sailed as the sole Japanese warship in formation, accompanied only with Fire Navy ships which carried personnel and weapons, as eventually she would rendezvous with aircraft carrier Hiryu, battleship Haruna, and destroyer Sendai. On her own for the time being, in these waters, she could afford voyages without escort as her primary battery alone was sufficient to level towns and bring kingdoms to their knees.

Yamamoto's objective on this voyage was to oversee the establishment and fortification of the choke point which they would attack the US fleet to; a small island at the mouth of the natural channel formed between the mainland and the network of islands which split the Earth Kingdom from the South Pole. From there, his ship would continue onward to regroup with the heavy cruiser Haguro who would be returning from a confrontation with the American navy.

On her bow, Yamato flew the red and white banner of her empire's navy. Unaltered. With no Fire Nation insignia sewn in. Tensions and disagreements had begun to plague the fleet's top officers as well as the sailors beneath them.

"The island of interest for both our navy and the Fire Nation's, is here," the admiral pointed on the posted map, "A small, rather unassuming island, in the southern Earth Kingdom known as 'Kyoshi Island.'" He turned to the officers of the ship. "We will convene again with Admiral Yamaguchi and his staff as well as the officers of the Haruna once we join efforts with them at the island. Fire Nation efforts in war production have been hastened under the new Fire Lord Azula's orders and further advanced artillery will be positioned on this island in addition to the ships which will be present in engaging the Americans. We anticipate that we retain the element of surprise."

A lieutenant raised his hand. "Admiral, will we be positioning men on the island as well?"

"The Fire Nation is now beginning to develop crude forms of artillery guns, which they have based on the basis of how ours work. Small and medium calibered guns with moderate range and acceptable accuracy. They will provide additional firepower and in return we will station a handful of garrisons on the island as well."

"What will draw the Americans to this island, sir?"

"Kyoshi Island presents itself as an ideal point for the US to establish a forward base of operations in staging for their inevitable assault on the Fire Nation home islands. It presents a natural bay, large enough to house its capital ships, with a shallow coast ideal for ease of access to the shore, unlike Whale-Tail island further west," Yamamoto asserted. "Furthermore, in extensive search and interrogation with prisoners throughout the Fire Nation prison system, it is believed that we can also lure the Avatar and company to this point by his personal attachments."

"But is it enough to draw the American fleet into being vulnerable, sir?"

"Whether it is or isn't, is unimportant. The Americans by this point know that they need Avatar in order to return to the previous world. They need the other half of the key to accomplish that, which is why they are heading for the Fire Nation. They won't follow the guidance of this child, but they will chase after the key to the door. If the avatar goes, the Americans will follow. This will allow us to get both in one place," the admiral surmised.

"Kantai Kessen," Yamato's commanding officer commented, "The strategy of the single decisive naval battle."

"Precisely," Yamamoto acknowledged.

As the meeting concluded, the officer in command of the ship, Rear Admiral Takayanagi, pulled Yamamoto aside while the other officers and chiefs departed the war room.

"Admiral Yamamoto, admittedly I must report what the feelings are among the high ranking officers in the fleet," he said with a regretful tone. "There is division growing among the officers and the men from ship to ship fleetwide. Word is spreading fast of the disagreements between yours and Vice Admiral Nagumo's views and objectives," he whispered.

"I am," Yamamoto admitted, "Aware of the growing divisiveness as well. I have only myself to blame as I had allowed this to occur the moment we had arrived in the Fire Nation. It began to spread out of my attention."

"It isn't on the level of mutiny or complete opposition, I have heard," the CO reported, "But especially among the commanding officers of other ships as well as bands of enlisted, the rumors are spreading, regrettably."

"I understand. And eventually, I intend to take back full trust in the men and officers of this fleet."

"I'll tell you this, Admiral. Myself and the men of the Yamato remain loyal and follow your orders, sir. Our service to Japan is adamant," Takayanagi pledged.

"Thank you, Takayanagi-san. But first, I must oversee the safety of the men being deployed to confront the US fleet. Their safety and success is my primary focus as of now. I must take a more active approach to this."

The streets had changed since Akiko had laast wandered the Fire Nation merchant district. There was now an increased presence of Japanese sailors in the towns, even more so than Fire Nation guards or soldiers. The people have become notably more unsettled, life didn't seem so carefree as it did before she had embarked with the central task force through the Earth Kingdom. To her left, a group of naval personnel exited a local shop laughing and in a general high spirit, a sight she had seen prior, but now the shopkeeper and her son saw them off as they left, being deeply in a unmistakably Japanese manner.

"Ah! Takahashi-san! You're back!" they greeted as they saw her, "Things have changed for our favor since you were gone!"

She made her way to the local tavern, the same one she had gotten acquainted with Princess Azula on that evening. Now, a Fire-Nation-made banner of the Imperial Navy was draped over the wall behind the bar counter. Enlisted and officers' caps were hung from the coat rack by the door and, like almost everywhere else, Japanese sailors crowded the previously quiet establishment.

"Welcome in," the attendant greeted her as she entered, in a very Japanese manner, bowing to show gratitude.

Instinctively, Akiko gently closed her eyes and returned the bow just as she would back home in Japan. She didn't realize that she did until later when she was already seated at the counter.

There were now printed newspapers available at the tavern. Copies were limited and shared among the customers as mass printing production was not fully realized in the Fire Nation, but as a result of the IJN's influence wartime progress was now being broadcasted to the people of the homeland.

The head article read, "Coalition Forces Decimate Earth Kingdom Merchant Shipping." She turned the pages and found other articles which would read, "Fire Army captures numerous Earth Kingdom Strongholds in Western Earth Kingdom," and, "Victory Nearing, War's End Now in Sight." Propaganda, undeniably, but what struck her the most was a title from the previous issue.

"Princess Azula Ascends to Power as Reigning Fire Lord. Citizens in Conflict."

Just as she read that title, the ambience in the tavern was disrupted as an enlisted sailor barged in shouting, "There is a confrontation in the street!"

Nearby sailors sprung into action, taking up their rifles as they plowed through the doors. Akiko quickly followed to see what was going on. Outside and across the street a mixed crowd of IJN, Fire Army, and civilians chanted and yelled at the house amidst the businesses.

"I heard Cho opposes the new regime," a civilian could be heard commenting.

"I heard he was in the resistance during the night and morning which followed. Treasonous of him too! Being a lieutenant in the Fire Army and such."

As she pushed her way through the crowd, she heard the Fire Army's comments.

"The IJN was very thorough, it would have taken us much longer to be able to zero in and find these straggling resistance members," a soldier said from behind his face shield, "All we needed to provide them was information of the locals and the ranks. Add in encouragement to the public to report any valuable information and they've been cleaning up the leftovers."

Breaking through the door, apprehended and dragged out by one uniformed sailor and a Fire Army guard, was the person in question.

"Traitor!"

"Opposing the Fire Lord is treason!"

"An enemy to progress!"

The loyal civilians in the crowd yelled various accusations and obscenities at the dishonored former Fire Army officer who was detained still in his uniform. Following him were the members of what Akiko believed were associates, and worse, his family!

The group of detainees were thrown into the stone street in a line as the arresting men stepped back. A detail of riflemen and fire benders were at the ready a distance before them.

"Detail! Make ready!"

The benders took a fire bending stance while the riflemen chambered a volley of rounds.

"Aim!"

Rifles were shouldered and leveled to fire.

Akiko shoved her way past the crowd, drawing her sword. Her feet seemed to carry her on their own.

"Fi-"

"WAIT!" She yelled as she jumped between the firing squad and their targets, sword drawn in front of her. There was no way she would be able to defend them from bullets or supernatural fire, but her uniform and the fact that she was Japanese was able to stop them at just the last second. The riflemen and fire benders were startled. The crowd fell silent in shock. She was faster than they could register.

"What do you think you are doing?!" a naval officer yelled.

"These people do not deserve to die!" Akiko defended. "They are innocent!"

"Lies! Cho was in the resistance! Your navy has narrowed it down and there are several witnesses!"

She looked to the detained officer. His look confirmed it all, he was truly guilty of opposing the regime. She could see both anger, guilt, and fear in the young man. Nothing he gave off denied it.

"Pull her out of there!"

Two IJN personnel began to approach the adamant woman, slinging their Arisakas over their shoulders. But she motioned against them with her drawn blade, which caused them to back off. Gasps.

She looked back to Cho. "Spare my family, they are innocent. They had nothing to do with me at all!" he pleaded with her.

A guard leveled a rifle against Akiko. "You have no place to voice against anything! Step aside now!" he ordered her.

"Spare his family," she bargained. "They are innocent. They don't need to pay for his crime," she conceded.

She looked to the officer who was in charge of the firing detail, pleading with him. Akiko genuinely had a drive to save people whenever she could, truthfully to her it didn't matter who's uniform or attire they wore.

The officer, who knew her from the operation into the Serpent's Pass, nodded in agreement. He motioned swiftly with his hand for the men to drag Cho's family out of the way. To him, Akiko's actions and aid in aiding and caring for the wounded, including him , during the operation, landed her in a somewhat favorable light despite her official fleet status.

She returned her katana to its scabbard, looking back to the officer and his small group of associates who were now left before the firing squad. His family, now fully clear. "Thank you," he whispered.

Two men grabbed her by the arms. "Let's go!" they ordered, forcefully taking her out of the line of fire and hauling her a good distance away.

"Let go of me! Let me go!" she demanded as they took her back into the tavern. "Whose orders are these?"

Thunder! The crack of a rifle volley and the rush of fire sounded from the street outside.

The two men unhanded Akiko finally.

"You of all people should know," one said.

"Your friend, now the Fire Lord. Azula-sama," the other revealed. "We have been tasked in addition with their armies to find and deal with traitors. All are to be punished for treason."

Soaring on the back of the ten ton sky bison, were team Avatar, accompanied by the four men of Lieutenant Stevenson's small squad. Riding in saddle were the three enlisted men, assigned to accompany Joe in forward reconnaissance; PFC Terrence Williams, Staff Sergeant Walter Jones, and Lance Corporal Daniel Martinez.

At the lead end of the saddle, Lieutenant Stevenson looked over the maps with Sokka. Katara, Toph, and Zuko were interwoven with the three marines in tail. As they cruised through the skies, they cleaned their weapons and made sure their gear was in order and magazines were stocked.

"Brass is really on edge aren't they?" Sergeant Jones remarked.

"Can you blame them? They lost a freakin' aircraft carrier." Stevenson commented back.

"Word is," Jones continued, "Their dead set on hitting back and sinking one of the Japanese's ships in retaliation."

"And that's why we're out here isn't it?" Martinez joined in, oiling the bolt assembly of his M1 rifle.

"Exactly," Joe affirmed, turning from the map. "That submarine was not very maneuverable or fast, according to the boys in the navy. More than likely, the assumption is, they were lying in wait and likely were towed out here. Fleet command wants intel on any Japanese warships lingering around here, the bigger the better. They are committed to sinking one of their ships. Time to hit back, is what they were saying."

Appa roared as they gained altitude in the cloudy skies, heading for the shores of the Earth Kingdom. The marines, unaccustomed to flying open air and on a flying bison, latched onto the sides of the large saddle while maintaining a firm handle on their weapons.

"So," PFC Williams opened, "You faced the Japanese navy onboard this bison?"

"Yeah, I'm kinda curious too," Jones added, "Seems pretty exposed to be dealing with battleships and Zeros."

"Yup, we're kind of awesome that way," Sokka answered smugly, "It's just how our travels are and what we do."

"Ha," Jones scoffed. "You ought to consider yourselves lucky."

"What did ya same this guy's name was again?" Corporal Martinez asked. "Papa, or something?"

"His name is Appa," Katara answered, breaking silence for the first time since they left the fleet.

"How much does the guy weigh?"

"Ten tons," Aang shortly answered.

"Don't you feel worried? Engaging the Japanese with Appa? He's a large lumbering soft body target," Corporal Martinez asked. "We can put down elephants with rifles, the Japanese are firing machine guns and anti-aircraft cannons- stuff made to go through ships and rip apart planes- at flesh and bone."

"He may not be as hard as steel, but Appa is actually pretty tough," Sokka advised. "He might not even feel the smaller calibered hits."

As Sokka said that, both PFC Williams and Katara on different sides of Appa's saddle, and completely uncoordinated, pulled out a stopped machine gun round and what was a fragment of shrapnel; one from a previous pass by a Zero, and the other from an exploded 25mm flak shell. As they pulled the fragments from his tough hide, Appa let out a pained yet relieved roar.

"He's real furry isn't he," Jones remarked, turning to PFC Williams, "Feels like cotton doesn't he?"

The Private held his tongue at the obvious jab, instead looking off the side.

The lieutenant noticed right away at the remarks. "Hey sergeant, lay off him," he ordered. "You both bleed red and are no colors other than green in this corps."

"I'm just saying, LT," Jones defended, "Flying cow is fluffy."

"Remember, we share a common enemy," the young officer remarked.

"You got that right," Williams agreed. "These Japanese, real sly ones aren't they. Pearl Harbor, the sinking of the Yorktown, Manchuria, the list goes on and on."

"Bastards, the lot of them," Sergeant Jones added. "They deserve all they get after Pearl."

"Hey," the lance corporal interjected, "You're sounding like you mean all of them."

"So?" Jones questioned.

"So, lay off them a bit. Talking about the ones back home."

"You know Pearl Harbor was the result of espionage, right? I heard they had agents on our side, taking down information, watching schedules, and photographing and reporting the locations of ships and fortifications. That's how they knew where and how hard to hit."

"Despite that," Martinez emphasized, "Our people had nothing to do with that. One of my best friends is Japanese."

"Oh? What's he doing?" Jones inquired.

"He was about to go and enlist in the Army after Pearl," the corporal explained. "But him and his family were called to internment camp. The Army processed him through San Jose State and they were shipped off to New Mexico."

"Shit," the NCO said, "Sorry to hear."

"Hey LT," Williams called, "What's your stance?"

"On what? The Japanese? The war?"

"Yeah," Sokka, of all people, confirmed.

"Well the way I see it," he began, "There are two sides: Allies and Axis. Those would be the governments. And then there is everyone caught in the middle...That would be us...and them. We're just soldiers of circumstance with orders and duties to carry out."

"No one side is good," Aang added, "and no one side is evil."

"You really stand by that?"

"I do," Aang affirmed.

The NCO scoffed, "You have no idea what kind of evil people are capable of, kid. You learn more about the Japanese and the Germans, you'll see what kind of real suffering they are capable of."

"Believe me," Aang asserted, "I know."

The heavy clanking of anchor chains rattled as the twin anchors of an empire-class Fire Nation battleship dropped from the bow of the ornate vessel, crashing into the ocean below. The black smoke which belched from her twin exhaust shafts ceased, as the ironclad warship cell into silence. Despite its large size, and ornate bow, decorated by a large gilded lion's head, the battleship was stout compared to the size and length of the carrier Hiryu. The fire nation ship's deck was darkened in the shadow cast from the carrier's height.

Opposite the flying dragon, battleship Haruna sandwiched the empire-class ship between the two IJN vessels. Her broadside of type 41 secondary batteries trained on the surrounded ship, ready to tear the primitive barge apart.

Admiral Yamaguchi's small task had been approached by the fire navy vessel on their return voyage to meet with flagship Yamato and trailing task force at Kyoshi Island. Despite being signaled to turn away and warned that approaching further would get them destroyed, the Fire Navy craft continued the approach. Finally, a handwritten message delivered via messenger hawk was received by Admiral Yamaguchi, expressing serious desire to hold an urgent discussion.

"Parties intent to board," the IJN called over their ship's loudspeakers, "Approach the boarding ramp peacefully and with no sudden movements. Or you will be shot."

An iron bridge was extended from the aircraft carrier to the shorter fire navy ship. At the end of the passage was the IJN's receiving party which doubled as a firing party. A well decorated officer of the Fire Nation military and his accompanying guards were at the foot of the bridge, waiting to be allowed to board.

The riflemen signalled the detail to begin its precession. As soon as they reached the other side of the steep incline, the general and his men came to a halt before the receiving guards. In a gesture that surprised both his own men as well as the riflemen of the IJN, the fire nation officer rendered a salute to the enlisted Japanese.

The Japanese slowly retracted their rifles at the gesture of respect. It was unheard of anywhere for an officer, especially of that rank and status, to salute enlisted men or anyone of lower rank first.

"Do as I," the general ordered his two men.

The two guards looked at each other, confused, then turned to face their captors and simultaneously rendered as best a hand salute as they could. The highest ranking of the IJN detail returned the gesture, quickly dropping his salute which gave permission for the fire nation detail to finally drop theirs. Those in the higher position would always drop their salute first.

"You wished to meet with Admiral Yamaguchi," the NCO in charge clarified, "Your meeting has been granted. Please follow closely and with no sudden moves." He motioned inward and began to lead the trio through the inner passageways of the aircraft carrier.

The complexity of the weapons aboard this ship alone, followed by the mountain-breaking firepower of their battleship's artillery provided clarity to the general as he had now become more and more familiar with the Imperial Japanese Navy in his experiences witnessing the capability of their relatively small force on the landscape and battlefields of his world.

The detail was led to a deck just below the navigation deck of the island tower. At this point the general was separated from his guards and he was left alone in a simple, yet formal compartment. A moderately sized wooden desk sat before the porthole which looked out over the ocean outside.

"He is inside waiting, sir."

"Arigatou."

The wooden door squeaked as it swung open, and in stepped the distinguished naval officer.

"General Soo," Admiral Yamaguchi greeted, "Welcome aboard. It is an honor to host you. Although, admittedly, your timing and sense of conviction in spite of multiple warnings and threats," the senior officer joked.

"Admiral Yamaguchi of the Imperial Japanese Navy," Soo returned, "the honor is all mine, sincerely." He turned to face the Japanese admiral and bowed deeply, following Japanese customs; canting forward at a notable forty-five degree bow.

Yamaguchi returned the gesture with a slight tilt forth and a nod of his head. "You flatter me, general. The Fire Nation after all is our hosts, and we are merely its guests," he spoke with a tone which seemed to test the water.

"No, I must express what an honor it is to be granted a visit aboard his majesty's aircraft carrier Hiryu," General Soo remarked.

Admiral Yamaguchi was indeed impressed with the comment. The general had gone out of his way to learn Japanese military honors, Japanese customs, and terms which did not exist in the vocabulary of this mysterious ancient world. "I am impressed, General. Your conviction to refer to this ship as his majesty's, referring to an emperor and country whose existence cannot even begin to be imagined by the people of this ancient world, is impressive. And your dedication to learn our military and national customs and mannerisms also is noteworthy."

"I have studied and gathered as much information as I could from observing your men and fleet, in addition to conversing as much as possible with officers and enlisted whenever possible," Soo reported.

The admiral set his combination cover on the desk and sat opposite the fire nation general. "Please, have a seat."

"Thank you," Soo offered as he took a seat before the admiral's desk.

"So, what have you come to report?"

"It is in regards to the new regime," Soo directly addressed. "And who I feel is truly in charge. My men, although not all onboard, generally believe the same."

"Oh?" the admiral paused, bearing down through Soo, "And what of it? Who exactly do you and your men generally believe is in charge?"

"Unmistakably, admiral," Soo stuttered nervously. He felt as though his very words could be somehow heard by the royal palace in the capital. "It is my belief that your fleet and command are incharge and rightfully should be."

Yamaguchi folded his hands together on the desk and leaned in closer, his tone becoming more serious. "You understand who truly is sitting on that throne. And that your comments suggest treason by your regime's standards. Yes?"

"I understand, admiral," Soo ascertained, "And I stand by my implied beliefs. I stand for the well being of my nation, and the best interest for my men. It would be foolish to side otherwise."

"We know who you are, General Soo," Yamaguchi began, "You are the general in charge of the 11th Airship Squadron formed and stationed here in the southern Earth Kingdom, as well as numerous surrounding army fortifications and battalions. You hold some influence here in the Fire Army, and it is very difficult to believe your implied statement, even if it could quite frankly get you killed."

"Then, maybe a clearer message for you, admiral." Soo looked the Japanese officer straight in the eye. "When it comes to allegiance, for the best interests of my men and people, myself and my men fall in line with Japan and her empire." He bowed again to the admiral. "We are in your care."

Admiral Yamaguchi rose from his seat, satisfaction obtained in the short meeting. "You are not the first to come to us with this revelation."

"Although Princess Azula was placed on the throne and is now the current Fire Lord, the coup would not have been possible without Japanese firepower and military strength. I know the lethality and strength of the royal guard in and around the royal palace. After the political turmoil and deadly battles and attempted coups from the time of Fire Lord Zoryu four hundred years in the past, defense in the instance of a coup was essentially impossible. But a small platoon of non-benders were able to cut down so many of those who were considered among the deadliest firebenders in the country? True capability and superiority could not be any more apparent than in that feat alone. I know Azula is merely a puppet leader installed on the throne. And it is treasonous to say it, but for the best interest of our future, I believe the Fire Nation's best interests is to fall in line and assimilate into the Empire of Japan. Even if that empire will inevitably transcend worlds." He was risking it all before the mercy of Admiral Yamaguchi. It only took a brief report to the Fire Nation homeland that they had detained a traitor, for him to be written off immediately and punished. His life hung by a thread.

"Well, it would be a shame to see a loyal servant of the Fire Nation and its people, be sentenced to death because his words may have been misunderstood. Afterall, a soldier's greatest duty is to his people above all else. Your secret is safe here with us and you needn't worry about the details of this conversation reaching unintended audiences. Your allegiance and dedication is much appreciated, and I will inform the other admirals of your loyalty to the empire. For now, I believe we are done here," Yamaguchi began to close as he headed for the door.

As the admiral placed his cap back on his head, General Soo bowed once again to him as he exited the compartment. "Thank you for hearing me out, admiral."

"General Soo," he interrupted, turning to face the Fire Army senior officer. "You reasoned, and chose correctly."

A/N: Admittedly, this chapter is rather uneventful action wise as it falls in the aftermath of major engagements. But it does begin to set the pieces for upcoming chapters, while also revealing a bit of the power dynamics in the power vacuum that a coup without top authorization would have in its wake. Now you can kind of see the internal conflicts that are beginning to boil even within the 'axis' side of the equation. More internal tension, undermining, discreet allegiances, and 'flaming' engagements over the horizon as we close in on the coming of Sozin's Comet.