Ch 9
Iroh
Days after Jin Lian's meeting with Iroh, the United Forces fleet approached the Northern Water Tribe in the early hours of the morning. Jin Lian stood on Iroh's right side, the two standing at attention at the helm of the flagship. Iroh noticed Jin Lian looking up, squinting slightly as the morning sun reflected off the massive glaciers that bordered the Northern Water Tribe's territory. Even the warships seemed like bath toys compared to the walls of ice in front of them.
Iroh remembered the stories his grandfather told him of the Northern Water Tribe. How the beautiful city of ice once had a great wall spanning the opening of the bay to protect itself from invaders. How Avatar Aang had merged with the Water Spirit, La, after its mate, Tui, was killed by one Admiral Zhao. It was hard to imagine that the Avatar's form had towered even higher than the glaciers.
"You never get used to this sight," Jin Lian sighed in awe. Her pale skin shone like fresh snow in the bright light of the northern morning. Her pink lips were chapped with cold, and her cheeks showed some residual skin peeling after healing from a rather severe sunburn. He hadn't believed her when she said she was prone to sun burns, despite being a Fire Nation citizen, and yet, her face had turned completely red after one day in the sun when a gust of wind knocked her officer's cap into the water below.
Iroh nodded in agreement, letting out a puff of fire to warm himself against the cold. They wore thicker uniforms lined with koala sheep wool to insulate their bodies in this climate, hoods drawn up to protect them from the frigid winds. The water bending soldiers, on the other hand, kept their hoods down in this "balmy weather", as they called it.
He could feel the ship decelerate as the fleet approached the docks. A crowd was gathering below, welcoming the soldiers from a lengthy trip. Some held up signs, which Iroh read in amusement. Others were family members, waiting for a loved one. "Shall we, Strategist Yang?" he asked, turning to leave.
"Yes, sir," Jin Lian replied, following closely. They made their way down to the gang way and stopped just before the plank. Iroh watched his men and women disembark, making sure each and every one of them reached the shore safely before allowing himself to leave. Finally, it was Jin Lian's turn. He turned to her, motioning with his head slightly to prompt her down to plank. "Just don't trip this time," he chuckled. "I doubt the water will be warm."
"I'll do my best, sir," Jin Lian shot back wryly, narrowing her bronze eyes into slits. She turned and gracefully made her way onto land without issue. Jin Lian waited at the bottom patiently, her eyes following his every move down the plank. Just as his foot touched land, the crowd cheered louder, welcoming the General of the United Forces. Iroh smiled and nodded as he made his way down towards the street where a Satomobile was waiting. Jin Lian followed him into the car, ducking her head and closing the door behind her with a firm pull.
"No rest for the weary," she complained as the car lurched off. She pulled her shoulders back and held her head higher, as if to elongate her already slender neck. While the soldiers went off their separate ways for the two weeks it took to gather supplies for the fleet, the General and his Strategist were ferried straight for Chief Unalaq's home. It was a common courtesy the leader of the neutral military force was required to perform, and Iroh took it in stride. This was nothing new to him, and should be common protocol for Jin Lian as well, considering she was the daughter of the Foreign Affairs Minister. He sent a questioning glance in her direction.
Jin Lian picked up on his gaze and sent a crooked smile. "I usually get a day to 'freshen up' before I meet a nation's leader," she explained. "Chief Unalaq will be in for a surprise when he sees my face peeling and not in my normal 'court dress'." Her hands deftly undid her bun, allowing the long black hair to flow freely onto the seat cushion. Iroh was tempted to play with the ebony strands that brushed against his fingers, but held himself back. Her pale, oval face was a stark contrast to her black hair and dark eyebrows, pink lips slightly pursed as she focused on her task at hand. Jin Lian smoothed out her hair with her palms and just as quickly pulled it back into a tighter, neater bun at the base of her head. There would be no hiding any wild strands under a cap, seeing as her only one had been lost at sea. Iroh self-consciously ran his fingers through his own wavy locks, the short hair obeying his hand easily.
It wasn't long before the car lurched to a stop before an extravagant palace. The two Fire Nation passengers exited the car and entered the building, walking down the cold, icy halls until they reached the throne room. Sitting at the end a stern, narrow faced man, with an equally narrow nose. A small smile that didn't quite meet his eyes appeared on his face as he stood up to greet his visitors.
"Chief Unalaq," Iroh and Jin Lian greeted in unison. They saluted in the military style, although Iroh noticed Jin Lian faltered slightly, fighting the urge to bow as she normally did when on foreign affairs assignments.
"General Iroh, Lady Yang," Unalaq answered amicably. "Welcome to the Northern Water Tribe."
"Strategist," Jin Lian cut in quickly. "I'm not a Lady when I'm in uniform."
"Just as I'm not the Prince when I am commanding the troops," Iroh thought to himself. It was hard for him to separate his priorities sometimes, the commitments of the Crown Prince and General did not match up on many occasions.
Unalaq nodded in understanding. "Very well, Strategist Yang," he said. "You two must be tired from the trip, would you care for some lunch? We can discuss affairs of the world then."
"Thank you, Chief Unalaq," Iroh answered. "That'd be wonderful."
Jin Lian
Lunch consisted of sea crabs and seaweed noodles in a sea prune stew. Jin Lian had never truly acquired the taste of sea prunes, but loved the sea crabs. To her amazement, Iroh had polished off his stew with appreciative smile on his face. Despite the delicious food, the atmosphere was stiff, to say the least. It didn't help that Desna and Eska, heirs to the Northern Water Tribe leadership, were also present. Their flat affect and dry sense of humor made any attempts at small talk impossible.
Unalaq ignored his offspring, preferring to speak about the pirates stealing cargo and attacking ships, as well as his concerns with the Avatar's spiritual education. Jin Lian chose to overlook the chieftain's position on Avatar Korra's education, it wasn't her place anyway. Piracy, however, was a common issue that all the nations had.
"Unfortunately, Chief Unalaq," Iroh said. "The United Forces cannot act in international waters unless the criminals are caught in the act, or are positively identified."
Unalaq nodded in understanding. "It would be unwise to brashly attack any unidentified ships. But it is still frustrating for the tribe to suffer some economic loss."
"What about the Equalist movement?" Jin Lian asked. "Have you heard about it?" Iroh shot her a surprised look.
Chief Unalaq was equally surprised. "Can't say that I have. I'll have you know that the Northern Water Tribe has moved away from the old gender norms, and have been quite inclusive. Women are given the same education and opportunities as men here."
"It's a movement against benders," Jin Lian corrected. "It's been gaining a large support base in Republic City." She bit her lip quickly, realizing her mistake. Her words would be misconstrued as her own mistrust of benders, seeing as she wasn't one.
Unalaq eyed her suspiciously. "What are your opinions on it, Strategist Yang?"
"There are definite abuses of power in certain bending factions, but the Equalist message is far too polarized for my tastes," she answered smoothly. Her response seemed to satisfy the chief.
"I see," the chief said, leaning back. "Well, this is the first I've heard of it, but I'll make sure to ensure peace amongst all my people."
Jin Lian bowed her head respectfully. "Of course, sir."
Iroh stood up, to which Jin Lian quickly followed. "Thank you for lunch, Chief Unalaq," the General said. "It was delightful. We should be returning to the hotel, there's a meeting Strategist Yang must prepare for."
"A pleasure to see you two again, Desna, Eska," Jin Lian said to the twins. It truly wasn't much of a pleasure, but she said it anyway. She was answered with blank looks and identical non-committal grunts.
In the car, Jin Lian and Iroh exhaled a breath they were not aware they were holding. They shared a look before chuckling. "I swear it was colder in that palace than it is outside," Iroh commented, slouching back into the cushions.
"It's why the Northern Water Tribe is my second least favorite place to be," Jin Lian replied. She fiddled with her cuffs absently.
Iroh raised an eyebrow and leaned towards her slightly. "What's your first?"
"Ba Sing Sei," Jin Lian answered without missing a beat. She crossed her legs angrily, foot shaking in the air. "And not because of the history between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom. Fifty years of modernization and they're the only region to resist social change!" She left out her opinion of the Earth Queen, an intolerable woman who was stuck in the past and knew nothing about politics and basic diplomacy.
Iroh nodded. "I understand the sentiment," he said. The prince placed a hand on her shoulder. "But wouldn't you say the same thing about the Fire Nation?" Jin Lian shuddered lightly under his touch, feeling the heat from his hand even through her thick uniform. She blushed, flustered from the contact.
"Sir," she replied. "Despite keeping the monarchy in place, your royal grandfather made many cultural and social changes to the Fire Nation for the better. Fire Lord Izumi has furthered that goal, and is receptive to all her council members." Jin Lian looked to Iroh, his features softened when his golden eyes met hers. "I have no doubt in my mind and heart that you will be as just a ruler as they are. I am forever a servant of the Fire Nation."
Iroh turned away and coughed, removing his hand from her shoulder. "In this uniform, you are a servant to all the nations," he reminded her. "Are you ready for your presentation to the other commanders?" he asked, changing the subject quickly.
"Of course, sir."
Iroh
The next morning, Jin Lian, Iroh, and the other bending commanders of the United Forces gathered in the meeting room of the Golden Dragon. Red uniforms filled the long, conference table, with Iroh at one end, Jin Lian at the other, and the rest of the commanders sitting at the sides. Already familiar with Jin Lian's presentation topic, Iroh sat back and watched the body language of all the commanders as she expertly explained her rationale for making alterations to their naval maneuvers. The fire benders sat upright and attentive to show their respect to the noblewoman who was now their Strategist. The water benders leaned forward, amused and intrigued at how the strategy made allusions to fishermen. The earth benders, while confused at the roundabout method, were nonetheless excited to learn that they would be launching more projectiles than normal.
Jin Lian presented herself with an admirable balance grace and strength, and ultimately, most the other bending commanders agreed to follow with the changes. "I understand not everyone is in agreement here," Jin Lian commented, placing her palms against the table. "I welcome suggestions, as there is always room for improvement."
"I still don't understand it," Onyx Han, an earth bending commander grumbled, crossing his arms. "You should simplify it."
"Well, I think it's a wonderful strategy, Miss Yang," a voice spoke up. It was Toklo, a Northern Water Tribe member who commanded the water benders on another ship, the Iron Lotus. "I'm truly surprised you came up with it yourself."
The fire benders sat up a little straighter, eyes widening incredulously and glancing between Jin Lian and Toklo. The water benders, specifically those from the Southern Tribe, made low hisses and glared at the man.
Iroh turned his golden eyes to Jin Lian, whose face had turned into what he liked to call the 'court mask'. He had seen it many times on other women during social functions. A false smile, tight lips, eyebrows just barely twitching to prevent them from furrowing or raising up. The only thing that showed real emotion were her eyes, lit up with an angry fire that demanded blood.
"That's Strategist Yang, Commander Toklo," Jin Lian bit back. "And I must say, if you have nothing useful to contribute to this strategy, I commend you for using up our valuable time with such antiquated platitudes." Quiet, amused snorts rose among unidentified members of the table. Jin Lian turned back to Onyx. "Now, Commander Han, what do you feel needs to be simplified?"
Iroh bit his cheek, fighting off the smirk that threatened to pull at the corner of his mouth. He watched as Toklo's face shifted from cockiness to absolute embarrassment, the water bender sending a feeble glare at Jin Lian's back as she continued to collaborate with other commanders.
It wasn't long before all the commanders at the table verified their understanding of the new strategy, Toklo included. "We will practice this maneuver once we reach neutral waters," Jin Lian explained. "Please inform and train your respective benders of their roles in the interim. Thank you for your time." She nodded towards Iroh, signaling her conclusion.
"Dismissed," he ordered, standing up.
The others stood, saluted and filed out of the room. Iroh watched as Jin Lian coolly met Toklo's glare, maintaining eye contact while lifting her chin impudently. She was much shorter than the water bender, but the tilt of her head and the haughty look in her bronze eyes gave the illusion she was looking down on him. In that moment, Jin Lian was nobility, enforcing her right to power. The young general was enraptured for just a moment before the spell broke. Toklo scoffed, "non-bender" at her, and walked away.
The door to the conference room closed, leaving Jin Lian and Iroh as the sole occupants. Jin Lian sighed heavily, sinking into one of the chairs. Her perfect mask broke, marring her porcelain skin with a sour look in a combination of exhaustion and frustration. "Good job," Iroh complimented. "You held your ground."
Jin Lian chewed on her thumbnail angrily. "That man thinks he can speak like that to me!?" she spat, refusing to refer to Toklo by his name. "What era does he think he live in!?"
"Is this a formal complaint, Strategist Yang?" Iroh asked, sitting next to Jin Lian. "I am the next highest in chain of command to you, after all." He wasn't all too thrilled about Toklo's behavior as well, and he had heard rumors from Captain Long Zhang about how the water benders under Toklo's command were fearful of retaliation. However, he couldn't act until a formal complaint was submitted.
"Depends on the consequences," she answered. "He'd probably get a reprimand at most, wouldn't he?"
"And gender sensitivity training," Iroh added.
Jin Lian let out a breathy laugh. "A man like that won't change from a slap on the wrist and a class about respecting others. But I suppose it's best to follow protocol." She reached over to grab a blank sheet of paper and a pen, writing out a detailed letter in her neat calligraphy. "I formally submit this letter regarding Commander Toklo of behavioral misconduct and lack of respect towards a higher ranking officer," she said, sliding the paper over to Iroh. "I have named all who witnessed it, including yourself, General."
"Thorough as always, Strategist Yang," Iroh said, reading the letter over. He stood up, with Jin Lian following suit. "There will be consequences to Commander Toklo's actions," he repeated, placing a hand on Jin Lian's shoulder. "But you handled yourself well, regardless. I look forward to your continued good work."
"Thank you, sir," she replied.
Neutral waters, Jin Lian
Jin Lian knew the first practice would be difficult. But this was atrocious, even for the top military power throughout the four nations. Her strategy relied on complete cooperation and coordination amongst the ships. The plan was to consolidate the smaller, more numerous enemy into the preset 'v' formation of the ships. Fire benders would cover long distances with the guns, preventing anyone from escaping. Earth benders would volley boulders at mid-range to drive the targets inwards, and water benders would 'capture' them by freezing the water below the boats and damaging the hulls.
The practice targets were small groups of volunteer water benders from each ship, instructed to attempt to avoid the attacks and reach the flagship, which was positioned at the apex of the 'v'. It was going smoothly until the water benders of one particular ship created multiple waves of water that sent the volunteer teams crashing under, but not killing them. Iroh quickly terminated the practice in order to rescue the volunteer team.
Jin Lian grit her teeth angrily as she stalked the deck, following Iroh to where water benders of the Golden Dragon were fishing the remaining volunteers out of the water. Medics were attending to the nearly drowned soldiers. "Which team was it?" she demanded. "Which one sent you under?"
"Strategist Yang, they still have water in their lungs! Question them later!" the medic pleaded, her hands glowing bluish white.
Jin Lian stepped back, biting her lip with her 'tiger' tooth. The overlapping canine nearly drew blood from her pink lips when she realized one of the water benders that had been drawn out was not coughing up water. "You there," she ordered. "Which ship are you assigned to?"
"The Iron Lotus, ma'am."
"Toklo's ship," Jin Lian thought, suspicious. It seemed that this particular soldier was aware of the unplanned attack, and had prepared accordingly. The confused look on his face was not feigned either, as if everyone else had been poorly prepared, instead of the other way around.
"Soldier, what were your instructions from your commander?" Jin Lian asked.
The soldier tilted his head. "Commander Toklo said the water benders would attack from above, same as the other benders. Why did the other ships form ice, if that was the case?"
Jin Lian narrowed her eyes. "It would seem that your Commander was mistaken," she said tersely. "Ice prevents the targets from escaping below the water." Her hands clenched angrily, chest tight with the embarrassment of a failed practice and fury that she had been directly and blatantly disrespected. Jin Lian turned on her heel, ready to order a chase boat to take her to the Iron Lotus.
A firm hand grasped her elbow. "Your first responsibility is to the soldiers, Strategist Yang," Iroh reminded. He pulled her closer, leaning towards her ear. "You will have your chance," he promised, his breath tickling the sensitive area behind her ear lobe. Jin Lian trembled slightly, and let out a sigh so soft that only Iroh could feel and hear it. She heard Iroh take a sharp intake of breath and felt his grip tighten before he released her.
"Take the volunteer crew into the sick bay," she ordered the medics. "Use our chase boats to return them to their ships when they feel strong enough. Get them something warm to drink in the meanwhile too." She looked up at Iroh, fire in her eyes. "General Iroh, I humbly ask your permission to board the Iron Lotus from the Golden Dragon."
Iroh raised an eyebrow. "Permission granted, relay the message to the helmsman."
-Iroh-
It didn't take long until the Golden Dragon was pulled abreast to the Iron Lotus. The transmission team sent a command to all the ships to stop as a gangplank was set up between the flagship and the fleet ship. Jin Lian and Iroh crossed over, their faces blank and unreadable. Jin Lian carried a large staff on her back, much to Iroh's confusion. She said nothing about it, but looked ahead.
"Where is Commander Toklo?" Iroh asked.
"General Iroh, Strategist Yang, what brings you two to the Iron Lotus?" Toklo asked, coming to the forefront.
Jin Lian stepped forward as well. "I just finished speaking with the volunteer crew about our practice run," she said. "It seems that the ones from this ship were aware of a different protocol."
"I must disagree, Strategist Yang," Toklo interjected. "I clearly remember ordering ice to be formed, am I correct, crew?" He looked back at the water benders, who nervously nodded in affirmation.
A cold smile drew across Jin Lian's lips. "Your crew doesn't seem so convinced, Commander. I really do question your ability to lead effectively."
Toklo snarled, addressing Iroh, "General, you'd let this woman speak to me like this?!"
"Watch yourself, Commander Toklo," Iroh reprimanded. "You have two marks so far, let's not add onto it. Strategist Yang has proved herself more than worthy of her title, I suggest you follow your training and address her as such."
Jin Lian let out a light laugh. "General, thank you for your words of support. But you know the saying, 'you can't teach an old polar bear dog new tricks!'" She pulled the staff from its holder on her back, twirling it to shake off the covering at the top. In her delicate hands, she held a guan dao, a long staff with a short, curved blade at the end.
"Strategist Yang, I've told you before, Agni Kais are forbidden!" Iroh ordered, his voice borderline shouting. He would not allow such fights to occur, there were more civil ways to save face.
Jin Lian sent an innocent smile towards him. "An Agni Kai, sir? That is ritualized combat for fire benders! I'm just a non-bender seeking to spar with a water bender." She turned towards Toklo. "If, Commander Toklo agrees to it, that is."
"I accept," Toklo growled immediately.
"If both parties accept, then there's no problem right? A spar only ends when one party yields," Jin Lian continued, her voice sweet and unassuming. Iroh scowled. She was crafty. She wanted this to happen. She could have ordered Toklo to come to the flagship by himself so Iroh could follow protocol and reprimand him again. But no, Jin Lian personally visited the Iron Lotus with him, to confront Toklo in front of his own subordinates. She goaded him into a fight for his pride against a non-bending woman who was ranked higher than he was. This was going to happen no matter what. As long as he presided over it as the General, he could at least make sure they wouldn't kill each other.
Iroh grit his teeth. "You'll be taking responsibility for this later, Strategist Yang," he grumbled. In a louder voice, he announced, "I will determine when the match can be terminated, and I will not tolerate mortal wounding." He eyed the blade of Jin Lian's guan dao. She was the 3rd generation of Pian Dao's Lotus sword style, making her a fearful opponent to even the best bender. But Toklo didn't know that.
"Thank you, General Iroh," the two soldiers said.
The crew members gave the Toklo and Jin Lian a wide berth. Iroh instructed the earth benders to standby on his command to interfere with the fight, if it became too dangerous for either party. Normal spars had the bystanders cheering for one person or the other, but this crowd fell silent. The tension was palpable as Jin Lian and Toklo circled one another.
Toklo made the first move, drawing water out of the sea and whipping it towards Jin Lian's face. She dodged backwards at the last minute, performing a series of backflips, and a side roll to avoid another lash of water. Her cap had flown off her head and was lost to the crowd, stray hairs coming out of her neat bun. The young woman was panting lightly, sweat dripping down her face and into the collar of her uniform. The first few buttons became undone, revealing her pale skin and white undershirt below.
She continued to dodge the onslaught of water attacking her from all sides, nimbly jumping away before even a drop touched her. Iroh could see that Toklo was becoming annoyed and was actually putting in a fair amount of effort to get a good hit in. Finally, he roared in frustration and directed the water to attack her from all sides. In that instant, Jin Lian flung her guan dao at the man with frightening speed and accuracy. Iroh raised an eyebrow; weapons of that size and make weren't meant to be thrown. Toklo immediately froze the spear in place with ice, just before it struck him. It took him a moment to realize Jin Lian was no longer a few feet from him, but now right under his nose. She had redirected his attention away from her in order to defend himself.
Jin Lian struck upwards, aiming below the chin. Toklo stumbled backwards, but not before the young woman leapt at him and spun, grappling his neck with two legs and pulling one arm into an arm bar. Iroh heard a sickening pop and a shocked yell from the man on the ground. "Damn non-bender," Toklo growled.
"I may not be a bender, but I certainly don't need to be one to beat people like you," she hissed, clenching her legs tighter. "Do you yield?" Her face was contorted in a snarl, revealing the canines that grew out like a tiger's fangs. Frantic tapping on the ground from Toklo's free hand indicated his submission, to which Jin Lian unwound herself and allowed the man to sit up. The water bender hissed as his arm dragged uselessly at his side, to which the young strategist knelt at his side. "Allow me," she said, and quickly popped the arm back into the shoulder joint.
A yelp and a shout later, Toklo could move his arm again. Jin Lian rose and offered her hand to grasp the uninjured arm. He rejected it and started to walk away like a beaten dog, but not before Iroh and other commanding officers stopped him. With the help of another water bender, Jin retrieved her staff and holstered it.
Iroh came forward, addressing the crowd. "The United Forces are a symbol. Not just as a combined military power, but a symbol of collaboration and harmony between all the nations. We hold ourselves to a higher standard! So if certain members flaunt and threaten others with their power, what sort of example are we setting for others? If those who are threatened or oppressed refuse to speak up, they give more power to those who oppress them." The crowd was silent, but attentive. Iroh turned to Toklo. "Commander Toklo, I hope this serves as a lesson to you. Benders may have special powers which give us a physical advantage over non-benders, but that does not qualify us as superior." Quietly, so only Toklo could hear, Iroh said, "Your position is precarious, Commander. I suggest you change your behavior before I dishonorably discharge you. There are plenty of other water benders in this military who believe they can do much better job than you can."
"Understood, General," Toklo ground out between his teeth.