A/N: This is another long one. More details here and there, but action wise, another slow burn. More alternative lore about the makeup, organization, and weapons of the Earth Empire Army, and some more alternate world building and expansion as well, in addition to the first occasion of LoK characters interacting in our world. I hope you enjoy.
Also, it has been brought to my attention, thank you Matheus Bezerra de Lima, that the site has changed its policies or functions and that some of my closest followers and fans of this series are not getting notifications when chapters post. In that case, please make sure to turn on email notifications for updates!
Ch5
Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Rocketing through the Japanese countryside, spanning valleys, and piercing through the mountains of the Hira Mountain range which borders Shiga Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture, the sixteen-car streak of white and blue made perfect time towards Kyoto City. The train, Nozomi 209 for Shin-Osaka, an N700A Shinkansen, thundered along the Tokaido bullet train line at two-hundred-eighty-five kilometers per hour. When they thundered through stations, it was like hearing a hurricane storm through, the trains passed so quickly, individual features such as the doors or the many windows blurred and were almost impossible to make out, and as each individual car rolled past, a sharp wisp and crack was heard from the air passing through the minimal clearance between each carriage. And as much noise as this could make, noise from the steel wheels on the rails alone, as the train was electric, it was gone just as quickly as it had appeared. The Shinkansen played an important role in travel across Japan, and the Tokaido line was the busiest high speed rail line of this world, comparable to the Central Earth Empire line which connected Republic City to Ba Sing Se.
Cars seven and eight, were fully reserved and filled by Kuvira and her accompanying entourage and staff. She was nearing the end of her diplomatic and trade talks in the Mechanized World, with Japan being the final country she was visiting before she would return to the Bending World. Having met with government officials of different ministries, the prime minister, and even visiting and paying respect to the current Emperor and Empress, Kuvira and delegation were now en-route to Kyoto to meet with the CEOs of prominent corporate entities in regards to commercial and technological trade. The next cars over, six and nine, were occupied by reporters of local news organizations who finally had finished asking their questions to the Great Uniter and accompanying officials; or at least they had exhausted the allotted time of the trip to do so.
Kuvira was, undeniably, popular wherever she went, crowds wanted to see and even potentially meet the rising leader of Earth Empire unification. And she was one to satisfy the people of her following. She could have flown, the Earth Empire's own flag carrying airline, East Emerald Airways, with which she had flown everywhere with, had a pair of Boeing 747-400s on standby at Tokyo Haneda Airport. With her repertoire, and her upcoming meeting with the CEOs of JR East and JR Central, she could have easily procured a fully reserved train today as well, free of other passengers, but she refused the offers. Apart from staying in the presidential suites of hotels, she would make time to commute among the ordinary people when abroad on dignitary missions. Whenever practical, and without causing too much of an inconvenience, she traveled on the subways, the local trains, busses, cabs, and bullet trains, just as anyone else in Japan. This enabled her to talk with the locals, her fans, supporters, and admirers. And most importantly, keep her image up.
The in-car chime that preceded an announcement played, a soothing rendition of the tune 'Ambitious Japan.'
"Mamonaku, Kyōto desu. Tōkaidō-sen, Sanin-sen, Kosei-sen, Nara-sen to, Kintetsu-sen, chikatetsu-sen wa onorikae desu. Kyou mo, Shinkansen wo goriyou-kudasaimashite, Arigatou Gozaimashita. Kyōto wo demasu to, tsugi wa, shuuten, Shin-Ōsaka desu.
Ladies and gentlemen. We'll soon make a brief stop at Kyoto. Passengers going to the Tokaido, Sanin, Kosei, Nara, Kintetsu, and subway lines, please change trains here at Kyoto. We will be departing shortly after arriving at Kyoto, so, please be ready to get off before the train stops. Thank you." Both the calming Japanese and Australian voices were well known and synonymous with the shinkansen service.
Finally, having a moment of rest and relaxation, Kuvira rested her head against her seat and looked out the window as the picturesque scenery whizzed by outside. She had just finished her bottled green tea,setting the bottle down on the tray table in front of her. Bataar Jr. joined his fiance in the seat next to her, having just finished his share of talking with the press and Earth Empire delegation staff. He could see Kuvira showing signs of exhaustion, though she was very good at hiding it. She would only really relax when with him, alone, and definitely not in front of her military officers and administrative staff or the public, but here in the quiet of the train car loaded with Earth Empire officials, she figured everyone was either busy with their work chattering amongst themselves and could lesson her image of strength if only for a short bit. Kuvira turned to Bataar Jr., a small gentle smile coming across her face; she could see he too was exhausted. He took her hand in his, strategically seizing control of their shared arm rest. Her eyes, usually stoic, committed, or stern, shot open as she quickly looked around the train car at her staff and at the men and women of her army detail.
"Bataar, someone will see us," she whispered urgently.
"What?" he questioned, playfully. "Everyone knows we're engaged. The wedding is coming up soon too."
"I know but still. I can't be seen like this in front of the men. I don't want to become the central gossip and talking point of our servicewomen- and especially the administrative staff and secretaries," Kuvira protested.
Bataar looked back over the headrest at the opposite aisle. The admin staff and secretaries in question, four women of Kuvira's field office staff, were busy talking and gossiping amongst themselves over ice frappes and milk tea; they had spun one of the twin-chair rows around so they faced each other, making their own four person section. "I think they're too occupied to notice."
"O-Okay," Kuvira conceded, even if just for a little while before we arrive. Her fingers and grip tightened around his.
"I think you did very well meeting with the members of the Japanese parliament and the ministers of the different ministries," Bataar encouraged. "With each meeting, and every rumor about our empire's processes put to rest, I think we will have a complete cast of supporting countries when the empire is finally united and the last hostile clans brought to justice.
"You give me more credit than I am due," she humbly replied.
"It's true," he affirmed.
"I may be the face of our movement and the leader of our empire, but you're the one with the negotiation skills. If I had to stand there alone, I think they'd think of me as akin to Azula or something," Kuvira joked.
"Come on, the same fear factor as the former Fire Lord of the Fire Nation? You? Only bandits and dissenters see you like that," Bataar teased.
"Shhh!" Kuvira quickly put a finger against her lips, laughing as quietly as she could. "This is how rumors spread!"
"Forgive me, Great Uniter. Please don't send me to a labor facility," Bataar joked even further, quietly.
"I just might, given that corny little performance. I supervise you myself.'" she returned, winking.
The two of them laughed quietly among themselves.
"The Tokaido Shinkansen," Bataar changed the topic, regaining his breath. "The world's first bullet train service. A symbol of Japan's ascension from their dark war past and progression to a better future. And, a symbol of friendship between Japan and the Earth Kingdom."
"Really? I didn't know that one," Kuvira admitted. "I knew about Japan's intent to show it had progressed, and launched this service in tandem with the 1964 Olympics, but not that bit about the Earth Kingdom."
"I just remember that part from my schooling years ago."
"Admittedly, I wasn't the best of students as a kid," Kuvira quietly admitted.
"Well, they built and engineered the train and the route. But earthbenders played a key role when boring through the Kanto mountain ranges, and made track laying move even faster than it was projected to take with dynamite and excavators," Bataar taught. "That's why the JNR, and eventually JR was in very favorable spirits to build a bullet train line in the Earth Kingdom."
"They have a pretty solid operation here, if I do say so myself, I can see why the Republic City Rail Authority operates trains the way they do, with this level of efficiency and punctuality" Kuvira observed.
"And it's my hope and dream that, when you and I finally achieve full unity to the Empire, we can further connect its cities and people to an even greater degree than it is now; more than just the major cities and regions," Bataar added.
Kuvira smiled again. "Speaking of, how are the current reports from the Empire?"
"Of course. It is best to go over this now while things are quiet," Bataar realized, quickly pulling out his file folder. "Another five towns have come into alignment with the Earth Empire. The Liu-clan continues to hold out as the second most influential holdout region resisting unification though, just after my mother in Zaofu, but two small criminal clans as well as individual thugs were eliminated as reported by the 1st Mechanized Grenadier Division in the south, just off the Si Wong Desert; they've been tracking those groups for a week now. And currently the 2nd Heavy Armored Division is operating west of Ba Sing Se towards the small city of Beisup."
"That's the unit our current poster girl works in, correct?" Kuvira inquired.
"Correct."
"And speaking of. How are the current recruitment stats?" She produced a smartphone from her inner coat pocket and began searching the current posters from the Earth Empire's Military Recruitment Division.
"Enlistments in newly acquired regions are up notably. And we have been seeing an uptick in further enlistment from already-acquired territories. Even more people, the ones who don't enlist in the military, are more willing to serve in auxiliary roles. Like the militias and as local organizers," Bataar reported as he flipped through his charts.
"As expected," Kuvira smirked. "The young captain has made quite a name for herself. I expect Beisup will come into alignment quite easily."
"You made a great call choosing her to be the face of the latest recruitment campaign," Bataar added.
"Of course. Just one look at her file and it was a no-brainer," Kuvira bragged.
"Tragic one, though," Bataar commented.
"Yes. It was. And I genuinely felt sympathy for her story. But that's just the kind of person we need as a face to our army.
She has an outstanding service record. She's a victim of the crime that's been running rampant through the Earth Kingdom, and the monarchy. She's objectively pretty, elegant, and yet can get her hands dirty when the situation calls for it," Kuvira explained her decision making process out loud.
"Yes. Captain Aoshima is almost as good as you at reaching the masses as the poster child of the army," Bataar affirmed.
Kuvira had the recruitment poster which featured Captain Aoshima as its focal representative pulled up on her phone. Behind the sharply dressed officer, the image of her Type 1 Heavy Tank #as well as an assembled formation of infantry carriers and mecha-suits in the background beneath the Earth Empire Insignia. The words "For a Unified Peace, Tomorrow" were written over the top. "Look at her. I should work on my smile more," Kuvira commented. "And she's a pretty good metal bender too…"
"You are prettier than all else, to me," Bataar reassured. "And besides, you bested her in that little sparring match you two had at the barracks the day we approached her for the campaign."
"Of course. I am the better metal bender after all, but I give credit where credit is due. She is pretty. And to comment on your point to her being almost as good as me, I disagree. She's better at reaching the masses."
"No. I don't think so. Not at all."
"We're engaged," Kuvira chuckled, "Of course you'd think that. But Captain Aoshima is the ideal soldier for the Earth Empire. I admit, she has that edge over me. I'll always be the face of the Earth Empire, and everyone at this point is familiar with the initial flyers and posters we printed for the empire right after securing Ba Sing Se. They know me for strength and conviction. But Yasuho? She came from humble beginnings. A nobody. One of the people, who came from a very humble upbringing.
Sure, I did too, but I was practically raised by Suyin. A Beifong. In Zaofu, one of the most prestigious places of the Earth Kingdom. People won't forget that."
The train began slowing down as they coasted in towards Kyoto Station. The others were now gathering their items from the overhead racks.
"The Captain did put in for leave though. I noticed her request forms in the system this morning," Bataar added, as he himself also gathered their things.
"That's good. She's earned herself some well deserved rest. Make sure her leave gets approved. She's free to take off as soon as she finishes intaking Beisup," Kuvira concluded. Looking out the window, she observed the downtown area of Kyoto as the train slowly rolled to a stop at the platform. Kyoto tower was readily visible, just across the street from the front of the large train station, but in the distance behind the modern tower she could also see the large pagoda of Tōji Temple. "What time were we meeting with those executives in the Gion District, again?"
"We should be there at 8 tonight," Bataar answered, remembering the tight schedule they had lined up for them today. He looked at his fiance, who was still seated. "Let's enjoy the ancient capital today. Just you and I until tonight. We can worry about the toppling of opposing clans tomorrow."
Kuvira was still, even six years later, not so well versed when it came to responses to romantic gestures. But she smiled warmly and quietly agreed with a single nod of her head.
Northern Earth Kingdom
Spirits and morale was high among the men and women of the 2nd Heavy Armored Division as they proceeded along the semi-paved roads of the rural Earth Kingdom. Beisup, a small and somewhat isolated city, in the middle of the Northern Earth Kingdom, falling into alignment with the Empire would allow for immediate revitalization of the region's infrastructure. Currently, the roads were still mainly compacted dirt and gravel, and the railroads which connected the region to the Central Earth Empire was a long single-tracked, unelectrified, mainline with several junctions along the route; this made traveling between the region and better-connected transit networks to the south a slow process. Beisup was right in the middle of the large forested regions opposite the mountains to the Northwest of Republic City; despite its proximity to such a populated port and coastline, the area was still largely under-developed. Citizens of the region would have to take a local train either to the southwest, through the mountains to Republic City, or southeast across the rivers towards the small town of Taku. It was only at these ends of the line where they could catch proper long distance shinkansen or express trains to other regions of the Earth Kingdom. However, trains were slow and short, usually served by only three or four cars; a small train in comparison to the eight to thirty-two car bullet trains which connected the large cities.
Like many other far-off regions of the former Earth Kingdom, Beisup's region had its own problems with crime and daofei, however the instances were far less severe compared to the other regions. Here it was mainly theft and harassment of passenger and freight services through the region. In that regard, the people of Beisup were glad they didn't experience violent crime, by other, more ruthless clans of marauders, but they were exhausted by the ongoing unrest. The local gangs would pressure farmers merchants for money, and forcefully steal their items. One thing that the smaller gangs did that was inline with larger ones was they would often pillage through stopped train cars idle in yards, or forcefully loot warehouses and distribution hubs; as a result, profits for the region were low and hopes for improvement were almost non-existent. And despite the many calls for help to the Earth Kingdom to address and maybe put an end to the crime, none ever came.
Now, finally, hope came. Hope came in the form of a heavily armed and rapidly moving tank division, one of the most decorated of the Earth Empire: the 2nd Armored Division. Up the gravel roads rumbled the numerous light, medium, and heavy tanks of the 1st Tank Regiment, joined by the 2nd Motorized Infantry Regiment; armored grenadiers as they were often referred to as. Following up towards the rear-middle of the column was the division's 1st Medical Company, as well as supply trucks of the 3rd Engineer Company. The procession was heavily equipped and capable of dealing with practically anything. They could begin reconstructing damaged structures, building temporary shelters and hospitals, distributing supplies and aid, or decimating any opposition and threat that they could encounter.
Leading the formation were three halftracks, each carrying ten soldiers within the hull. One was armed with an MG42 machine gun, the center halftrack carried a 40mm Mark-19 grenade launcher, and the trailing one carried a .50-caliber M2 Browning machine gun also towing a trailer-mounted chain-gun for general purpose use; either to attack ground or air targets. Several Varrick Industries mecha-suits marched behind the halftracks, alongside several infantry on-foot.
Next came the tanks. All were aging modernized WW2-era designs; still the staple of the Earth Empire Army. There were three medium tanks: two MT-6's, universally referred to by their unofficial name 'Panther,' and one old Mt-4 or 'Panzer IV.' At the center of the tank section were the universally recognizable Type-1 heavy tanks, or 'Tiger' tanks. Anyone could easily recognize their large, boxy, and imposing silhouettes and large caliber guns. Each of the tanks had very recognizable shapes, however they were distorted by the numerous infantry who sat aboard the armored tractors, lucky enough to secure a ride as opposed to having to march alongside in formation. Upon each tank sat, alongside the infantry, a pair of mecha-suits at the rear edges of each, ready to deploy at a moment's notice.
Like many things having to do with appearance, the presentation of tanks and vehicles, like the uniforms were drastically changed when the Earth Empire replaced the Earth Kingdom as being in charge of the armed forces. The standard paint-scheme was now a uniformly applied dark forest green with silver and gray trim. The green and yellow coin insignia of the Earth Kingdom was replaced with the silvery crest of the Earth Empire; an octagon with the Earth Kingdom coin inside and at the center of a large cross. The tanks' cradle tubes were marked with thin polished strips of steel which indicated that they were part of the 2nd Armored Division. Overall the color scheme, with the dark forest green paint with silvery accents, made these weapons seem more ceremonial focused; however they did do the job of projecting a powerful image. Specialized units however, did sport alternative camouflaged schemes on their tanks such as camouflage schemes.
Trailing at the tail end were all the remaining vehicles of the engineer and medical companies. Another halftrack, more mecha-suits however this time carrying no weapons, as well as several trucks which carried more men and supplies under their canvas-covered beds. Medics, medical supplies, engineers, construction material, tools, food, water, troops, heavy tools and weapons for the mecha-suits, as well as more guns and munitions were carried aboard these trucks.
Finally, marching alongside and behind the procession of vehicles were the hundred-or-so, extra soldiers which were not seated aboard a vehicle. They paraded along in formation, shouldering their weapons, tools, and gear; singing a folk-tune along the rhythm of their boots hitting the ground rhythmically in unison.
As a result of the types of enemies the Earth Empire encountered, reason to continually modernize has been low. In the age of supersonic jet-fighters, ICBMs, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and at the very least modern MBTs and assault rifles, the Earth Kingdom and now Earth Empire have been getting along fine with their World War Two era weaponry. Afterall, by today's standards they were easier and simpler to manufacture in mass. But as the Empire slowly climbed into prosperity over the past six years, evidence of modernization could be seen; but they hinted at a slight logistical nightmare. Slung over the most soldiers in the platoons was the previous standard issue service rifle the Earth Kingdom Army and, subsequently, the Earth Empire Army had fielded since 1959: the Gewehr 43, or 'Type-43,' officially, semi-automatic rifle. Over the six-decades the rifle had several improvements made; it now had select fire capabilities, regardless of how impractical, it could be fed from 10, 20, 30, and 50 round magazines, rails for optics, lasers, and other attachments had been mounted over its wood-and-steel furniture, and the barrel could now accept the use of suppressors when the mission called for it. Many of the soldiers' Type-43 rifles had modern optics such as 4x magnified scopes, or even holographic sights licensed by EOtech, but at their core they were still the basic WW2 battle rifle. Some of the auxiliary units still carried K98K Mausers.
However, some soldiers now carried the newer Type-44 assault rifles. They resembled an AK-series rifle and fired a supersonic version of the 7.92x39mm kurz round; essentially a modernized and improved version of the original intermediate cartridge the Stg-44 used. The Type-44 was lighter and was more suited to modern combat doctrine, however being of a different caliber meant that supplying cartridges to army units was now more complex; in some cases, certain soldiers would need to conserve their ammo if they didn't get any for their specific weapons during each supply drop to forward deployed units.
"Captain," one of the soldiers riding atop the Tiger tank called out. "I heard you're going on leave soon after we wrap up here."
Yasuho dusted off the shoulders and sleeves of her tunic and adjusted her belt. She sat perched on the edges of the commander's cupola, distant in thought staring ahead. "Words spreads fast among you soldiers doesn't it?"
"Of course," the enlisted man affirmed. "Where to?"
"Republic City."
"Spending some time in the big city? Meeting a special someone?"
Yasuho almost became red in the cheeks. She did not let the innocent question get her flustered. "I'm meeting a friend, if that's what you're asking."
"No one who says they're going to Republic City to meet a friend, is ever meeting just a friend," the soldier prodded.
"What I do in my freetime, on my leave, is none of your concern, sergeant," the Captain forcefully shut down, a slight smile on her face. "Unless you and your squad want to walk the rest of the way?"
"Alright, alright!" the soldier backed off, raising his two hands in surrender. "You're right, I'm prying too much. Please don't make us walk."
"Thank you, sergeant, for your cooperation," Yasuho settled, water under the bridge to her.
"What's your reading on Beisup, Captain?" The soldier changed his topic. "You think they'll fold?"
"'They'll fold?' We're not here to crush them, you know," Yasuho corrected. "It's our duty to protect these people."
"My bad, captain. You think they'll cooperate easily?"
"I think they will," Yasuho predicted. "These people have had enough of the disorder. I think they're ready to seriously get put on the map, and seriously get the help they need. They've been victims for too long, afterall, given the bandits we crashed through on the way here."
"Yeah. But those unorganized bastards were toppled easily. We practically liquified them," the soldier thought back on the engagement they had been through on the way to Beisup.
Yasuho was slightly disgusted by his remarks. Slightly. Her pity for those who preyed on the weak and innocent only went so far. Truly, she had a difficult time thinking of them as people. Those who broke the law, attacked the innocent, stole, vandalized, wreaked havoc, would see little mercy from her. And she had made a name for herself as a result. Some would quietly and unofficially call her the 'Angel of Death,' stemming from her deadly efficiency in battle. Soldiers and tank crews alike were relieved if she was beside them in a duel with an enemy. However, those off the battlefield knew Captain Aoshima as a rather caring and kind-hearted person. She was patient with the most difficult of people, and was never forceful in any conversation. And the high command recognized this side to her as well, hence why she was chosen as the face of the current recruitment campaign.
"Sometimes even the most affected of towns and regions have some reservations though," the sergeant commented, adjusting his helmet; it was nearly identical to the stahlhelm, bearing his unit coat of arms on its right side. "Once we rolled into a railway-side town in the central Earth Kingdom, and we were alongside the Great Uniter herself."
Yasuho really had to listen in over the roar and rumble of the tank's engine and the clanking of the tracks on the dirt road. She hung her headphones around her neck and leaned closer.
"...kooky old governor the man was. One of those old-fashioned loyalists to the fallen monarchy. Wasn't able to see how desperately in need of help his town was in. He actually wanted to resist the help. Wanted to go the hard way."
"What happened?" Yasuho inquired.
"We arrived by train. And Kuvira was extending this very kind olive branch to the guy. What was the state again?..." The sergeant scratched his neck. "Oh, yeah. The 'Great State of Yai,'" he mocked recalling the resisting governor all those years back. "The disrespect from that guy-. The way he talked down to Kuvira! Made me want to bash his face in with the back end of the MG I was carrying. And you know he probably got that position of governor because of his connections or his money! All those fancy Earth Kingdom robes and hats of his. Corrupt old money! Corrupt monarchists! The lot of 'em!" He replaced his steel helmet with a lighter weight and cooler-wearing field cap. "And those two airbenders that happened to be there at the time weren't helping their case either."
Yasuho looked down. There was something caught under her foot. "I'm listening," she said as she ducked down to retrieve the two solid objects.
"Governor he was… Couldn't even see what help his people needed. They were starving. No proper roads. Their only connection to the outside world was a beaten up and disintegrating train station. Kuvira was right, they were on the verge of crumbling, and this guy had wayyy too much pride.
Anyway. We leave, after being rudely shown the door. The two ambitious and yet again idealistic pacifist airbenders somehow think they can help these people. So we reform our soldiers, mount up, get back on this train, and roll out of there. Exactly as the governor demanded. And guess what happened? As if to drive home a point. They got hit again! Bandits! Some in the air, on a biplane, steal whatever meager supplies those two airbenders were carrying on a sky bison. A sky bison! In this age of jumbo jets- a slow moving, and exposed sky bison! And return empty handed. Big help that was! Some more bandits robbed more from the town, but at that point there's practically nothing left!"
Yasuho reappeared, standing up from her hatch once again. She was closely examining a small handful of 8mm Mauser casings that rolled across her palms.
"So, finally this governor sees some reason. He gives in, finally signs his state into the Earth Empire. The people were so happy! Finally, someone can help 'em out! And despite his disrespect and his audacity, our Great Uniter even let him retain his post as governor. And now? Yai is a bustling state of the Empire. That deal, with the western nations of the Mechanized World, the increased oil exports? Straight from Yai. Even after retiring from office, I'll bet that guy practically looks down on the world from an even bigger ivory tower. But I'll wager he won't be one to thank the empire for his heightened fortune," the sergeant scoffed. "Hopefully Beisup will be more reasonable."
"I hope so too," Yasuho added. "The faster I finish here, the faster I can start along the long trip down this rickety branch line to the nearest bullet train terminal. Then on to Republic City." She smirked, as she gave a look to the sergeant. "Let me do the talking today."
"Psshhh, that was the generally accepted plan today from the beginning," he replied, eyeing the markings of his Type 43 rifle.
"What were you doing before you joined the army, sergeant?" Yasuho inquired.
"Me?" He slung his rifle. "I was a farmer. Family farm between Taku and the Great Divide. Or at least it was before we were robbed of any and all valuables we had. Our fields were even burnt. Some of our neighbors thought it was marauders with ties to the Liu-clan. Personally, even though I don't like them, I felt we were way too small of a target for a big revolting clan like that to care about. Personally, I think it was the local gangs." He looked at the superior officer. "If you don't mind, captain. What made you join the army?"
"I.." A breeze caught her bangs and her voice trailed off slightly, being drowned out by the engines. "I was a teenager traveling with her family Ba Sing Se. It just hit me."
"Must have been something inspiring if it hit you just like that," the enlisted man trailed off.
"Yeah, it was," Yasuho closed. The pair of brass casings levitated off her hand. She launched them off towards the side of the road.
The two cases clanged as they bounced off the twisted wreckage that still burned. From the tops of the tanks, halftracks, and trucks, the personnel of the column looked down on the twisted and smoldering piles of twisted metal. Sato Mobiles and small utility trucks that were torn apart violently and later were pushed to the side of the road. Such light vehicles didn't fare so well on the receiving end of 88mm and 75mm tank guns. Those that didn't receive a direct hit were riddled with bullet holes. Others were torn apart, but by metal bending rather than a shell hit. The occupants, former bandits, lay strewn about. They couldn't have reacted. For the Earth Empire it was basically a firing exercise, they were hit by tank main guns at range from concealment. While they also were hit by small arms and a coordinated combination of metal and earth bending from the roadside. The 2nd Heavy Armored Division had picked up on another distress call from Beisup in the morning as they were making the final leg of the journey, daofei, a lot of them, had freshly hit the city as well as a series of other villages and towns, hoarding supplies and valuables and fleeing along the dirt roads to the southwest. This time, a responding force picked up and was answering their call for assistance.
No prisoners, no survivors. Good-for-nothings, anyways, all of them. They've chosen this fate. Live by terror, live by the sword, and die by it. Many of the soldiers, joining from ordinary lives, neglected by the monarchy, neglected by a disappearing avatar, and troubled by crime for generations, had no problems finally fighting for change. And the Earth Empire, Kuvira, gave them the chance, the training, and the weapons, to finally bring order and subsequently peace to their home. For once, in thousands of years, daofei, and rogue clans, were afraid of running across the army. Of facing punishment for their ways. A world free of crime, free of terror. The towns, cities, and states, from this, grew in favor of unification; immediate results of the Empire's efforts certainly helped this along.
Yasuho hummed along to the marching songs sung by the soldiers, quietly to herself. Songs about, coming home to family, wooing the pretty girl of some town, or seeing the 'Great Walls of Bas Sing Se' on the way home.
Republic City
The sun was now setting off the horizon of Republic City Harbor. Though, far off from downtown in the Dragon Flats District, the light had long since dimmed in the shadows of the towering buildings of the city. A rundown neighborhood closer to the border of the Industrial District had been cordoned off. Patrol cars blocked off the streets, and the flashing red and blue lights casted off the crumbling apartment blocks as the night began to settle in.
There were a handful of Republic City PD patrol cars that had arrived, but this wasn't their scene. They were late. The United Forces Department of Intelligence, the CIA and FBI of the Republic, were first on scene. And although, in principle, RCPD had greater jurisdiction, the UFDI was not easy to hand over something they had started over to the local police department. Particularly when under the direction of one of their leading officers.
Arriving on the scene last, a gray and navy Ford Crown Victoria parked just before the roadblock, its patrol lights off. Setting the vehicle in park and cutting the engine, out stepped a sharply dressed inspector: Inspector Junichiro Stevenson. He patted down his dark navy blue double breasted suit, made of a heavy wool fabric with good drape. His suit was fuller in the chest, and closer fit in the waist, a fit which resembled a 1930s suit, concealing his M1911a1 handgun which was seated in a shoulder holster. Despite being constantly on the move and a very busy superior, his shoes were always to a mirror shine; a practice he maintained from his time in the Marine Corps. He had just grabbed his medium gray fedora and shut the car door as one of his officers ran up to brief him.
"Inspector, your partner's inside taking a look around. Scene is still pretty fresh. It's simple enough, but it isn't pretty."
"It never is," Junichiro replied, setting his hat on his head. The two of them pushed their way past the metalbending patrol officers of the RCPD. Despite being law enforcement and peacekeeping agencies, the two organizations did not get along cooperatively, even though they were both headquartered in Republic City. "Boys," Junichiro simply said, grabbing the brim of his hat as they passed the beat cops. "Smile and look pretty."
Emerging from a set of double doors on the first floor of the two-story apartment building, came Junichiro's partner, Agent John Masaoka, the son of American immigrants to the Bending World and a natural born citizen of the United Republic. He pulled down on the vest of his gray three piece and dusted off the knees of his trousers. "Jun," he greeted. "Bout time you got here."
"I just got out of a meeting," Junichiro chuckled. "Looking around, that's your job."
"Uh huh. Well anyways, have a look. We got a simple enough murder case."
"Of course. How's Beifong responding, since we're responding and cordoning off the area of her men?"
"Uh, I don't think RCPD's gotten word of it yet. They're still dealing with other things at the moment, but I'm sure you'll get another charged complaint."
"Nothing Raiko can't take care of," Jun said, checking the time on his smartphone. "Has the coroner already made his round?" The two of them had just reached the base of the stairs and began climbing.
"Yeah, but the cause of death is..pretty apparent. He didn't stay long," John commented.
"Well that's good. I want to wrap this one up as soon as possible. I'm supposed to meet up with someone at the train station later," Junichiro explained, pausing before the door to the crime scene.
"Hence the suit!" John connected.
"I'm in a suit most of the time."
"Yeah but, patrol cruiser and a suit? Usually you're in uniform. And this is your best suit."
"Alright alright, yeah. You got me," Jun calmed him down. "Let's get this over with."
The pair entered the apartment. Sure enough as reported, it was a simple sight, but not a pretty one. The rest of the apartment was dirty, peeling wallpaper, a worn out couch, cube TV, and a beaten up wooden floor, but beyond that there was no sign of force entry or even a struggle. There was no rifling through drawers, or broken windows evident.
"Who's the DB?"
"Woman in her mid-twenties. Single gunshot wound to the head. Clean through," John reported.
"Yes, I can see that," Jun replied. "But who was she?" He knelt beside the victim. There was a single bullet hole in the center of her forehead; a 9mm, judging from the entry wound size. The sight was gruesome. He felt sorry for the victim. Still so young, yet murdered in cold blood. Poor girl, Jun thought.
"Let's see… Sakari Chang, twenty-eight years old. A Waterbender. Came to Republic City a little over eight years ago, looking for a fresh start. Northern Water Tribe citizenship still."
"Let me guess, she's a dockside worker," Jun remarked, examining her hands.
"Why'd you assume that?"
"She's a water bender isn't she? If she's not a nurse or a doctor, she likely worked in the shipping yards. Especially this close to the industrial areas…"
"I don't have that information yet," John said plainly.
Jun carefully reached for the inner breast pocket of the woman's jacket, a woolen Ike-Jacket which met and merged perfectly just at the waistband of her gray trousers. She was unmistakably working-class. Sure enough, he pulled out a small ID card for the Republic City harbor. "Just needed to take a quick look at her hands. Those kinds of calluses come from heavy ropes and chains, the same kind that moor those large tankers and freighters to the docks." Jun carefully and respectfully returned her hands to her sides and stood up. "But this," he said, gesturing to the victim who lay between them. "This is not how benders usually die- or specifically are killed."
"What by gunshot wound? There are plenty-"
"No. Not just by gunshot wounds, but like this. There's no sign of a struggle. If a bender, in this case a waterbender, is going to die by someone else, they usually go down fighting or at least trying to escape. She looks like she just caught one to the head.
"Probably a heated argument?"
"That's what I'm thinking," Jun deduced. "Specifically, I wanna say it could have been a lovers' quarrel. She probably didn't even see it coming. Turned around and bam, right to the head. Willing to bet it's someone from work."
"Well, canvassing agents and officers have got a lead," John said, putting a hand in his pockets. "I don't think you're gonna like it."
"What have we got?"
"Looks like neighbors reported Sakari had been in a short relationship with one of her coworkers dockside. Witnesses say they've been together a month or less, at most," John said, settling on his back foot.
"I'm listening," Jun pushed on.
"The potential lead is a Dang Zhen, dockside worker, and this lady's boyfriend for their short past. The lady next door said they often argued, and it was definitely a rough one at best. Very toxic."
"Dang Zhen.." that name's familiar, Jun commented, squinting as if trying to peer into the farthest regions of his memory. His eyes shot open as he started to recall. "The known equalist sympathizer?! I brought him in a month ago! Practically handed him on a silver platter to Beifong!" He remembered that case, it was one he passed over to the RCPD in 'good favor' to try maintaining good relations with the local police department, or at least that's what President Raiko wanted. "He should've been rotting for grand theft auto, destruction of property, and assault with a deadly weapon! Why's he out here?!"
"Beifong walked him. Cut him loose a little while ago. I heard she said the charges were too drastic and they'd never stick," John sighed. "Don't get mad at her, Jun, she's just a cop. These lawyers and the DA…you know how it goes-"
"Well she should have pushed harder! I said 'behind bars!' That was already filtered down, if it were me it would be the chair or the firing squad! Assault with a deadly weapon? I would've booked him with attempted murder!" Junichiro was heated, he fumingly removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair.
"There's something else too, sir. Unrelated though, since we got the room to ourselves now and we're talking about people that were cut loose by PD," John added. "That triad member, the low level one, that we also handed to PD last week. He's walked as well."
"What?!"
"Yeah the breaking and entering and the shoplifting weren't enough to get him in and keep him in. The lawyers made a good enough case, and PD thought it wasn't serious enough to really fight for it. And the shopkeepers apparently accepted the apology that guy made to them after the hearing," Jun's partner regrettably reported.
"He practically put them out of business! They can't reopen the store, insurance isn't going to cover the rest of the damages and lost goods. They were coaxed into accepting it," Jun recoiled. "Let me guess, they put in the statement first, before the hearing."
"They did," John confirmed. "And the official word is, since he's young they want to offer him a second chance to reorganize his life, since no one was physically harmed."
Junichiro exhaled a long breath, trying to calm himself. This is why he did not like turning his cases over to Beifong, as tough as she was on crime, in his eyes she wasn't tough enough.
"Though, Junichiro, realistically they weren't going to give him a death sentence for something small like that," John said. "We have to be realistic."
"Can we find him? Again." Jun asked.
"I'm sure we can. He's back with the triads last I heard."
"Good. I want to talk with him," Jun calmly said with an even tone of voice.
"It can be arranged."
"No- I want to really talk with the boy," Jun clarified with emphasis.
"Aye, sir," John acknowledged.
"And put out an APB for Dang Zhen too, all available units in the city. Have a patrol unit stop by the harbor. I'm not letting him walk this time."
"Inspector," another suited agent called, a grim expression on his face. "Chief Beifong's here."
The armored column came to a halt at the entrance to the city of Beisup, respectfully waiting for permission before driving into the city. The soldiers were soon met by the people of the city as well as the governor.
"What's the meaning of this?" the governor called.
"Don't be alarmed," Yasuho called from the commander's hatch. "We've come to help."
"You, lady! I don't want to be talked down to by someone perched atop a mechanical beast! If you really come in peace, come talk to me on an even level," the governor demanded.
The soldiers still seated atop the tiger tank, gave each other looks of disgust. The audacity of this man. Despite coming in their best interest. They started to jump down, rifle slings in a tight grasp. "Listen here old man-"
"Wait," Yasuho calmed them, waving her hand to the dismounting soldiers to halt. "These people have been rolled over for far too long. And they're being met at the head end of a powerful gun."
She jumped down from the tank and approached the governor,a gentle look of concern on her face. "I'll talk on your level, Mr. Governor." With conviction Captain Aoshima stepped from the shadows and into the light to meet the governor. She put her hands together in front and bowed, slightly, to the state leader. Sure enough he was an older gentleman, a slight hunch in his posture. "I am Captain Yasuho Aoshima of the 2nd Heavy Armored Division, Earth Empire Army. I am here on behalf of Kuvira, our generous Great Uniter."
"The Earth Empire? Kuvira?" the older man squinted, looking Yasuho's uniform up and down and then the tank column behind her. "Oh! Yes! The Earth Empire Army! Of course!" His tone had changed drastically, much more happy and welcoming. "Pardon my harsh tones earlier, it's getting harder for these old eyes to see at night. Please, marshall your men into our city. You're warmly welcomed here."
She turned to the formation, waving her arm to signal the drivers to advance. The tanks, halftracks, trucks, and platoons of soldiers started to pass them by, heading for the more well lit city center. The light from whatever remaining streetlamps glinted as they caught the reflection of the Earth Empire's insignias as they rolled by.
"Again, apologies. We've had it rough the past year," the governor said. "In fact we were just hit this morning again. More criminals. More daofei! They came in and forcefully took more of our goods and supplies. We sent out another call for help, but usually no one replies. It's been decades since the Earth Kingdom actually responded to our cries for help and assistance."
"Governor, we heard your distress call," Yasuho assured, placing a hand to her chest. "We responded as fast as we could, and we caught those bandits in their escape. In fact, I'm happy to report to you that we were able to recover a sizable amount of what they had stolen."
The supply trucks rolled by, following the last of the tanks. On their beds were recovered sacks and crates of stolen goods and supplies, indeed from Beisup. The crest of the town could be seen still on much of the items.
"Thank the spirits," the governor replied, relieved. "That same clan of daofei has been hitting our people for the past several months now."
"You can rest assured, their reign of terror has come to a conclusive end," Captain Aoshima assured. "In fact, we can make it so this never happens again. As I said, I am here to deliver good news from the Earth Empire, on behalf of Kuvira herself. We would like the state and city of Beisup to unite with the rest of the Earth Empire." Yasuho smiled gently, respectfully, in a way that conveyed the most care and consideration. "Beisup will fall under our protection. Criminals will never again harm this town or your people. And, we can improve the local infrastructure and economy. Roads will be built, the train systems improved. We will put Beisup on the map, for real this time."
"Ah yes of course," the governor acknowledged, a slight tone of hesitancy in his voice. "Roads…and train systems..putting Beisup on the map. That's all great, but regrettably we can't afford something like that. I don't want to place a burden on the Empire," he trailed on.
"No worries, Mr. Governor. The Earth Empire will take care of all of that," Yasuho quickly answered. She produced a tri-folded document from her inner chest pockets. It was the official pages to bring Beisup into the Earth Empire as an official territory. All that was needed was his hanko stamp. "Once signed, our brigade can immediately get to work in aiding Beisup and its people to the fullest capability. Our engineer company will begin surveying road ways and setting up shelters and hospitals. And our medical company can start addressing your sick and injured."
She looked at the man before her. Clearly there was something troubling him. Yasuho tilted her head slightly to the side, her eye brows furrowed in concern. "Is there a concern you have governor? I know is a big decision. Rest assured, you will retain your office, but the only difference is you will report to Kuvira, as opposed to some incompetent prince." His eyes couldn't meet hers for the moment and he looked down towards the pavement. Yasuho removed her cap, letting her hair fly free, and knelt down slightly to get under and meet his gaze. There were two ways of doing this, and Yasuho was a master of the soft way. "You're concerned about something, governor. Tell me, what's on your mind. I don't want to push you into something you're not ready for."
His gaze met hers. "It's just. I've heard stories." The state leader twiddled his fingers. He felt fearful for any repercussions he could face. There were many good stories, but a few bad rumors circulated too.
"What kind of stories?"
"Well…I've heard of coerced decisions. Of states that weren't really given a choice. Or- I mean- It seemed like a choice at first, but..when there were second thoughts or reservations, the army leaders…or Kuvira," he whispered her name carefully. "..would become a bit forceful." The governor raised his head, looking to Yasuho for an answer.
The captain held her cap by the visor in front of her with both hands, retracting the surrender documents for the moment. "Governor," she began with a light tone. "What we do… is for the best interest of the people. We want to protect, we want a peaceful worry-free future. And we want to achieve it cooperatively. And talking to you, I can tell you are concerned for your citizens- you don't want them to suffer. But some other mayors, clan leaders, governors, they are just too stubborn. They didn't care about their people, more than their pride. The state of Yai is an example. Have you heard of it?"
"I know the governor there," he replied.
"Yai, now, is a prosperous state. But as we both know it wasn't like that before. They were suffering, stripped dry by bandits. But we came to their rescue, more effectively than the airbenders…the avatar…the former monarchy. It was us! But he was too prideful to see what benefits could come." Yasuho reached out and took hold of the governor's jacket sleeve, to hold his attention. "We can build something great here, governor. Together, we can end this suffering. I speak to you from experience." Her voice sounded on the verge of tears.
"What do you mean?" The governor asked.
"I wish the Earth Empire was around, dealing with these issues when I was teenager," Yasuho admitted.
"The captain's really on one tonight," one soldier, the sergeant, observed with a lower ranking soldier, watching from the sideline.
"Governor's really taking a while to give in," the private chimed in.
"He'll cave soon, she's got him. I've been assigned to accompany her tank regiment before. T'is not her first rodeo," the sergeant informed.
"I wish the Earth Empire was around, dealing with these issues when I was a teenager."
"That's it," the sarge said. This is her signature selling story. "He doesn't know it yet, but he's practically signing those submission forms as she speaks."
"Is she actually going to cry?"
"Of course not," the NCO smacked the private on the back of his head. "The captain only seems fragile. In reality she's tough as nails. I've never seen that lady cry, ever."
"She makes good on her appearances though," a nearby corporal chimed in. "That's not her service uniform, that's a straight up dress uniform."
He noted how Captain Aoshima indeed was dressed for leave or ceremony. A finer woolen coat and skirt, trimmed out with her service and combat awards and silver aiguillette pinned.
"Guess she wasn't kidding. She really is trying to get this over with as soon as possible. She's got a vacation to Republic City," the sergeant recalled.
"Hey, if she wraps this up in the next five minutes, she can get these papers sealed and be on the next train out of here."
"Shh! Shh! here we go."
"Daofei were the reasons I lost my parents," Yasuho told the governor. "I'll never forget the helplessness I felt that day."
"I am so sorry for your loss," he offered his condolences, drastically saddened at the revelation.
"They have hurt and killed far too many for far too long," Yasuho further added, her voice growing in its convictions and strength of tone. "I don't ever want something like that to happen to another family, as much as I can to help prevent it." She gripped the forms tightly. A slight crinkling sound came from the papers in her tightened grip. "But it's a cooperative effort, governor. We, as the army, cannot do anything to help unless we have your permission. We don't want to overstep your boundaries. But for the sake of your people, governor. Please. Consider this well." In closing, after driving that point home, Yasuho folded her hands in her lap and bowed once more. She pleaded, in tone, for the official to go forward with this, for his peoples' sakes.
The state official adjusted his glasses and straightened his posture, as if garnering his convictions. He turned to look at his people and city, both of which had definitely seen better days; long ago. Captain Aoshima was right, he thought. This would be for the best. Realistically, Beisup was on its last legs. If another clan of daofei was to come through, they'd be troubled for the winter months.
"Clipboard," he called to his assistant secretary, to which the woman to his side produced one.
Rising from her bow, Yasuho looked the official in the eye.
"You're right, captain. We desperately need your help. I don't want any more harm to befall my people. We'll pledge loyalty and align with the rest of the nation."
The tank officer gladly extended the formal papers of alignment to the older official. "For a united peace," she said. "This is for the best."
Without any further hesitation, he signed the forms and stamped his personal seal to make it official.
"Hail the Great Uniter," the governor said in closing, bowing as he offered the signed forms back.
"That was one heck of a sell, Cap!" the single-striped private exclaimed as Captain Aoshima was ready to leave, having passed the forms officially to an adjutant to have them processed and sent to headquarters. "You got him good!"
Yasuho turned to face the young private, a stern look of disapproval on her face. She wasn't smiling. He had overstepped. "Excuse me? Is this how you will talk to your superiors, private? May I remind you, I am an officer. I can and will have you reprimanded for disrespecting a superior!" Her brows furrowed in anger at the audacity of this young man, though this wasn't the first time for something like this. Because of her nature, sometimes the lower enlisted would get a little too comfortable around her. They would all learn, this was not a subject she liked to joke about or make light of.
"Private! You'll talk with greater respect when addressing an officer!" The same sergeant from earlier chime in, violently hitting the single-striper hard in the shoulder, practically shoving him to the ground.
Yasuho only turned to look at the gruff NCO silently, a stern look in her eye as well. She appreciated that he immediately moved to correct the Private and remind him of his place; he had learned this exact lesson too a while back. She took a step forward and brought her heels together, standing over the now grounded enlisted man. "Get up," she instructed, "And dust off that uniform of yours. You have a long night, and you are representing the Earth Empire; a saving cause to these people. I will not have my efforts to paint a perfect picture, as well as the reputation of our military and nation, sullied by the likes of one audacious child."
The young man, he couldn't have been older than eighteen or nineteen, quickly popped to attention as fast as he could, his helmet, ammunition case, helmet, and pistol holster, rattling against each other hanging off his belt, "Yes, ma'am! Sorry, ma'am!"
"Remember your place," Yasuho sternly reminded. "I'll admit, I shoulder some of the blame myself as I am notoriously casual with soldier- But I will have order and respect in my ranks! Do I make myself clear?" She had to look up at him slightly, as he was taller. This height difference, however, didn't make it any less nerve wracking for the young soldier.
"Yes, ma'am. Crystal," he gulped.
"We, as soldiers in the Empire's Army, do serious and important work, and you must treat it as such." Her tone of voice settled down now, as she fixed her tied up raven hair and reset her peaked cap on her head. "You're dismissed," she said as she began to walk off.
"Ma'am," the private called once more, stopping her mid stride. "Permission to ask a question?"
She paused, not even turning to face him "What do you want?"
"Was it true? You're point to the governor? It's..just a story, right?"
He was treading on a thin layer of glass.
Yasuho pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers, taking a deep breath. She exhaled and turned around. Reset.
"Of course," she steadily stated. "It's just a story."
A/N:
Alright, that was a bit of exposition, but I hope the further expansion of the state of the world and how the Earth Empire Army is somewhat organized is more interesting. I'll admit, coming up with personalities and then trying to keep them consistent, and actually conveying what I imagine a character's personality is like in my head onto text, is quite challenging. Yasuho and Junichiro, the two main OC characters who we will follow a lot of in this story, I'm still trying to get a solid reading on the direction I want to commit them to as far as how they see and interact with the world and its boiling conflict, but at the very least I hope I was able to convey the idea that the two of them, for their own reasons, can be very extreme at times, it's been 7 years since when they both were introduced formally and they have a lot of implicit backstory that will slowly come to surface (a lot has happened in the past between then and now, Equalists, North and South Water Tribe Civil War, The Red Lotus, among other things off the canonical timeline). The main idea right now is they are not the same characters that met in a joint operation. Writing and expanding these two characters is something that I have been entertaining and excited over since, before I finished the first story, masters of their trades with very strong views and conflicts; not seemingly perfect, overly stoic, or simple as my previous generation of OCs in the first story. I want these characters to have flaws that they have to deal with.
How are we liking the weaponization and organization of the Earth Empire. Where the Fire Nation in ATLA is often compared to Imperial Japan, the Earth Empire seemed more akin to Nazi Germany in terms of military and their obsession with super weapons, and simply being a dominant land force in general. I knew I wanted to put Tigers and MG42s into the Bending World, so I did, in the most believable way I could think of lol, by having the Earth Kingdom encounter their weapons and being that impressed with them they adopted them. As best as I could replicate, Yasuho's main unit, the 2nd Heavy Armored Division, is supposed to mimic the makeup of a Panzer Division in 1939. Though, again, I have to admit I'm not the best versed when it comes to those specifics and finding an organizational chart to follow somehow was a bit difficult.
Anyways, we're cruising on a high note and burning slow right now, story wise. But as the chapters go on, things will get more drastic and dark, I guarantee. Thanks for continued support and as always I welcome your views, input, and reviews; they are my main sources of inspiration and motivation. Sorry for rambling on, I am getting a bit exhausted here at the desk.
Till next time!