Korra let out a soft moan of approval and looked down to find Asami smiling wickedly back up at her.
"Figured I'd try something new," Asami said. Then she continued to move her tongue over Korra in a way that was threatening to unravel her in record time.
"Well," Korra managed to get out, "you keep doing that and—oh—" Another pleased groan escaped her lips and Korra's head fell back onto the pillow. She reached down and grabbed Asami's free hand in hers, clutching it hard as her hips rolled in time with Asami's tongue.
Sex had been the very last thing on her mind when they'd gone to bed last night, and after being woken up a couple of times from stress dreams, Korra hadn't anticipated it first thing in the morning either.
But Asami knew her better than anyone and had apparently decided a little early morning stress relief was just what her wife needed. She'd woken Korra up with soft kisses and things had rapidly progressed from there. Now, the ridiculously important meeting she had in a couple of hours was the furthest thing from her mind, her entire attention focused on what Asami was currently doing between her legs.
Asami seemed to sense that Korra wasn't going to last much longer if she continued trying out her new trick (which was absolutely true) and switched things up. She seemed determined to bring Korra right to the brink, before backing off and trying something else, starting the whole process over again.
The pattern continued a few more times and Korra started to think that Asami was legitimately trying to drive her insane. It got to the point where Korra seriously considered begging, but just when she was about to say something, Asami switched things up again, going back to what she'd initially started with.
It was too much. Korra moaned out a curse and let go of Asami's hand to grasp her head. Her back arched and she crashed right over the edge with a very loud cry, forgetting that they weren't entirely alone on this floor of the house.
A very small part of her brain registered the fact that waking up to the sounds of them having sex probably wasn't the best thing for Nayuh, but the overwhelming pleasure her wife was giving her outweighed any and all apprehensions.
When she finally came down from her blissful high, Korra's entire body felt like a puddle. Asami slowed her pace but didn't pull out or away just yet, letting Korra ride out her aftershocks. As soon as she knew she was fully finished, Korra gently guided Asami's face away from her, flashing her a sleepy smile.
"That new thing you did?" Korra mumbled as Asami crawled back up to her.
"Mmhmm," Asami said, grinning, "what about it?"
"I'm going to need you to do that again."
Asami laughed and brushed a few soft kisses across Korra's lips. "I had a feeling you might like that." She gave a few slow rolls of her hips, gently grinding her pelvis into Korra's. "I can do it again right now, if you'd like."
Korra grunted and lazily shook her head, a stupid smile plastered on her face. "Not now…too spent." She wrapped her arms around Asami's shoulders and pulled her down into a kiss. She didn't have the energy to do anything else and was now giving serious thought to going back to sleep. Even though she knew she probably didn't have time.
Asami's hips ground into hers again, this time a little more insistently, making it immediately clear what she wanted. "Hopefully, not too spent…"
"After what you just did to me, I'll do whatever you want," Korra said, meaning every word. "So long as it doesn't require me getting out of this bed."
"You don't even have to move," Asami playfully replied.
Korra's brain was too sluggish to make the connection, but as soon as Asami sat up and straddled her, it finally dawned on her. She grinned in anticipation and instantly found her second wind as Asami worked her way up towards Korra's face.
Suddenly impatient, Korra grasped Asami's hips and leaned up. Asami moaned as Korra's tongue made its first pass over her, and Korra continued to lightly tease her until Asami finally got into position.
Fair was fair and Korra decided a little payback was in order. She kept things slow, teasing Asami in a way that she knew drove her wife crazy, but also wouldn't send her crashing over the edge too soon. Asami seemed content to let her have her fun, even after Korra slipped a couple of fingers inside her.
Instead of speeding things up, Korra kept her thrusts slow and the passes of her tongue light. Asami's hips rose and fell above her, perfectly synched to what Korra was doing and never trying to speed her up. Korra knew Asami was purposefully letting her control the pace, even though Asami preferred to set it when she was on top.
Gradually, she added speed and pressure, until Asami had one hand on Korra's head, the other on the headboard, gripping both tightly. She moaned out Korra's name a few times in between desperate gasps as her movements grew erratic. A sure sign she was very close and Korra abandoned all pretense of trying to draw things out any further.
With a cry as loud as Korra's had been, Asami came unraveled above her. There were a lot of things Korra loved about her wife but seeing Asami like this—raw and unrestrained—was one of the things she loved the most. Especially when she was the direct cause of it.
When she was finally done, Asami shuddered and leaned on the headboard, allowing Korra to help her ride out her aftershocks. Her hips bucked lazily a few times, but for the most part, she let Korra do whatever she wanted.
The mischievous part of Korra's brain thought about reaching into the nightstand and pulling out the toy. Asami might be spent for the moment, but Korra was more than ready to go again. There were still a few positions they hadn't tried and Korra suddenly wanted to try them all, right here, right now.
But the more logical part of her brain gently reminded her that she had responsibilities and duties to fulfill that couldn't be ignored by indulging herself with her wife. She needed to get up and get ready for the meeting; not stay in bed having sex all day. As insanely appealing as that sounded.
Asami sighed happily above her, pulling her from her thoughts. Korra got the hint and withdrew her fingers, allowing Asami to scoot backward. As soon as she was able, she collapsed onto Korra's chest, the two of them a sweaty, happy mess.
"You should wake me up like that more often," Korra remarked after a few moments as she lightly stroked Asami's back.
Asami chuckled. "After everything that's happened over the last week and with the meeting today, I figured you could use some stress relief."
Korra arched her brow. "Just me?"
"Okay, maybe me, too," Asami replied, flashing her a guilty smile. "And I was right, wasn't I?"
"As usual," Korra said, smiling as well. She leaned up and kissed Asami. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Asami replied with a chuckle, "but please don't ever thank me for sex again. It sounds weird. Especially since we're married."
Korra laughed. "Okay, how about, thank you for knowing what I needed, even before I did?"
Asami kissed her again. "Much better."
They traded a few more kisses before Asami sighed. "We should probably get up and get ready."
Korra echoed her sigh. "Probably. Did Nayuh ever answer you about whether or not she wanted to hang out with you at work today?"
"Yeah…she asked if I could take her over to Air Temple Island instead. Said she'd rather spend the day with family. Can't say I blame her either…I'd want to do the same thing if I were in her shoes."
Korra nodded. "Makes sense. I always forget that she and Tenzin are related. Will you pick her up after work or do you want me to do it after the meeting is over?"
"I think we need to let her decide when she's ready to come back here," Asami answered. "So let's just play it by ear."
"Sounds good to me," Korra said. "As soon as the meeting is over I'll stop by your office and fill you in, then."
"Alright…I'll make sure Lee is around as well. He needs to hear whatever is decided just as much as I do."
"And then he can talk to Vira and let her know," Korra said. "Perfect." She leaned up and gave Asami another kiss. "I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about this meeting today."
"I'll admit, I'm not hopeful about the outcome either. It seems like nothing is going our way right now. I would never say so in front of Nayuh, but I'm beginning to think that Vira doesn't have a chance of being released."
Korra let out a heavy sigh. "I've been thinking the same thing. Especially after what Su told us. I can't see Zhu Li wanting to let this go. Not when this is her chance to pay Vira back for trying to kill her."
"And I'm sure she has Varrick whispering in her ear about how to spin this to make her look good…" Asami trailed off and shook her head. "It's not like those two are the epitome of righteousness either. If this is a battle over the moral high ground, then no one deserves to win. Vira's actions may have been worse, but it's not like Varrick—and by default, Zhu Li—haven't done anything illegal or immoral before."
Korra snorted. "You mean like blowing up the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center so he could start a civil war? Or trying to kidnap President Raiko in order to force him into said civil war?"
She rolled her eyes. "This whole thing reeks of revenge and for that reason alone, I hate it. That's not how justice is supposed to work."
"Agreed," Asami said. She glanced over at the clock on the nightstand and sighed. "We really need to get up."
"You first," Korra replied with a smirk. She started grinding her hips into Asami and Asami rolled her eyes, feigning exasperation.
"Later." She sat up and shifted off of Korra who gave her the best pouty face she could. "Don't give me that look…we both have places we need to be."
"And stupid adult responsibilities…" Korra grumbled as she sat up and followed Asami out of the bed.
After they were showered and changed, they walked down to the dining room, where Su and Nayuh were already seated and eating. Su was also staying in one of many guest rooms the estate had, although her room was in a different wing than Korra and Asami's master bedroom and the room Nayuh was staying in.
The four of them chatted while they ate, making sure to steer clear of any talk about Vira or the meeting. Once they were finished, Nayuh left with Asami and Su joined Korra. The drive through the city to City Hall was quiet, neither one of them in the mood to bring up what was about to happen.
The sheer unknown of it all was the worst part. Korra just wanted the meeting to be over already. At least then, she'd have a solid idea of what they were facing. Not to mention that Asami's case couldn't be settled without Vira's being settled first. If Vira was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, then it was going to be much, much harder for Asami to fight the charges she had against her. It was just one more reason why Korra was praying for Vira to be released. As selfish as she knew that sounded.
Korra parked on a side street and they walked the rest of the way. As soon as City Hall came into view, she saw a very familiar figure dressed in Water Tribe clothing, standing on the stairs outside. In an instant, she understood Nayuh's desire to be around family and broke into a run, leaving Su behind.
"Dad!" Her father turned and gave her a beaming smile as soon as he saw her. She may have been nearly twenty-five years old but Korra launched herself into his arms just like she used to do when she was little.
All the pent-up stress and anxiety that had been weighing her down over the last week immediately lifted—if only for a few moments—as Tonraq squeezed her tightly. "It's good to see you, too, sweetheart," he said, before setting her back down and releasing her.
"Su," he said, nodding his head in greeting.
"Chief," Su replied, inclining her head slightly as well. "Is anyone else here besides you?"
"I'm not sure," Tonraq replied. "We decided to wait for you two before going inside." He gestured to the woman standing next to him and Korra immediately recognized her as one of the Councilors.
"Korra, you remember Councilor Jissika?" Tonraq said. Korra nodded and thrust a hand in the woman's direction.
"Nice to see you again, Councilor."
"And you as well, Avatar Korra," Jissika replied, returning her handshake. "I wish it were under better circumstances."
"Likewise," Korra said. "I'm surprised the Council sent someone else besides my father."
Jissika and Tonraq shared a look and Korra suddenly got the sense that there was something her father wasn't telling her.
"The Council thought it wise to have an impartial party accompany me," Tonraq said. "Given my close relationship with Vira and all."
Korra nodded. It made sense but she could tell there was more to it than that. She pushed her misgivings aside, knowing now wasn't the time to bring them up. Instead, she motioned to the main door. "Well…should we get this over with?"
"Might as well," Su grumbled. "I'm not getting my hopes up, though."
"I'm sure it'll be fine, Su," Tonraq replied, his voice projecting a calm Korra sure didn't feel. She kept her mouth shut though, not wanting to make a bad impression on the Councilor.
As the Avatar, she had a great relationship with all of the world leaders, including most of the governors in the Earth Republic. The last thing she needed was word getting back to her own people that she wasn't as impartial a figure as she was supposed to be.
As it turned out, they weren't the last to arrive, even though Fire Lord Izumi, Tenzin, and President Moon were all seated around the large conference table. Korra took a seat in between Su and her father, nodding hello to everyone. Councilor Jissika situated herself on Tonraq's other side, while Tenzin was next to Su. President Moon was seated at the head of the table, and the Fire Lord was the lone occupant on the opposite side from Korra. It wasn't lost on Korra that her side of the table housed the people who'd kept Vira's secret.
Besides her cousins from the Northern Water Tribe, the only nation that seemed to be missing was the Earth Republic. Korra had to wonder if all twenty-something governors would show up. Judging by how many seats were situated around the table, she had to guess they wouldn't. But, technically, Vira was a citizen of the Earth Republic so they all might want a say in her fate.
A few minutes later, she had her answer. Trailing behind both Chiefs from the North was the newly elected governor of Ba Sing Se, Governor Shen. Korra had only met with him once, but she'd liked what she'd seen. If she had to guess, he'd been selected by his peers to be the one to represent the nation as a whole, for the meeting.
The atmosphere remained light as introductions were made, then, once everyone had taken their seats, President Moon stood.
"Thank you all for coming. As I'm sure you're all now aware, Kuvira Beifong isn't dead, as we were led to believe." She aimed a sharp look at Suyin, who narrowed her eyes in response, before returning her attention to everyone else.
"She's now in the custody of the Republic City Police. I've called you all here today, to discuss how we should move forward. Clearly, the original sentence she was given didn't work."
Another pointed look at Su and Korra saw her shift in her seat. If Zhu Li wasn't careful, she was going to provoke Su into reacting. Which is probably the entire point. The thought made Korra's blood simmer in anger.
"Let's get right to the point," the Fire Lord said. "What are you proposing?"
Zhu Li opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Governor Shen. "Well, hold on a minute. I was sent here on behalf of all the governors of the Earth Republic, who are very curious as to why we were wrongly informed that Kuvira had died. I think an explanation is in order. You can at least give us that much, Madame President."
Zhu Li inclined her head at him. "Of course, Governor. You're absolutely right." She shifted her gaze to Tonraq and said, "Chief? Would you care to explain why one of the world's greatest criminals was living free in your Tribe?"
All eyes turned to Tonraq, who sat up a little straighter. Korra had always known her father to be stoic and strong, never backing down from conflict or challenges. But she could tell that this kind of scrutiny made him extremely uncomfortable. And seeing him like that made her uncomfortable. And angry. Avatar or not, he was her father and she suddenly felt the need to protect him at all costs.
Tonraq cleared his throat. "Actually, I believe it would be better if Suyin explained what happened. If you don't mind, Su."
Suyin nodded at Tonraq. "Of course not. Kuvira is my responsibility, after all."
Everyone's attention shifted to her, and they listened raptly as Su explained what had happened the night of Kuvira's "death", and why she'd chosen to keep the real outcome hidden from the world. Since she already knew the full story, Korra kept an eye on everyone's reaction and fortunately, she didn't see anything that resembled anger or malice on any of their faces.
"And as I've already told the President," Su finished, "I'm willing to take Kuvira's place in prison. None of this is her fault and she doesn't deserve to be locked up."
At that, Fire Lord Izumi raised a contemplative eyebrow. "I'm sure the people of Republic City would beg to differ. She did destroy half their city, after all."
Suyin bowed her head. "She did. And she admitted to her crimes and willingly served her time."
"Not all of it," Governor Shen said. "If I recall, the sentence was for life. She served, what? Less than a year of that?"
"Due to circumstances that were entirely out of her control, yes," Su said. "What would you have had me do? Return her to Zaofu and house arrest as soon as she was fully healed, just to have the same thing happen all over again? She was safer in the South. As the leader of Zaofu, I made an executive decision.
"And it wasn't like I left her down there and washed my hands of her. I was in constant contact with Chief Tonraq about her recovery and status. If she'd shown any indication that she was a threat to anyone, there were plans in place to deal with her."
She looked to Chiefs Eska and Desna, who simultaneously nodded at her as Su went on. "The Chiefs of the Northern Water Tribe assured me that, should that ever happen, they were prepared to house Kuvira at their maximum-security prison in the tundra, where she'd serve out the remainder of her sentence."
Korra stared at her cousins in disbelief. Yes, she'd known about the contingency plans to deal with Kuvira if she'd ever reverted back to who she used to be, but those plans—or so she thought—had only included her, as the Avatar, being the one to step in and stop her. Neither her father nor Suyin had ever mentioned imprisoning her in the North.
"And we are still prepared to do that, should the need arise," Chief Eska said.
"So far, it hasn't," Chief Desna added.
"And it won't," Tonraq said. He looked around the table. "Vir—Kuvira has been nothing but an asset to the Tribe since her arrival." He motioned to the woman sitting next to him. "Councilor Jissika can attest to that as well."
"Indeed I can," Jissika said. "She was instrumental in bringing much-needed jobs to the Tribe when she worked with the Chief to open the snowmobile factory there. And, according to the operations manager, their production numbers are some of the highest in all the Future Industries' factories. The Council has also never received any complaints about poor workplace conditions. In fact, it's been quite the opposite. I attribute that directly to both the operations manager and Kuvira, who is the production manager."
She made a point to look around the table, meeting everyone's eyes. "Prior to that factory being opened, we imported all of our snowmobiles from the North. As the Southern Water Tribe grew, so did the demand for easier modes of transportation. Namely, snowmobiles. Unfortunately, importing them from the North became very costly, which drove the price of each vehicle sky-high.
"Having our very own factory, right in the heart of our manufacturing district, has been a boon for business. Not only have we significantly cut shipping costs, but being able to produce the snowmobiles at home has driven the price to buy one way down. Almost anyone can afford one now. It has significantly changed the lives of the people of the Southern Water Tribe. And it's changed them for the better."
Korra had never really given much thought to the factory's impact on the Tribe, but listening to the Councilor lay it out for everyone, made her heart swell with pride. Not just for her people, but for her friend as well.
And as she looked around the table, she noticed that both Governor Shen and Fire Lord Izumi looked impressed, as did Tenzin. Su was wearing a look of pride that Korra hadn't ever seen from her before. At least, not when speaking about Vira. And her father was simply nodding along, a very pleased look on his face, as if he'd known the impact Vira had had all along.
Councilor Jissika cleared her throat and sat up a little straighter before continuing. "That is why the Council, in conjunction with the Chief, is offering to take Kuvira in for the remainder of her sentence."
Everyone at the table that wasn't connected to the Southern Water Tribe exchanged surprised looks as Jissika went on. "And we are formally asking you, Madame President, to release her to us, so that she may continue the good work she's started in the South."
Everyone seemed to be stunned into silence. Korra glanced at her father and Jissika and gave them an appreciative smile. She was about as far from impartial as you could get on this matter and felt no need to speak up in support of what Jissika was offering. Even though she very much wanted to voice her agreement and urge Zhu Li to take the offer.
"Well, I, for one, have no objections to what the Councilor from the South is offering," Fire Lord Izumi said, breaking the awkward silence. "Kuvira never threatened the Fire Nation and while I wasn't opposed to lending my support to the United Republic in their time of need four years ago, I see no reason why we should get involved now.
"This seems to be an internal matter…one which the South is generously offering to take off your hands, Madame President. I highly suggest you consider it."
Zhu Li pursed her lips as if she was displeased with the Fire Lord's advice, but she inclined her head in her direction anyway, before looking around the table. "Does anyone else have anything to add to the Fire Lord's statement?"
"I have nothing to add," Tenzin said, the first words he'd spoken the entire meeting. "The Air Nation will abide by whatever decision is made. However…it is my personal belief that there is more than one way to rehabilitate someone. And it seems as though whatever the South is doing for Kuvira is working. I'm of the opinion that they should be allowed to continue that rehabilitation."
Zhu Li nodded and looked at the Chiefs from the Northern Water Tribe. "We also see no issue with what the South is proposing," Chief Eska said.
"Kuvira never was and still isn't a threat to our nation," Chief Desna added.
"And our offer to the South still stands, should Kuvira ever need to be imprisoned again," Chief Eska finished.
"The South gratefully accepts your offer," Tonraq said, inclining his head slightly at his niece and nephew.
Hope was desperately trying to build in Korra's chest as all eyes turned to Governor Shen. So far, everyone at the table had voiced their support for Vira staying in the South. Everyone except for Suyin, but it was a given she was on board with it.
Governor Shen nervously swallowed and Korra almost felt sorry for him. Regardless of the decision he made, she knew there would be those in the Earth Republic who wouldn't be happy about it.
"For all of the bad things Kuvira did during her time in power," he started, "she also did some good. Ba Sing Se wouldn't be the city it is today without her. Many of the smaller provinces and cities wouldn't be prospering now without the assistance the Earth Empire gave them, to help them stand on their own.
"Now that there has been some time to reflect, there are many in the Republic who can admit to the positive things she did for her nation. So I guess it doesn't surprise me that, in the three short years she's been in the South, she's already had an impact."
He glanced at Tonraq before settling his gaze on Zhu Li. "Which is why I think the South should be allowed to retain her in their custody. I see no reason for her to remain here when she's clearly having a positive impact down there."
It wasn't the response the President had been hoping for. Her disappointment with everyone's support of Tonraq and the South was written all over her face, but it quickly turned into something darker. Before she could say anything, however, the Fire Lord spoke up.
"Avatar Korra…you've been uncharacteristically quiet this entire time." Korra swallowed hard and met the Fire Lord's gaze.
"Due to my close relationship with Kuvira, I didn't feel it wise to speak up on her behalf," Korra said. "As the Avatar, it's my job to remain impartial and I feel as though I can't be in this case."
"Understandable," Izumi replied. "Then maybe you can answer a question I have—and one I'm sure everyone else has—about why Kuvira was here in Republic City in the first place."
Korra nodded. Asami had warned her this might happen and she'd made Korra rehearse an answer just in case. One that would hopefully explain why Vira was in the city and would be vague enough to not reveal the details of the secret project she and Asami were working on.
"She was here for work, at the direction of her boss and the CEO of Future Industries, Asami Sato. Kuvira pitched a very promising idea to her a while back, one that has the possibility of changing the manufacturing landscape forever. And not just for Future Industries—for everyone."
At that, Korra glanced at Zhu Li and saw a very brief look of surprise cross her face. Then it was gone. "Kuvira was on her way to meet with Asami to discuss this idea when she and her girlfriend were nearly killed by a drunk driver. It was that very unfortunate accident that led to us sitting here today, discussing whether or not she deserves to be locked in a prison cell for the rest of her life."
Okay, that last part Asami hadn't told her to say, but Korra couldn't resist throwing it in. It really was asinine that the leaders of the world were gathered around a table, discussing the fate of someone who'd once been their peer. How quickly the tables could turn for all of them, and it couldn't hurt for everyone to be reminded of that every now and then.
"This idea or project must be pretty important for her to risk coming up here for it," Izumi stated. Her tone was casual, but Korra caught on to what she was trying to do.
"It is," Korra solemnly answered. "As I said…it could change the global manufacturing industry for the better. Now, I'm no expert on those kinds of things, but that sounds pretty damn important to me."
"Indeed it does," Izumi replied, a small smile forming on her lips. She subtly inclined her head at Korra, who acknowledged it with a subtle one of her own.
"Yes, yes," Zhu Li cut in, somewhat dismissively, "you've both made your point. And while I appreciate everyone's advice and the South's offer to allow Kuvira to stay, I feel I need to point out one more thing."
Her eyes narrowed and her face hardened. "As Fire Lord Izumi already stated earlier, this is an internal United Republic matter. While I called you all here because I respect and value your opinions, I don't need anyone's permission to do what I think is best for my people."
She can't be serious…Korra's mind was trying to warn her what was coming but her heart didn't want to believe it. Surely, Zhu Li wasn't beyond reason. Surely, she'd be willing to listen to her peers; every last one of which had stated, in no uncertain terms, that she should release Kuvira into the South's custody.
"And what's best for my people is to keep Kuvira detained until a tribunal can decide her fate. That is the policy for all who are arrested inside United Republic territory and I see no reason to bend the rules…especially for her."
She stood and Korra knew the meeting was over. Her shoulders slumped and she looked at her father and Suyin. They were wearing identical looks of defeat, which Korra was sure mirrored her own.
"Thank you all for coming," Zhu Li said. Then she walked out of the room, leaving the rest of them sitting there, dumbfounded.
Fire Lord Izumi was the first to speak. "I'm sorry Chief…after everything I heard today, I truly believe Kuvira is better off with you in the South. I just wish Zhu Li could see the same thing."
"It's alright," Tonraq replied. "There is still the tribunal so this fight isn't over yet."
The Fire Lord nodded, then stood. "Avatar Korra…a word?"
Side conversations had broken out around the table and Korra looked at her father. He nodded slightly, silently telling her to go. She stood as well and followed the Fire Lord towards the exit.
"I might need your help in the coming weeks," Izumi said in a low voice, getting right to the point.
"Of course," Korra said. Her mind was still reeling from Zhu Li's abrupt exit and she tried to force it to focus on her first priority: being the Avatar. "May I ask with what?"
"A land dispute that's threatening to turn ugly," Izumi replied. "It's been brought to my attention already and I plan on handling it soon, but I might need a neutral party to accompany me. As the Fire Lord, I could easily issue an order and settle the whole debate, but given that my family's clan used to own and farm the land…"
"You think someone not connected at all might be met with less resistance," Korra finished for her, nodding thoughtfully. It wouldn't be the first time she'd had to step in and settle a land dispute and it certainly wouldn't be the last. "Just say the word and I'll be there."
"I appreciate it," Izumi said, offering Korra her hand. Korra shook it as Izumi added, "And don't get too discouraged by what happened here today. Your father and the South as a whole have a strong argument for getting Kuvira released. Even if Zhu Li can't see it, I'm willing to bet a lot of yuans that a tribunal will."
"I hope you're right," Korra said.
The Fire Lord took her leave and Korra walked back over to where her father and Councilor Jissika were chatting with Governor Shen. He bowed slightly in greeting and Korra returned it.
"I was just telling your father and the Councilor that they have my support for the tribunal." He turned to Tonraq. "Seriously, whatever you need. Don't be afraid to reach out to me in Ba Sing Se. I believe what Tenzin said is true: there are more ways to rehabilitate someone than by locking them up and throwing away the key. If what you're doing with Kuvira is working, then by all means, it should continue. Especially if it's going to lead to the manufacturing breakthrough the Avatar spoke of."
"Thank you, Governor," Tonraq replied. He glanced at Jissika and for one fleeting moment, Korra thought it looked like he was deferring to her. Which was very odd.
"We'll be in touch," Jissika said with a smile, offering Shen her hand. He shook it, then turned to speak to Suyin, who was deep in conversation with the twin Chiefs from the North.
Korra sighed. "Now what? I was positive that after everyone voiced their support for you, Zhu Li would agree to release her."
"Now we wait to see when the tribunal is going to happen," her father replied. He didn't sound as upset as Korra was feeling and she wished she had his confidence. Even if it was forced. "No matter what, this fight is far from over. Vira has a lot of support in the Tribe. That will be made apparent during the tribunal."
Korra gave him a doubtful look. "If the President isn't willing to listen to reason, why are you so sure that the tribunal will be?"
Tonraq smiled. "Because we're not going to give them a choice."
Another dubious look from Korra and Tonraq chuckled. "I'll fill you in once we get back to your house." He glanced at Jissika, who was smiling now as well.
"Let's just say that your father and I have come up with a plan that will all but ensure the tribunal has to listen to us," she said. "And after we're finished, they're going to have a very, very hard time proving that Vira is better off in a prison cell."
