Zuko snuck through the empty halls, headed toward the boiler room. It hadn't taken long to pick his way out of his cell. Sure, his hands were torn and bloody, but it had worked and he wasn't complaining.

He slowly opened the door to the hot room and slipped inside, latching it behind him.

It did not take long to put his plan to action. He took a small bag of blasting powder from his pocket and placed it near the main engine. Taking a long piece of twine, he laid it near the pile and led the remainder away.

After lighting the end he exited the room quickly.

Only to come face to face with Luke.

Luke stared at him, "What are you—how did you—" he shook his head, "Never mind, what were you doing in—there—" he stopped, horrified, "Is that blasting powder I smell?"

Zuko tried to run, but Luke grabbed him by the shoulder, "Oh no you don't. what are you trying to do? Kill us all?"

"If it means getting to Alex then yes, I suppose I am."

Luke frowned, "Why would you help Alex?"

"Well since you aren't—"

Zuko stopped when Luke pulled a bag of blasting powder from his pocket, "I was thinking the same thing."

Luke led him away quickly, "We have to hurry, there's only one escape boat, we don't have any time."

" Troy—"

" Troy left hours ago, minutes after talking to you. He's safe."

"Well if you don't let go of my arm we won't be."

Luke blushed and let go, "Sorry bout that."

"No time, run."


Alex opened her eyes weakly. She could barely recall what had happened, and now she sought out where she was.

She tried to stand but found herself drawn down by chains and an unusual weight.

She craned her neck to see that she was tied to a wide awake Aang.

He noticed her movement and grinned, "Alex, you're awake!"

"Where's Tina and Josh?"

"In another room—I think."

"Do you have any idea where we are?"

"Actually, we should be asking you." A voice said.

Both turned their heads to the left to see a man sitting in a corner, a torch in hand, he stood and walked to them, kneeling in front of Alex, "And just who are you, one that knows the code to our base."

"If you could please tell me where I am I might be able to answer that. You see, I'm having a bit of a memory failure. "

He bent his face closer to her, so close that she could see he was a few years older than her, "First tell me who you are."

"Well, there are many answers to that, depending what side you're on."

"You can trust me."

"Do I get a name out of you first? It is much more polite for a man to introduce himself to a lady first." She said bluntly.

He didn't seem to be catching on, "My name is Haku. Now tell me your name or your friends are dead."

She bit her lip, "My name is Lady Alexa of the fire nation."

Haku froze, staring at her, "It can't be, she's dead."

"Do I look like I'm dead to you?" she snapped.

"I can arrange that."

The door opened and more torches were lit, making the room light once more. An elderly looking gentleman stepped inside, and it was at this time everyone in the room stopped breathing.

He stared at her in shock, and she in wonder.

"Father?" Alex asked.


Sokka once again struggled against the chains that bound him and Tina back to back.

"It's no use," Tina said lifelessly.

He glared at her. Well, he would have is she could see him. "There isn't any harm in trying. You aren't making much of an effort."

"What if they kill her?" she asked with a shaky voice.

Sokka felt his heart soften, "They won't. At least, I don't think so. Why else keep them in a separate room?"

"Does that mean they're going to kill us?"

Sokka didn't say anything at first, but struggled against the chains until he was turned to face her. She too moved in the same way. He gently put his arms around her, "They won't, I promise."

"I'm so scared," she said softly, "More for Alex and Aang than us."

"It'll be all right, we're going to make it out of here, you'll see."


Luke and Zuko walked quickly toward the city, trying in vain to locate any sign of life. But all they had seen was a stupid cave on a hill.

Luke stopped them the fifth time they had passed it. "Look, I think something is telling us to go in."

Zuko looked at him, "That's ridiculous."

Luke shrugged, "Fine, suit yourself." But when he headed toward the cave he heard Zuko grumble and follow unhappily.