Monday, October 15, 1900, 23:02, War Room

Zuko, Sokka, the Gaang, Hashi, and Iroh stood in the War room overlooking a great map of the Fire Nation. Finally, seeing a decent map of the Fire Nation, Sokka felt a great sense of irony in the moment. He had wanted to see a map such as this for offense, but now he wanted to defend the very people he had been taught to despise from very young. Love had a funny way of turning things on their head. And that became manifest to him as he stood next to Zuko as his stared at the map. Looking at the map and really taking the time to study it, Sokka realized why the Fire Nation seemed so much bigger than it was on the Earth Kingdom drawn maps. Now Sokka could see that the true proportions of the country were significantly greater than he had thought.

"No wonder it took so long to get across this country." Sokka thought to himself, marveling at the map. "It's huge."

The Fire Nation was indeed quite large. Three thousand miles (4,280 kilometers) across and six hundred miles (965 kilometers) from north to south was nothing to sneeze at. Of course there were great expanses of water, dozens of miles across in some cases, between some islands, but the Capital Island itself was two and a half times the size of the Southern Water Tribe's landmass. The Caldera that held the Capital City, when put in the context of the map looked almost like a speck. Sokka had always wondered how such a small country could wield so much power and control over the planet, but now he saw it wasn't so small after all. Now, Sokka understood how the people of the Fire Nation were so productive and had so many goods, including agricultural staples, to trade with the new Union about to form and the old Earth Kingdom.

They had the land to produce, the minds to innovate, a Fire Lord they loved in their millions, and the strength of will to persist and defend themselves. The War marred their good name as much as it scarred the other countries. But now, they were the ones playing defense. He looked at his friends and saw their disappointment that the so-called peace went to hell so quickly. He looked to his boyfriend and saw a rugged, instinctual determination to defend his people and himself. Iroh stares at the map, deep in contemplation of the situation. Sokka then looked at Hashi and saw the fright and uncertainty that had made a home on Sokka's features all the years before. War was hell, and Sokka felt no joy or satisfaction from the prospect of the Fire Nation feeling it in their homeland. He felt the need to protect them from the bully the same way he needed to protect the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes not that long before. The War had been over for forty days, but a new conflict was developing.

Sokka looked down at the miniature six green pai sho pieces, each of which were meant to represent a group of ten to twenty Earth Kingdom ships. Hashi stood over and gestured around with a mahogany pointer, Zuko had one in gold and held it in both hands, his knuckles white with the death grip on the pointer. Zuko's stare could have burned perfect holes into the map.

Hashi explained with great detail and Sokka sat glazing between the map, Zuko and Aang.

"At 1450 hours, a Fire Nation privately-owned fishing vessel, called the some twenty-five leagues out, in international waters spotted what he thought was a flotilla of Fire Nation Naval ships. He had spotted them as they were about a league away from him. He had assumed that they were our ships, but he could not actually make out their make or color. At 1706 hours, a Fire Nation Empire Class, the FLS Majestic intercepted a message being sent with an Earth Kingdom cipher. We were able to decrypt it and it advised them to complete their objectives. At 2130, the last estimate was conducted, and some sixty-five ships were counted, but now we have no light, and the next count we could make would be at earliest 0715, tomorrow morning. We cannot know what those objectives are. It could possibly be, and I do, but the way, think that this is the unlikeliest of options, a full on invasion."

"I hope not," Zuko's knuckles turned white with the tension of the situation and the stress that it caused him. He knew that it was very possible for blood to be spilled in battle here, so his mind was racked with anxiety. Though Zuko was a trained fighter, he abhorred violence and would only use it when necessary. This was especially true when he was sending other people's children into battle. He knew that he and his boyfriend were safe, probably the safest people on the planet, but he was anxious for the millions of people for whom he was sovereign.

"What I think is more likely, Zuko." Iroh said. "I think he's testing you and your personal resolve. And as a bonus, I think that he wants to see how well you can organize a defense and how quickly said defense can be mobilized."

"I agree Sir," Hashi answered, "Unless, he has totally lost his mind, he must know that an attack on these islands would hurt us certainly, but that the retaliation thereafter would be on a massive and wholly disproportionate scale. Logically, he must be trying to tease something out of us. The Earth Kingdom, Sir, is in no condition to fight."

"Neither are we, Hashi." Zuko answered, "I planned to announce the pension plan on Friday, but now I'm forced, forced to wait. And possibly to recall them. Now, Hashi, if you're right, and he is trying to gauge our response, how could he. The response here in the Home Islands is carried out just here and is not broadcast in any way. For him to know-" Zuko stopped in his tracks and asked. "Do we have Earth Kingdom spies in this country?"

"We do not know of any, Sir, but we must assume out of prudence that there are saboteurs and spies. When, of course, they are found out, they are put to the question and interrogated. But Sir, nothing could be possibly said about our response other than 'Wow, that it was fast.' "

"Right," Zuko said, concurring with the Prime Minister's judgment. He used his pointer and looked at the Pai pieces, pointing out the particulars he was describing, " So I see a group near Shuhon, Saigoku, and Duyama. Now what's there?" He asked himself thinking back, "There are some ports to the colonies, and a shipyard, Azulon Yard at Agni. He might be trying to take some of the coastal defenses down or at least check them out."

"All of the branches of the military await your orders, Sir. I'll be on the telephone right away with your orders." Hashi took out a pad and pen, ready to take down what his King commanded. He slapped himself mentally for daring to think that maybe, just maybe, the War was over and that he could spend the rest of his life living in peace and harmony with all the other nations. He put his own fears and worries aside as the Fire Lord spoke and, Hashi, for his part, wrote down faithfully, every syllable.

"First, the Coast Guard should be mobilized at first light to go into recognizance mode to get an accurate number of Earth Kingdom ships. Second, the Navy to be mobilized within Fire Nation Waters with orders to stand their ground unless fired upon or if the Earth Kingdom ships enter within the twenty-three and a third leagues and come in. If the Earth Kingdom look to come to close, fire over them to warn them. If, and only if, the Earth Kingdom ships continue into our territory after they have been warned, use any means necessary to stop them."

Iroh nodded behind his nephew agreeing with his restraint.

"Third," Zuko continued, "The Civilian National Guard is to be mobilized on Black Alert in the Eastern Half. Red Alert in the West…"

"Black Alert?" Sokka asked. "I don't like the sound of that."

"Black Alert means that an attack on this country or region of the country is imminent, and that they need to drop what they are doing instantly. It means be ready to fight at a moment's notice and that casualties are expected. Red alert means that an attack is highly likely, so that people have time to take safety precautions, but must be ready because a Black Alert May happen at a moments notice."

"I see." Sokka nodded in understanding. "Very systematic."

"Fourth, Hashi, recall all men who are out of service and put them on emergency alert. Tell them also that they will be paid in full for the length of their service, on the word of the Fire Lord. Fifth, put the Air Force on Black Alert. Finally, send a telegram to the commander of the Earth Kingdom Fleet."

"Saying?" Hashi asked, ready to note what Zuko had to say to the Earth Kingdom's admiral.

"Be very careful." Zuko said.

This chilled everybody in the room. And Katara and Iroh physically shivered at the statement. They both knew that is what Zuko meant to do, but the weight of those words hit them especially hard. Aang squirmed visibly too, and he hated that the world situation had deteriorated so quickly and had become so violent in a matter of a days. He knew with his intellect that it was not anywhere near his fault, but his heart was winning over his head by pouring guilt into his conscience. And all the people who ever lived know that guilt, real guilt and remorse, is one of the worst emotions

Hashi got over his initial shock over the brevity and power of the statement and asked, "Shall I raise the alarm now, Sir."

Zuko looked at the clock and saw that it was a quarter to twelve. He chuckled bitterly, and replied, "No, wait till midnight. Let the people get a few more minutes of sleep. Let the children get a few more minutes of peace."

"Yes, Sir. But I shall raise the alarm in the Palace."

"Zuko," Aang started, "I will fly tonight to the fleet and try to speak to Admiral and see what he wants."

"Thank you." Zuko said patting his back.

"I'm going with you," Katara said.

"I'm staying here." Toph said.


Within thirty seconds of Hashi advising the Sages and the branches of the armed services, he got on the phone to make the calls regarding the state of alert in which the country now found itself. Within thirty seconds Hashi hanging up the phone, the sounds of the alert siren filled the city. He knew that it would take about thirty-five to forty minutes for the whole of those islands to be alerted. Only six weeks before, it would have taken two to three days for this kind of news to be spread. That said, it would have taken possibly a week and a half to respond. Now, it only took seven and a half hours. Soon enough, he knew, the system would be smooth and he or anyone who needed, without the assistance of an operator, would be able to speak to any and all military installations throughout the islands in a matter of seconds. The coming speed and power of the age hit Hashi like a ton of bricks, and it cemented in his head that if the response should be so swift, the weapons of war too would become more powerful and quicker to deploy. He dare not think of what could be more awesomely and instantly destructive than a firebender under the influence of a close and powerful comet. Hashi only shook his head when a strange image came to his mind of a flash, a blast, a massive explosion followed by a plume, a cloud of smoke and dust, shaped like a mushroom, rising miles into the air.

He set that image aside, knowing that it was impossible. At least for now.

He looked out of the window of his office and watched how the lights of the Caldera turned on and people started going into the streets and to the posts for the news. Then he looked at the sky, still filled with stars as the lights didn't ruin them yet. He shook his head and could only be wonder why anyone would inflict this type of pain and panic. Then he remembered that his own countrymen had done the same to the other countries. It was easy to forget what the war had actually done. Well, it was easy for him and probably most people in the Fire Nation, but a century of dread was not easily forgiven or forgotten by the other nations. It had been that way throughout history; when other parts of the world were at war, the Fire Nation did not feel or see the carnage. The most they got was a Pu-on Tim play about the conflict.

"I guess it's a taste of our own medicine." Hashi said bitterly, coining a phrase that would be used countless times in the coming century.

In the intimacy of his office, he shed a tear or two because he hated to think of the pain and fright that the people, especially the children, felt as they heard sirens and bells in the middle of the night. He had grown up well-off and mostly safe, not having to know, at least in the beginning how hellish war really was. He did find out later, though. But he wished not to remember what he had witnessed.

Hearing a knock at the door, he quickly dabbed his tears away, cleared his throat, and told the guest to come in. His guest came in, and Iroh stood in front of him still dressed as he was during the briefing. Hashi turned up the light on his lamp to allow the man in. Iroh closed the door behind him and spoke.

"May I sit down here." Iroh asked and, upon receiving permission, sat at the table near Hashi's desk. "I'm an old man, and standing in that meeting does a number on me."

"You're not an old man, Sir." Hashi answered, pulling up a chair at the same table, "You're just a wise, worldly man, not old. You're built better than I at the moment. But statecraft, being his Prime Minister, has taken so much time away from exercise, but enough of my complainling," Hashi smiled at the general, "Can I get you something to drink? Some tea perhaps? Something to eat, maybe?"

"Thank you," Iroh said, "Tea would be great."

Iroh watched as the young man went over to the telephone and ordered it. The tea and biscuits (called cookies in the colonies) came and the two men settled into a silence as they eat and drank.

Iroh was the one who took the initiative to speak again. He had wanted to speak to Hashi alone since he had gotten back to the Fire Nation. He had gone back and forth with his bravery to go to the young man. Wisdom had given Iroh many things, but it could not and did not offer him or anyone else the bravery required to do something that he was scared to do. Actually, his cowardice, though slight, tried to graft wisdom into itself to keep him from having the conversation.

But Iroh thought to himself and reminded himself of the great pains and anxieties that the people all around him must be going through. If so many young men could be looking death in the eyes, surely an old man could have a difficult conversation.

So Iroh spoke, "Why haven't you told him yet?"

"Oh." Hashi answered, lowering the cup onto the saucer just before he was about to take a sip, "You want to discuss that."

"It's not that I want to," Iroh argued, "It's that we need to."

"Well, I haven't had the time to yet. Besides you were the one who taught me that this country ought to be a meritocracy. We ought to reward people for what they do, not who they are. I'm just trying to live to that standard, Sir."

"I know, but every day that he doesn't know is another day where he has to worry about the succession. You can put his mind at ease about that, at least."

"Is your conscience bothering you?" Hashi said, looking Iroh in the eyes.

"Yes. I love you and I love him, and nothing in that love wants me to hide you or lie any second longer to him. But I know it is not my secret to tell."

"Father," Hashi reaches over and grabbed the General's hand. "I know you love me. And I know that you loved my mother."

"But love between a noble, especially royalty, and a commoner is, was…"

"Illegal." Hashi knew it, "My mother told me once that she never meant to fall in love with you. She never meant to let herself get carried away with a Prince Charming because this isn't a fairy tale. But, you two did fall in love, and I know that I am the result of that love. I know it was legitimate. You bought her a ring, and you married her."

"Son, I hope you never blamed me for having to deny… Once my father found out that I'd married your mother, he annulled the marriage and he…"

"She was treated gently, Sir," Hashi remembered and reminded him speaking strongly, "I may have been young with her in that prison, but I remember how well they treated her. My grandfather couldn't keep me a secret from the people charged with keeping us 'close confined'. None of the guards thought it was right, so they took good care of us, Sir. They had been trained to keep the hardest of hardened prisoners in there. So when they were assigned to a maid and an infant, they knew that their job was not to protect the society from us, but to protect us from Azulon's wrath. I hadn't known that I was imprisoned until many years later, Sir. I was well-fed, educated, and I got to know about who and what I was without shame. And my mother never stopped loving you, Sir. Never"

Iroh was trying not to cry and it wasn't working,"I was at least glad they let you live in my house when she… I hate how they made you your brother's servant. His mother wouldn't accept… But what was I to do…Things were so stiff back in the seventies and eighties..."

"But you did, Sir, And Lu Ten did too. Out of her presence, Lu Ten treated me as an equal. He looked up to me because I was his big brother. I taught him many things and he taught me many things. I got to be with my brother, Sir. I loved him as a brother, and he had come to love me the same. That's enough and I'm content with that. I got to love him and be with him before that awful day…in Ba Sing Se."

"I know." Iroh said quietly. "That damn war stole both my sons away from me. My first son was taken for reputation's sake, and my second born was taken away from me. A young life, a vital life was snuffed right in front of my eyes. So I knew I had to send you back. I wasn't losing both of my sons."

"I know Sir." Hashi answered

"So, you really want me to tell Zuko?" Hashi answered standing up and starting to pace, "What do I say? 'Hi, Zuko. How's it going? Sorry, I've been lying to you this whole time, but I'm your cousin, your first cousin.' That's a hard one, Father."

"I know-"

"But you always did what you could for me. You always made me feel equal even though I'm a commoner, even though I'm a bast-"

"You are none of those things. You're my son, my firstborn, my living pride and joy." Iroh stood up, and looked at him. "And you've become so handsome."

"Dad?" Hashi asked.

"Yes son…"

Hashi closed the distance and wrapped his arms around his father. And Iroh reciprocates the gesture. All they did was hug as the world was quietly falling apart right outside of the windows.

A few rooms down, Toph was smiling, happy for them.


Sokka sat with Zuko at the top floor of the Palace. They were alone and were close to each other, but the circumstances that made them thus were horrendous. They too were looking out towards the east whence the sun would rise and the enemy approached. Sokka was trying to convince Zuko to go downstairs and sleep at least for a while. Zuko could not be reasoned with in that respect, so Sokka stayed up there and talked with him. Rarely was Zuko implacable with Sokka, but the Fire Lord was terrified in a way that he had not been since his father challenged him to that agni kai.

"Is this anything like you felt when my ship came to your village, Sokka." Zuko said breaking the uneasy silence.

"What?" Sokka asked, not knowing what it meant.

"The dread, the anxiety, the unshakable feeling that something just isn't right… is that what it feels like to get invaded? All I want to do is run, but at the same time, all I want to do is stay here and fight for my land and for my people." Zuko said, understanding what all of this really meant. "This feels so… just shitty."

"Yes, Zuko. This is what invasion feels like." Sokka answered, comforting Zuko as he lay into Sokka's frame on the couch. "But we have every possible advantage. We have hours and hours of warning. Right is on your side. You have the strongest defenses in the world and a stronger offense. You have the Avatar on your side. You have Katara and Toph here. Your uncle is here to give you advice and is a great bender in his own right. You have the undying love, affection, and loyalty of your people."

"I know, but none of these things makes me feel any better about this situation." Zuko said, "I know those ships and the sailors on them are not targeting my people, but they are targeting me. I almost understand what Aang must have felt while I chased him around the world." Zuko laughed to himself ironically, "But the difference here is, I can't run. I cannot abandon my people, my palace, or my land. If I could have it my way, we would just be two average citizens living together in a flat somewhere, not up in this high and mighty place watching from afar as the enemy was gunning for us."

"I know, Zuko," Sokka answered. "Until the threat is gone, it's hard to feel safe. You feel vulnerable and I understand that, but you have to fight. Because this," Sokka swooped his hand and showed Zuko the city lights before him. Only a few months before, the city was dark by that hour, but with everyone getting electrified, Zuko could now look at the twinkling lights of houses in the distance. "This is worth defending, Zuko. These dear people, the children, their entire way of life is worth being defended. So after we're done crying, we have to wipe away her tears and go on to fight for what we know is right. The people down there are up in arms, calmly doing all the things that need to be done, ready to defend themselves, their way of life, and the man who defends that, you. The least we can do is get up from here and do the same for them. Neither of us asked to be born into the stations we occupy, but it please fate to have us here. So, we must do our duty. We must defend these good people as they defend us, and we need to find the best way to comfort them and give them heart in this situation."

"You're right." Zuko sniffled and pulled himself back together. We all know by now that Sokka was the only person who could put him back together and do so quickly. He stood up and looked at Sokka still reclining on the sofa, "Help me write a speech. I want to tell my people that we will survive this. And I have to let the world know that Zuko won't be stepped on."

"Good," Sokka said. "Let's go."


Tuesday had dawned hot and steamy. Zuko and Sokka had not slept as they crafted a clever speech. It took all of their talent to pick the right words. They had to be strong yet sensitive. They had to be completely honest with the people about all of the undertakings to protect them and their property, but they could not give away the secrets that actually hid the specifics of their defense. They had to provide comfort, but they could not sugarcoat the reality. Finally, and quite importantly, Zuko had to speak directly to Earth King and let him know a few things.

"I think that's done, Zuko." Sokka said, looking at the finished copy of the speech.


Zuko spoke to a frightened and attentive crowd, not needing to look down at the words too often as he spoke from the heart. He would not encounter any clapping today. The entire Nation was counting on him and he knew it. That is why he spoke slowly and solemnly. He was about to say something grim and tell the truth, but he would also have to offer them hope. He was nervous but he did not let it show.

"Last night, much to my surprise and dismay, I received an urgent report concerning the safety of these islands. Just before eleven o'clock, I was informed by those who are careful for the safety of the realm that a large group of Earth Kingdom Navy ships were approaching the Fire Nation at full speed. While there ultimate aims, as of now, remain unknown, we have tracked their speed and trajectory. And we can be sure that they will, at least, approach the boundaries of the realm, coming close to the areas designated as ours. This Nation, as do all nations, have exclusive use of the water extending twenty-three and one-third leagues from our shores. It is my commitment and duty as your Fire Lord to protect you and the sovereignty of our boundaries. With the overwhelming evidence of a threat, I, with a heavy heart, have made provision for our common protection. Without delay, I put into action long developed plans for our military and civil defense.

"These measures came into effect at midnight after, and only after, repeated attempts were made to ascertain a peaceful purpose for those ships' travel. No such purpose was offered up, and no non-aggressive reasons were provided by those who are in control of this fleet. The fleet, according to the latest intelligence is still sailing at full speed towards this country, and if the do not change course, they will be in Fire Nation waters within the next four hours. In prudence and for safety's sake, the navy has been put into alert and shall take any maneuvers necessary to protect those men and this country. The Civil Defense system has been activated also, with shelters and fortified places of safety now operating and ready to accommodate those who may need to seek refuge.

"We do not want war, but if is foisted upon us, we will not shirk from our duty to our neighbors and our posterity. These objectives and the preservation of our interests all over the world demand that we take a pragmatic approach in these new condition. These times demand clear and decisive leadership, and they demand clear and unambiguous policy. Therefore, I am here to tell you and the world how the forces under my command will react to the threats that face them.

"First, it shall be the policy of this Nation to consider any coordinated entry into our waters to be an act of aggression and shall be met with retaliation. Second, any stealthy, coordinated attempt to enter Fire Nation waters will be considered an act of aggression and will be met with retaliation. Third, any attempt to stymie, interfere, or in any way hinder the international trade that this country engages in will be considered an act of aggression and will be met with retaliation. Fourth, any attempt to stymie, interfere, or in any way stop the free movement of ships flying the Ensign of the Fire Nation will be met with retaliation. Fifth, the retaliation will be made on a case by case basis. Sixth, any attack, any attack which lands an enemy combatant on our shores will be considered an act of war and will be met with such force as to forever deter any future invasions to our land or way of life.

"These policies now need to exist as we enter a strange way of living. The war of the last hundred years may be over, but we are entering a new time of cold conflict, of Cold War. We must, in this new and pressing enterprise continue to live our lives in freedom and in peace. Our strongest defense will remain our will and ability to take the right actions at the right time to deter any and all threats to us. The actions we are taking now will be the first test of our resolve. You and I, together, must carry on. We must see this through. I will see it through with you. Thank you."


"The fleet continues its westward movement." Hashi pointed at the new positioning of the ships on the map. His voice grew serious. "In the daylight, our scouts reported 170 ships headed this way. Sire, this must surely represent a clear and present threat to the safety of this realm."

"One hundred and seventy?" Zuko asked.

"Aye, milord."

"And how far away are they from our waters. I thought that they would have been in or closely encroaching by now."

"Every hour, it appears that they were slowing down slightly. The lack of a moon tonight also may have slowed them. But they have started speeding up again with daylight."

Hashi's father spoke to his nephew, the Fire Lord, and said. "I would wait and watch them. They may just be trying to fake us out. If they are and we fire upon them, it would look, again, as if we are starting a war. If they do not turn around and do enter or just skirt our water, I believe they will have left us with no choice. If the latter case comes to pass, the question will become how to attack, whether to warn them or to debilitate them right then and there."

"I think you can do both," Sokka chimed in. "Fire a warning shot in their direction but not aimed at them, and then, if they aren't deterred, fire right at them."

"Then, and truly then, I will be able to say that what was thrusted into my hands, and that, without any other options I had to return it furiously." Zuko nodded. "I just hate, and I know that I am doing it now, but I haters think that it will be me ordering some people to their deaths. If the Earth Kingdom wants a fight, they will get one, but wars means death. War is hell."

"And so would be the dictatorship that Kuei wants to impose upon your people." Toph piped up from her chair at the other side of the table. "We have all heard what the Earth King has been doing, seizure of private property, nobility disappearing and being charged with fake crimes, dissent being actively punished. I don't even know if I could go back home with all of the things going on. So, you need to defend this, Zuko. Ever person, every hold piece, every thing at your disposal has be used for your defense. And every possible way to deter the Earth Kingdom from attacking you must be exploited."

"Do you really think building bigger and bigger guns will stop war?" Hashi asked.

"I think that if one side knows that, by attacking the other, they would be committing suicide, it would make both sides stop."

"That sounds mad." Hashi nodded, "But just mad enough to work. I would hate to see the ugly things that would be created in the name of that goal. I would think that there would be some scary moments too. What if, incorrectly,one of the countries thought it could get away with it, get away with shooting?" Hashi's mind pivoted back to the image he had had last night of a cloud like a mushroom rising into the sky. He shook his head and let the image go.

"The other country would have to make sure that firing the gun is harmful if not deadly. They would both be in pursuit of the same ends, so that situation would never occur. It may come close, but no one would fire because neither country would allow the other to get such a strong advantage over the other."

"Both would simply build weapons until when?" Hashi asked. "When would it stop?"

"Until one of them runs out of money." Zuko added. "It costs me three million pounds a year to upkeep this army. That could be better spent investing in trade, investing in roads, in schools. I can't see a world where we'll have enough money for bombs but not books." Zuko turned red at the thought, "But that's the world we have now."

"Sire," Hashi answered, "The nature of our economy is such that we don't have to worry about running out of money. If you allow the conditions to exist wherein people can and will spend their money, which is therefore taxed, you will be able to pay for the defense of the nation, providing that we do not overstretch ourselves."

"That's true," Zuko admitted.

"The colonies and their defense will not be our charge for much longer, we could, instead use the money saved to reinvest in technology or modernization of the naval forces or armed forces. That coupled with trying to make efficiencies in Government would give us the means to spend."

"I do not want a groat of debt. Not a penny." Zuko said, "I don't know where the money would come from, and I don't want to be indebted to anyone. Not a commoner or a king. There is no one that I would want to be forced to beg money from."

"Yes, Sir." Said the Prime Minister.

"And I won't be in debt to banks in my own country either." Zuko reiterated, his arms crossed.

"Yes, Sir." Hashi answered before continuing, "But Sir, I must ask for your to instructions for the Navy. They should be approaching the fleet now and it would be best if they know their rules of engagement."

"Yes," Zuko nodded, "Of course. Tell them to stay in Fire Nation waters. Tell them also to fire warning shots if, in the educated opinion of the admiral of the flotilla or the captain of the ship, the enemy looks as if they are going to engage. If the enemy does engage, is not deterred, or makes an aggressive or coordinated move into Fire Nation's waters, stop them by any means necessary. Take prisoners if you must."

"Yes Sir." Hashi wrote it all down and was starting to leave.

"Wait." Zuko stopped him, "Come back."

Hashi obeyed and took out the pen to write the best part of the orders.

"Also make it very clear to the captains and admirals that I do will not tolerate any war crimes. No cruel and unusual treatment of prisoners, no torture, no cheap vengeance. We can't give them any fuel for their hatred. If any of that takes place, I will find the perpetrators and they will hang for it."

"Yes, Sire." Hashi finishes writing it. "Speaking of hangings milord, there are supposed to be several executions this week, and the death warrants are still waiting for your signature.

"It's their lucky week then, they'll get a stay until this current crisis is over and until I have had some opportunity to review their cases."

"Yes, Sir." Hashi bowed before leaving the room.

"Death warrants?" Sokka asked.

"Yes. I, as the Fire Lord, have to sign all of them in the nation. I can commute the sentences, give them stays while I consider their cases, pardon them, or actually sign that paper and have the execution go forward."

"Oh. I see."

"It's duty…" Zuko thought before an idea hit him, "You know what?"

"No, what?" Toph asked.

"I should go to the front. I'm going to go to the eastern edge and take a look at the coming threat myself."

"Zu-" Sokka started, but the Fire Lord would not be convinced otherwise.

"I have to go and see this happen myself. I can't be in any way seen as someone who won't lead. Besides there's a bonus from going there to the fight. It would make it look as if I'm willing to defend myself and my people, while the Earth King sits safe on his throne in Ba Sing Se."

"Nephew," Iroh started, "I would never want to judge your intent or express undue doubt about what is ultimately your decision…"

"...but…"

"But I am concerned," Iroh started. "Let's say, for example, those boats are attacking and that they, spirits forbid, actually manage to get through us and land men upon our shores. You would be caught in the fighting, wounded, possibly killed."

"I'm not afraid for myself. I fight as well as any other man." Zuko argued.

"I know."

"You know it and have said it in the past that I am a firebending master, a true knight, a patriot, a soldier." Zuko banged his hand on the table.

"I know, but it's not just you anymore, Zuko. It's the nation you love. We cannot afford to lose our leader especially right now. I know that you want to look like a strong leader, but strength would come most though restraint."

"This isn't vanity, Uncle." Zuko was steamed. "I want you to know that. It's just… I was supposed to be powerful. I was supposed to be free, but now I can do even less that I could when I was on that damn ship chasing the wind from port to port." He banged the table again, this time with a fist, "I only want to see with my own eyes what the threat is and give my people there some courage."

"Fine," Iroh relented. "I cannot dissuade you, and you are the Fire Lord."

"Thank you," Zuko answered, "But I will take your advice too. I won't go right to the frontline, just to the bases. I'll be able to see the some of our ships leaving from Paru Harbor."

Hashi came back into the room, "Sire, the message has been sent."

"Ready an airship immediately."

"Sir?"

"I'm going to Paru Harbor."

"Yes, Sir."