Chapter 7
At the council meeting the following afternoon, Korra and Asami consulted with Wu and Tenzin. They wanted to make sure they were on the same page and arguments were in place with the needed evidence.
"Asami, are you sure about this?" Tezin asked just to make sure she knew what she was doing.
"I'm sure. I don't want them to spend the rest of their lives in prison. They may have made a lot of mistakes, but they also changed a lot of people's lives for the better. I mean the economy in Ba Sing Se is better now than when the Earth Queen ruled." Asami replied.
"OK, I just wanted to make sure. I think we have a pretty good case. Wu is technically the Earth King and he has power in the Earth Kingdom. I know Tonraq will side with Korra and Densa and Eska have already stated that they are in favor of a full pardon. They always were a little strange. I don't know about Reiko and Izumi, I know though I think that Izumi can be made to see reason. If everything goes well they may not even have to stand trial. This could be over very quickly, but I don't think it is realistic to expect that they won't serve any jail time. I think it is reasonable to suggest they spend six months to a year in prison and then the rest served performing community service." Tenzin remarked.
As soon as Tenzin noticed the other world leaders entering the council meeting area, he stopped talking. Everyone was happy to see Korra and Asami back from the Spirit World. Even Raiko congratulated Korra on the way she handled the Kuvira situation. Chief Beifong was invited to the meeting.
"Now that everybody's here, why don't we get started. We are here to discuss the Kuvira and Bataar's upcoming trial. I would like to hear each of your opinions on the matter. Prince Wu, why don't you start." Raiko announced.
"Well, after looking at all the good they did in Ba Sing Se in stabilizing the economy which is honestly better than when my great aunt was queen, we should look at the good they did before we focus on all the negative things that have been happening recently. It was my throne that was usurped and as I have already explained to Avatar Korra, I think that they should both be pardoned. All the crimes that were committed were technically during a war. If we look back in history even after the Fire Nation ended the war no one was punished for all the atrocities that were committed. I understand that was a long time ago, but it doesn't change the course of recent history." Wu declared. "Fire Lord Izumi, what are your thoughts on the matter?"
"I have consulted with the former Fire Lord Zuko on the matter, and he is of the opinion that we should let the Avatar decide their fate. I have to agree with Prince Wu that even though the is still a shame for the Fire Nation, we have learned through history that there are many paths and none but the Avatar knows better which one is best. I will agree to whatever punishment Avatar Korra insists upon. I am also of the opinion that I admire Prince Wu's willingness to pardon them, I do think that there should be some consequences if only to dissuade future issues. My final vote will rest with the Avatar's decision." Izumi insisted. Korra noticed Raiko didn't look too pleased by Izumi's statement. She knew Raiko to be stubborn and narrow minded. He was motivated by his political goals.
"We have Chiefs Eska and Densa on radio. Good afternoon, we would like to hear your opinion on the Kuvira situation." Raiko asked.
Naturally it was Eska who did all the talking. She and her brother Desna were very close, but it was well known that Eska made all the decisions. "Kuvira is a very strong woman and she did a lot of good. I personally like her. I think she should be pardoned." Eska asserted. Raiko's frown nearly made Korra and Asami laugh. He was clearly trying to hide his displeasure. That was two official votes against what he thought was best and he didn't count on the Avatar to agree with him. They usually disagreed on serious matters. "Tonraq will you please give us your opinion." Raiko asked though he knew Tonraq would side with his daughter Korra.
"I agree with Fire Lord Izumi and my vote will support anything Korra decides." Tonraq affirmed. Raiko just hope that Tenzin and Asami who was given voting privileges for this meeting would see reason. Surely Asami will want them to spend the rest of their lives in prison after Kuvira killed her father.
"Tenzin it is your turn." Raiko noted.
"I also agree with Chief Tonraq and Fire Lord Izumi, and my vote will also support Korra's decision." Tenzin asserted. Raiko was at his wits end. He couldn't believe that these leaders would leave such an important decision to a woman half their age even if she was the Avatar.
"Asami would you care to give you opinion on the matter." Raiko asked, confident that Asami would want Kuvira and Bataar in prison. She was also very close to Avatar Korra and had a lot of influence over her. He could only hope that would be the case.
"Well at first, I was very angry with them and I initially planned on voting for a life sentence, but that would have been an emotional decision. After we returned to Republic City yesterday, Korra and I went to visit Kuvira and Bataar. Once I face Kuvira, I can truly understand where she was coming from. Like my father there were traumatic events in her life that caused to her make certain decisions, she otherwise wouldn't have made. I am not excusing what she did, I am merely stating there were reasons for them. I agree to whatever Korra decides." Asami replied.
"I vote for a life sentence for both of them." Raiko huffed.
"Avatar Korra what do you think we should do in this situation?" Raiko asked.
"I am completely against giving them a life sentence. I also believe if they were to be granted a full pardon that would be equivalent to excusing their crimes regardless of the reasons and motives behind them. I propose we strike a balance. I think they should spend six months to a year in prison and then another five years performing community service by working for Future Industries to help rebuild the city." Korra asserted.
"Surely Avatar Korra, don't you think there should be more consequences for the damage they inflicted on the city?" Raiko pleaded.
"President Raiko if it is your desire to lock up anyone who damages the city, then Chief Beifong I think you may have to lock me up!" Korra jested. "Technically, if you really look at the damage, you will see that most of it a direct result of my decision to leave the Spirit Portals open.
"Then I guess the votes are in favor of Avatar Korra's suggestion. They will serve six months to a year in prison during which time they will be working with Future Industries to rebuild the city under the direct supervision of Avatar Korra. Following incarceration, they will then be required to spend five year working at Future Industries on projects directly related to improving Republic City." Raiko stated, clearly angry at the outcome.
After the meeting was adjourned, they went outside to talk. Lin followed them outside. "Su is going to be relieved. I am going to the hotel to deliver the news. Lin stated.
"Why don't you ask Su to meet us at the prison hospital so you can tell her and Bataar the news. I am sure, Su is going to want to see him after this. That is if she can stay out of Kuvira's room." Korra suggested.
"Sounds like a plan." Lin agreed.