Chapter 16

Over the next few weeks, Kuvira spent large amounts of time in Asami's factory bending platinum parts for the hummingbird suits. This allowed her to improve her accuracy and technique in private. Bataar, Korra and Asami were still the only ones who knew she could bend lava and platinum. It would stay like that for the foreseeable future. After they had talked it over, they decided it was best to keep it a secret even from Lin. Kuvira's bending skills were not on trial, just her actions.

How had Kuvira been doing with the hummingbird parts? Bataar asked.

"Actually, she has been doing really well. The parts are all exactly the same size which is amazing considering, she hasn't really been measuring anything until after she's finished for the day." Asami commented.

"That's good. I know that she was concerned that she wasn't doing a good enough job. You know how much of a perfectionist she is." Bataar stated.

"How is the new prototype coming?" Asami asked.

"I'm almost finished with the first model. I just have a few bugs to work out. I am trying to reengineer the way the tanks are controlled. The tanks are currently complicated for entry level mechanics to drive. I think that simplifying the controls will allow us to expand the market. The idea behind the mecatanks can be used in other ride-ins of different sizes and structures for different industries." Bataar asserted.

"That isn't a bad idea. I know that there are a lot of uses for that kind of technology in the public and private market." Asami responded.

"How are you coming on the spirit vine energy project? Asami asked.

"I found a way to stabilize the vines before they begin to overpower, but transmitting the energy safely to be mas produced is the issue. Spirit vines are extremely temperamental and we have to find a way to ensure that they can be safely handled before we can market it." Bataar responded.

"Where is Korra? She usually comes by around now." Bataar asked. "She is training at Air Temple Island with Tenzin today and then she has a meeting with Raiko. She told me this morning that they will be discussing whether you and Kuvira have satisfied the terms of your imprisonment. She is trying to make sure you and Kuvira are out of prison by the end of next month." Asami informed him.

"I know that Kuvira has been nervous, especially after that incident with my mother. The guard let her in and she doesn't want to have the guard kick her out just in case my mother reports it. The media would get a hold of it and then it just wouldn't look good. I told her that wouldn't happened and she knows, but she isn't taking any chances." Bataar replied.

"On a happier note, if you two get out of prison by the end of next month, when do you think you will be getting married?" Asami asked.

"We are thinking of getting married as soon as we get out. We are going to get married at the courthouse, but we aren't going to be telling my family until after we're married. I don't want another incident with my mother. We will need two witnesses if you and Korra wouldn't mind." Bataar exclaimed.

Asami beamed. She loved weddings, they were always such happy occasions. She was happy that they were finally getting married. They have been together for years, but never had the chance to get married.

"I would love to and I know Korra will say yes, but I will let you ask her when she comes in later." Asami interjected.

"Great, Kuvira will be happy. I know she wanted to ask you, but you know how she is." Bataar replied.

On the other side of Republic city, Korra was getting ready for the council meeting to discuss Bataar and Kuvira's sentence. She hoped that she could get them out by the end of next month, after their sixth month in prison. She didn't seem to think that it was appropriate to spend any more time in that cell.

"Tenzin, what are your thoughts on Kuvira and Bataar's sentencing? Would you agree to vote to have them released at the end of next month since they have done everything asked of them and more." Korra hoped.

"As I said during the original sentencing hearing, you are a wise Avatar and I will vote on whatever it is you decide. Have you made a decision yet?" Tezin responded. Korra smiled, she knew Tenzin always supported her. "I originally said they should serve some time instead of being pardoned only because they have to pay for their crimes. They started out doing good and then lost themselves. There should be consequences. I have also been watching them every day and Asami tells me everything and they have done a wonderful job. Kuvira and Bataar have gone above and beyond what they were required to do. I am advocating for them to be released next month." Korra confided.

"Well, Korra that is good to hear and don't worry, you have my vote." Tenzin remarked.

"I just hope everything goes smoothly, you know how stubborn Raiko can get. Sometimes I really can't stand him." Korra complained.