Chapter 17
When Korra and Tenzin arrived at the council meeting, Wu was already talking to President Raiko about the developments in Ba Sing Se. Evidently there have been improvements in the factories that Kuvira started and Wu was praising Kuvira's work, much to Raiko's dismay.
"Good afternoon President Raiko," Tenzin and Korra said at the same time.
"Good afternoon, are we ready to get started." Raiko encouraged, obviously trying to change the subject. "We are meeting to discuss the status of the building demolition in around the Spirit Portal and Kuvira and Bataar's sentencing."
"Avatar Korra, what is the status of building demolition around the Spirit Portal?" Tenzin asked.
"It is almost complete thanks to Kuvira who has been undertaking a lot of the work herself. We have been working on it together, but to be honest, she has been doing most of it. She is a lot faster than I am." Korra made a point to praise Kuvira's work.
"Excellent," Tenzin replied making sure to stress his enthusiasm.
"What is the status of Kuvira and Bataar's sentencing? During the initial sentencing, it was agreed that they would be serving six months to a year in prison based on their cooperation." Wu stated.
"I think that they should finish out the year in prison to ensure that they remain cooperative." Raiko pointed out.
"With all due respect, I disagree." Korra started, "both Kuvira and Bataar have been an immense help in reconstructing the city and in addition to their jobs, they have picked up extra projects along the way. They have even come up with ways to streamline construction expand commerce. The new mecasuits that Bataar has been working on will increase the efficiency of road construction. I think that they have more than proven, they can be trusted. I have spent nearly every day and work with Kuvira most of the week in some capacity. I have witnessed her passion for helping and perfecting every task she undertakes, regardless of importance. With all the work that has to be done, Asami has been staying at the factory late until Kuvira volunteered to help her with the work. I think that they should be released at the six-month mark which falls at the end of next month.
"Avatar Korra, don't forget that Kuvira is directly responsible for Hiroshi Sato's death." Raiko stressed.
"Actually, as Asami will attest, Hiroshi had a chance to get out of the way and elected not to. Furthmore, Kuvira and Asami have become friends. Do you really think that Asami would trust Kuvira, if she hadn't proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that she could be trusted?" Korra reminded Raiko.
"I am inclined to agree with Korra." Tenzin began, "the agreement was to assess whether they could be released at the six-month mark, and being they have more than fulfilled the requirements of their service and imprisonment, they should be released."
"That is my belief as well. Unlike Tenzin, I have spent a lot of time with Kuvira when she visits the Sato mansion and she has changed. She is no longer the Great Uniter. She is a very compassionate person. Mako's grandmother was sick a few weeks ago, and Kuvira insisted on helping to take care of her. She wouldn't let anyone else do anything for her when she was there. That is the kind of person she is and Bataar is no different." Wu revealed.
"Then let us take an official vote since we have heard all sides." Tenzin insisted before Raiko could object.
"Who is in favor of extending Kuvira and Bataar's imprisonment to the one-year mark?" Tenzin asked.
"I am in favor." Raiko stated looking around, realizing, he was out voted once again.
"Who is in favor of releasing Kuvira and Bataar at the six-month mark?" Tenzin asked.
Korra, Wu and Tenzin all voted to release them. "They will be released at the end of next month and will continue to work with Future Industries for the next five years." Tezin confirmed. "We will meet every six months to discuss the progress of their release. If at any point, they violate the terms of release, they will be required to appear before the council. This meeting is adjourned."
As they walked outside, Wu continued to praise Kuvira and Bataar work in Ba Sing Se. "You know I really don't know how they did it. It was such a mess before and the economy is better than it has in the last fifty years."
"That is why I am so adamant about them being released. Believe me, I was all in favor of having them completely pardoned and I know all of you would have agreed if that is what I thought was best. To bring balance, people needed to see that there are consequences. Kuvira and Bataar's sentence may be lenient, however they are not free to live their lives as they see fit if it contradicts the terms of their release." Korra affirmed.
"Korra, I know I have said this a million times, but you are really shaping into a wise Avatar. If Aang were here, he would be very proud. You continuing his legacy and your own. People will remember your compassion in the future." Tenzin shared.
Korra's face lit up and she wrapped her arms around the master air bender, who has taught her so much. "Thank you, Tenzin. You have no idea what that means to me." Korra confessed. "It is the truth." Tenzin assured.
"Why don't you and I go share this news with Kuvira and Bataar?" Wu suggested. Korra knew that Wu was fond of Kuvira, but to take a personal interest in her and Bataar was something new. "I think it would mean a lot if the news came from you." Korra agreed.
"What are friends for?" Wu reminded. "I think of Kuvira and Bataar as friends. Let's go"
Wu and Korra left together for Asami's factory to deliver the news. Korra knew that they would be excited about finally being able to get their own place. "At least Suyin won't be able to barge into their place once they are out." Korra stated. She and Wu laughed at the memory of Suyin's stubbornness.